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Marvel OGN
Avengers: Rage of Ultron
It was another glorious victory for the Mighty Avengers. Good triumphed over evil and Ultron was shot into space, never to be seen again. Or so they thought. Now, years later, the homicidal artificial intelligence - so long devoted to ending life on Earth - has a new world to conquer...one with its own horrific legacy. When Titan, birthplace of Thanos, falls, Planet Ultron rises in its place! Thanos' brother Starfox must seek the aid of his former allies - but the Avengers he finds are radically different from the ones he once knew. Among them is Ultron's creator Giant-Man - and when Hank Pym confronts his now planet-sized "son," the responsibilities of fatherhood have never loomed so large. Rick Remender (Uncanny Avengers) and Jerome Opeña (Avengers) unleash the full robotic rage of Ultron on Earth's Mightiest Heroes!
112 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
133 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Rick Remender
1,244 books1,423 followersRick Remender is an American comic book writer and artist who resides in Los Angeles, California. He is the writer/co-creator of many independent comic books like Black Science, Deadly Class, LOW, Fear Agent and Seven to Eternity. Previously, he wrote The Punisher, Uncanny X-Force, Captain America and Uncanny Avengers for Marvel Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 190 reviews
November 21, 2016
Rick Remender adds a couple scoops of gravitas and sprinkles it with bits of fruity pop psychology in this one-shot Avengers tale featuring everyone’s favorite malcontent robot, Ultron.
Of course it is, Ultron-Spidey - yada, yada, yada - what else is new?
Rage Against the Machine Humanity!
Here, Remender examines the relationship between Ultron and Hank Pym, his creator, or “father”. It’s common practice at Marvel to make Hank Pym, the sad, whipping boy for other heroes - never getting respect and having his past mistakes constantly thrown up in his face – wife beater, Ultron, not Tony Stark, Ultron, Egghead is his rogues gallery, not Reed Richards, Ultron, bouts of craziness, not Bruce Banner, Ultron…
Ultron is not only a lightning rod for Pym haters, a symbol or his science skills not measuring up, but according to Remender, emblematic of Pym’s inner rage against those who have put him down (i.e. all of humanity). Plus, Remender, really amps up the father/son -> daddy issues thing to a Spinal Tap “11”.
Poor, angry Pym.
Baby, that’s heavy!
The basic story: Years ago, the Avengers beat Ultron by playing on his daddy issues and blasted him into outer space.
And like corn, he’s back, and as per usual, he’s a beat down away from taking over the Earth. This time he’s up against the new Avengers team, with Sabretooth doing his best Wolverine-lite impression.
Atta boy, Bub!
Bottom Line: Not as bad as Warren Ellis’s one-shot Avengers story and proof that Remender has read his Freud. Or is it Jung?
Thanks for the laugh, Mr. Remender!
Of course it is, Ultron-Spidey - yada, yada, yada - what else is new?
Rage Against
Here, Remender examines the relationship between Ultron and Hank Pym, his creator, or “father”. It’s common practice at Marvel to make Hank Pym, the sad, whipping boy for other heroes - never getting respect and having his past mistakes constantly thrown up in his face – wife beater, Ultron, not Tony Stark, Ultron, Egghead is his rogues gallery, not Reed Richards, Ultron, bouts of craziness, not Bruce Banner, Ultron…
Ultron is not only a lightning rod for Pym haters, a symbol or his science skills not measuring up, but according to Remender, emblematic of Pym’s inner rage against those who have put him down (i.e. all of humanity). Plus, Remender, really amps up the father/son -> daddy issues thing to a Spinal Tap “11”.
Poor, angry Pym.
Baby, that’s heavy!
The basic story: Years ago, the Avengers beat Ultron by playing on his daddy issues and blasted him into outer space.
And like corn, he’s back, and as per usual, he’s a beat down away from taking over the Earth. This time he’s up against the new Avengers team, with Sabretooth doing his best Wolverine-lite impression.
Atta boy, Bub!
Bottom Line: Not as bad as Warren Ellis’s one-shot Avengers story and proof that Remender has read his Freud. Or is it Jung?
Thanks for the laugh, Mr. Remender!
September 13, 2017
Um....so that was depressing.
Well, not so much depressing as annoying. You know those people who feel like their sob story is worse than everyone else's. And they just have to tell you again and again how they 'keep their chin up' and just deal with their problems.
Except all they really want is everyone to pity them, pat them on the back, and tell them how awesome they are for being so brave in the face of all their tragedy. Because, obviously, nobody else ever has shit happen to them.
In comic books, that person is Hank Pym.
Poor Pym... Poor, sad-eyed, little Pym. His daddy never understood him, his mommy was distant and cold,the A.I. he created is a rage monster bent on world destruction and all the other Avengers think he's a pompous douchebag.
Gee, I can't imagine why....
The story splits between Avengers fighting Ultron (past & present), and Pym's inner whiner-baby monologuing.
Thankfully, this was a blessedly short comic.
Or maybe that was part of the problem?
You can't tell a complex story like that in a few pages. I think it needed to be longer to have any kind of an emotional impact. As it was, I just wanted to punch Hank in the nuts and tell him to suck it up already.
And I'm pretty sure that wasn't the reaction I was supposed to have.
Unless rooting for Ultron to kick his ass was the point, I think this one may have missed the mark for me.
Poor misunderstood Ultron... All he wants is to win his father's love!
And wipe humanity off the face of the Earth.
He's actually not that bad once you get to know him. Really!
This wasn't a total loss, and there were a few shining moments, but I wasn't impressed with the overall story.
For those of you hoping for some kind of backstory about the movie, I doubt this will help you out. It's just an Ultron story. Not that Ultron story.
Highly recommended for fans of Hank Pym!
Bwhahahahahaha! As if...
Well, not so much depressing as annoying. You know those people who feel like their sob story is worse than everyone else's. And they just have to tell you again and again how they 'keep their chin up' and just deal with their problems.
Except all they really want is everyone to pity them, pat them on the back, and tell them how awesome they are for being so brave in the face of all their tragedy. Because, obviously, nobody else ever has shit happen to them.
In comic books, that person is Hank Pym.
Poor Pym... Poor, sad-eyed, little Pym. His daddy never understood him, his mommy was distant and cold,
Gee, I can't imagine why....
The story splits between Avengers fighting Ultron (past & present), and Pym's inner whiner-baby monologuing.
Thankfully, this was a blessedly short comic.
Or maybe that was part of the problem?
You can't tell a complex story like that in a few pages. I think it needed to be longer to have any kind of an emotional impact. As it was, I just wanted to punch Hank in the nuts and tell him to suck it up already.
And I'm pretty sure that wasn't the reaction I was supposed to have.
Unless rooting for Ultron to kick his ass was the point, I think this one may have missed the mark for me.
Poor misunderstood Ultron... All he wants is to win his father's love!
He's actually not that bad once you get to know him. Really!
This wasn't a total loss, and there were a few shining moments, but I wasn't impressed with the overall story.
For those of you hoping for some kind of backstory about the movie, I doubt this will help you out. It's just an Ultron story. Not that Ultron story.
Highly recommended for fans of Hank Pym!
August 29, 2016
I've always been a big fan of Hank Pym. I know, I know... There's probably a support group for people like me who love characters everybody else hates. In case you've been wondering, I'm Cyclops' only fan too.
This story would serve really well as a final chapter in the Hank Pym/Ultron/Vision family saga that's been raging (sometimes quite quietly) for a few decades now. Unfortunately, the nature of ongoing comicbook series means there will never be a final chapter to any character arc, which robs this great graphic novel of some of its gravitas.
I'm still going to count it as a cracking Hank Pym story and a great Vision story too. The events of this graphic novel actually go some way to explaining the unusual behaviour the Vision has been demonstrating in his own book and the Avengers books lately.
It's not perfect, mind. Hank's ideas about the nature of artificial intelligence in this book are the complete opposite of those he exhibited in his most recent book, Avengers AI, and it would have been nice to get some kind of explanation as to why he completely changed his mind other than that he's an atheist. Hasn't he always been an atheist? If not, it would've been nice to get some explanation of how and why he lost his faith all of a sudden.
The artwork on this book, and I'm very much including the colouring, is fantastic. Dynamic, detailed, kinetic without sacrificing basic anatomy and perspective, beautiful line work and a stunning, well-chosen colour palette. Great job all 'round by the art team.
Right, that'll have to do. I promised my Giant-Man and Cyclops action figures I'd take them on a picnic today and we're already losing the light...
This story would serve really well as a final chapter in the Hank Pym/Ultron/Vision family saga that's been raging (sometimes quite quietly) for a few decades now. Unfortunately, the nature of ongoing comicbook series means there will never be a final chapter to any character arc, which robs this great graphic novel of some of its gravitas.
I'm still going to count it as a cracking Hank Pym story and a great Vision story too. The events of this graphic novel actually go some way to explaining the unusual behaviour the Vision has been demonstrating in his own book and the Avengers books lately.
It's not perfect, mind. Hank's ideas about the nature of artificial intelligence in this book are the complete opposite of those he exhibited in his most recent book, Avengers AI, and it would have been nice to get some kind of explanation as to why he completely changed his mind other than that he's an atheist. Hasn't he always been an atheist? If not, it would've been nice to get some explanation of how and why he lost his faith all of a sudden.
The artwork on this book, and I'm very much including the colouring, is fantastic. Dynamic, detailed, kinetic without sacrificing basic anatomy and perspective, beautiful line work and a stunning, well-chosen colour palette. Great job all 'round by the art team.
Right, that'll have to do. I promised my Giant-Man and Cyclops action figures I'd take them on a picnic today and we're already losing the light...
October 15, 2018
***edit upon rereading it***
Enjoyed this more the second time around. I think I might have been a bit harsh. I quite liked what Pym was going through with his creation and how to deal with it and facing the moral ethics of it all. Though I still think Opena is a better artist than what's in this OGN
ORIGINAL REVIEW
I didn't enjoy this all that much. 3 stars seems over generous. I know continuity shouldn't get in the way of a writer telling their story, and some writers will ignore things if it suits their story, but I've got little to no clue when this is set? Only after reading various comment threads on Facebook and other sites, I think it's set after Secret Wars? Unless I should have been paying closer attention to what Rick Remender has been doing lately (I did like the inclusion of The Descendants from his Secret Avengers run).
And then when I was reading it and not enjoying the story much, I started nitpicking at the art. Jerome Opena is an amazing artist and the first 3 issues he did for Hickmans Avengers are the best looking books to come out of Marvel for years. So then, my question is, why doesn't this look as good as that? It still looks good, just not better. Dell'ottos Spider-man OGN that came out a couple years back looked great because he had plenty of time to work on it. This should have been a chance for Opena to shine.
Also, way to fuck over Hank Pym because no one knows what to do with the character anymore.
Enjoyed this more the second time around. I think I might have been a bit harsh. I quite liked what Pym was going through with his creation and how to deal with it and facing the moral ethics of it all. Though I still think Opena is a better artist than what's in this OGN
ORIGINAL REVIEW
I didn't enjoy this all that much. 3 stars seems over generous. I know continuity shouldn't get in the way of a writer telling their story, and some writers will ignore things if it suits their story, but I've got little to no clue when this is set? Only after reading various comment threads on Facebook and other sites, I think it's set after Secret Wars? Unless I should have been paying closer attention to what Rick Remender has been doing lately (I did like the inclusion of The Descendants from his Secret Avengers run).
And then when I was reading it and not enjoying the story much, I started nitpicking at the art. Jerome Opena is an amazing artist and the first 3 issues he did for Hickmans Avengers are the best looking books to come out of Marvel for years. So then, my question is, why doesn't this look as good as that? It still looks good, just not better. Dell'ottos Spider-man OGN that came out a couple years back looked great because he had plenty of time to work on it. This should have been a chance for Opena to shine.
Also, way to fuck over Hank Pym because no one knows what to do with the character anymore.
August 25, 2015
This is the most classic Avengers story that Rick Remender has written and using the classic story trope of the dysfunctional Pym-Ultron-Vision family dynamic. The story is an inspired choice, with the Avengers sequel Age of Ultron showing in cinemas when this graphic novel debuted.
This book has beautiful Jerome Opena art, truly magnificent to behold in the over-sized pages of this book. There isn't enough of it for a full story though, Pepe Larraz had to pinch hit in the end.
This book has beautiful Jerome Opena art, truly magnificent to behold in the over-sized pages of this book. There isn't enough of it for a full story though, Pepe Larraz had to pinch hit in the end.
March 20, 2017
This is the most classic Avengers story that Rick Remender has written and using the classic story trope of the dysfunctional Pym-Ultron-Vision family dynamic. The story is an inspired choice, with the Avengers sequel Age of Ultron showing in cinemas when this graphic novel debuted.
This book has beautiful Jerome Opena art, truly magnificent to behold in the over-sized pages of this book. There isn't enough of it for a full story though, Pepe Larraz had to pinch hit in the end.
This book has beautiful Jerome Opena art, truly magnificent to behold in the over-sized pages of this book. There isn't enough of it for a full story though, Pepe Larraz had to pinch hit in the end.
April 2, 2015
well that was a thing that happened
May 11, 2015
For me the only interesting part of this book is the interaction between Hank, Ultron, and the Vision. Hank had created Ultron to be a force for good for all mankind, but instead, Ultron wants to destroy and conquer. Ultron created Vision to help him in that mission, but Vision instead wants to be a force for good. It's a really crazy dynamic.
Most of the rest of the book just seems like a lot of fighting because that's what you have to do in a superhero book.
The artwork is really great. I've been a fan of Opena since I first saw his work. The coloring is also really great. I love the slightly washed out look of the whole thing. It helped sell the atmosphere.
Most of the rest of the book just seems like a lot of fighting because that's what you have to do in a superhero book.
The artwork is really great. I've been a fan of Opena since I first saw his work. The coloring is also really great. I love the slightly washed out look of the whole thing. It helped sell the atmosphere.
January 17, 2017
I didn't love this story. I read it awhile back, and honestly hardly remember it. I think I enjoyed Ultron's side of it, and felt bad for him, but the rest was just...boring. And confusing. Yeah this wasn't one of my favorite things. And this is coming from someone who LOVES Rick's stuff. This is the weakest stuff I've read from him so far.
June 16, 2016
Ok the last Avengers story arc I read was the Hickman Time Runs Out. So since then we have Falcon as Captain America. Last time I saw him in his own series he was an incompetent clod. He seems to have gotten better. I suppose Sabertooth (he looks younger) plays the role of Wolverine and the rest of the Avengers isn't bad. That being said this newer Avenger's story line worked due to the brilliant writing of Ultron by Mr. Remender.
The story begins with the original bunch of Avengers defeating Ultron and encasing him in an adamantium Quinjet and flinging him off into space. Sadly, the Avengers didn't check to see if there was anything in space that might be in the way of the Ultron Express. There was- Titan. Homeworld of Thanos and current residence of Starfox and the rest of the uhhh...are they Inhumans? or Titans? Well whatever they are Ultron drubs them. Starfox comes to our earth to grab the current Avengers to help. In between we have a very interesting "new" take on Dr. Pym who rationalizes why A.I. isn't really "alive". There is a fascinating argument taking place here, especially in what it says about Vision.
The ending is interesting. I don't know if that (the "merger" in lieu of spoilers) event will become the new normal for Pym and Ultron. But I'm interested. I had no idea who Remender was but I enjoyed this work of his. I will look up more things he has written. If you are a fan of the Avengers and what is possibly one of their top threats, Ultron, then this is a wonderful addition to your collection.
The story begins with the original bunch of Avengers defeating Ultron and encasing him in an adamantium Quinjet and flinging him off into space. Sadly, the Avengers didn't check to see if there was anything in space that might be in the way of the Ultron Express. There was- Titan. Homeworld of Thanos and current residence of Starfox and the rest of the uhhh...are they Inhumans? or Titans? Well whatever they are Ultron drubs them. Starfox comes to our earth to grab the current Avengers to help. In between we have a very interesting "new" take on Dr. Pym who rationalizes why A.I. isn't really "alive". There is a fascinating argument taking place here, especially in what it says about Vision.
The ending is interesting. I don't know if that (the "merger" in lieu of spoilers) event will become the new normal for Pym and Ultron. But I'm interested. I had no idea who Remender was but I enjoyed this work of his. I will look up more things he has written. If you are a fan of the Avengers and what is possibly one of their top threats, Ultron, then this is a wonderful addition to your collection.
April 13, 2015
More like a 3.5 and not quite a 4. It was a good read, though. Not groundbreaking but fun stuff from the mostly reliable Rick Remender, and there was some good artwork here as well. Good to see two different Avengers teams in action but if you're expecting a tie-in to the Marvel Cinematic Universe then you'll be disappointed. It does give a good exploration of the Hank Pym/Ultron connection though if you're not overly familiar with the link between those two.
May 17, 2018
30th book read in 2018.
Number 303 out of 690 on my all time book list.
Deals with much heavier subject matter than I was expecting.
Number 303 out of 690 on my all time book list.
Deals with much heavier subject matter than I was expecting.
May 27, 2021
Best graphic novel I have read in a while. Artwork aside, the story line is brilliant touching on issues that plague family life in reality.
I agree with Kurt Busiek who wrote the introduction that Ultron is above and beyond the best villian the Avengers have had and will ever have. Not because of all the regular reasons that villians are villians or some villians greater, more powerful than others.
What makes Ultron (in my humble opinion) the greatest villian the Avengers have ever faced is because despite his highly advanced technological knowledge, his outer indestructible metal body, deep down inside Ultron is an angry child, lost in a rage brought on by his perceived betrayal of those who's love he sought and not seeing his own faults blames them for their lack of "unconditional love".
I don't know about you but that sounds like a phase almost every child has gone through and that is where the story can resonate with anyone.
If I could have given this a 10 out of 10, I would have given it an 11
I agree with Kurt Busiek who wrote the introduction that Ultron is above and beyond the best villian the Avengers have had and will ever have. Not because of all the regular reasons that villians are villians or some villians greater, more powerful than others.
What makes Ultron (in my humble opinion) the greatest villian the Avengers have ever faced is because despite his highly advanced technological knowledge, his outer indestructible metal body, deep down inside Ultron is an angry child, lost in a rage brought on by his perceived betrayal of those who's love he sought and not seeing his own faults blames them for their lack of "unconditional love".
I don't know about you but that sounds like a phase almost every child has gone through and that is where the story can resonate with anyone.
If I could have given this a 10 out of 10, I would have given it an 11
February 4, 2021
Interesante intento de análisis de la relación familiar entre Padre, hijo y nieto, Hank Pym (El más inteligente Vengador de todos los tiempos y mi preferido, recuerdo la emoción cuando supe que harían una película de Ant-Man, sólo superada por la decepción y el enojo cuando decidieron estúpidamente hacerla de Scott Lang, en vez de el original Hank Pym), Ultron y Vision.
Aunque la trama mucho más sencilla de lo esperado y la caracterización de Pym con ese sentimiento de culpa infantil no me convenció. Desde hace décadas hay historias en las cuales Hank Pym es mucho más inteligente y sensato que lo mostrado en este cómic de 2015, por ejemplo en los cómics que leí cuando estaba en la primaria Pym tiene clara su relación con Ultron y que él no tiene porque ser el culpable de su "maldad".
Para ser del "admirado escritor" Rick Remender, se queda muy corto.
Lo mejor es el arte de Jerome Opeña.
Aunque la trama mucho más sencilla de lo esperado y la caracterización de Pym con ese sentimiento de culpa infantil no me convenció. Desde hace décadas hay historias en las cuales Hank Pym es mucho más inteligente y sensato que lo mostrado en este cómic de 2015, por ejemplo en los cómics que leí cuando estaba en la primaria Pym tiene clara su relación con Ultron y que él no tiene porque ser el culpable de su "maldad".
Para ser del "admirado escritor" Rick Remender, se queda muy corto.
Lo mejor es el arte de Jerome Opeña.
June 11, 2017
Avengers: Rage of Ultron is a solid reminder of why I love Rick Remender's writing, and a fitting capstone to his time with Marvel. While there's plenty of angry robot action here, there is also a surprising amount of depth surrounding the nature of artificial intelligence as life and the nature of parenthood, family, and mental health. Created by Hank Pym, Ultron then created Vision, and with these three characters the primary focus of this graphic novel you've got yourself a crazy bit of familial psychodrama. The art by Jerome Opena, a frequent collaborator with Remender, is fantastic throughout. Great writing coupled with brilliant art is always a win, and Remender and Opena consistently deliver. Good stuff!
January 29, 2023
This was a solid book, very well written, philosophical and fast-paced at the same time.
And it’s a book I’ll probably never read again.
Hank Pym stories are so often morose, depressing and painfully vulnerable. Watching a man who’s fucked up so many times, keep trying to redeem himself, and ultimately neither failing nor succeeding - that kind of limbo existence is hard to contemplate, because ultimately we’re all Hank Pym on the scale of a lifetime.
I hate seeing Hank so convinced of his failure, and so unwilling to stop moving forward - is there no forgiveness? Is there ever enough suffering? When do we get a break?
And if Hank hadn’t had his Ultimate Giant-Man phase in the other (now ended) universe, we wouldn’t know how much worse he can get - how far out of balance he could go, and thus how tortured he is in the 616 because he’s NOT that kind of single-minded monster.
Remender and Opena crafted a great and terrible thing here in this OGN, and you should definitely read it, but I’m not gonna promise you won’t be affected by it.
And it’s a book I’ll probably never read again.
Hank Pym stories are so often morose, depressing and painfully vulnerable. Watching a man who’s fucked up so many times, keep trying to redeem himself, and ultimately neither failing nor succeeding - that kind of limbo existence is hard to contemplate, because ultimately we’re all Hank Pym on the scale of a lifetime.
I hate seeing Hank so convinced of his failure, and so unwilling to stop moving forward - is there no forgiveness? Is there ever enough suffering? When do we get a break?
And if Hank hadn’t had his Ultimate Giant-Man phase in the other (now ended) universe, we wouldn’t know how much worse he can get - how far out of balance he could go, and thus how tortured he is in the 616 because he’s NOT that kind of single-minded monster.
Remender and Opena crafted a great and terrible thing here in this OGN, and you should definitely read it, but I’m not gonna promise you won’t be affected by it.
April 2, 2015
3,5 stars
I have mixed feelings about this comic book.
First of all, let me warn folks who only have experienced the Marvel Universe in its cinematic form; DO NOT LET THE TITLE TO CONFUSE YOU. This is no movie tie-in but a totally separe story from the cinematic universe. Hell, I have no idea if it fits into the comic book continuity at all or if it's a seperate universe.
Dont get me wrong, it’ll be a good read for anyone who’s a regular Marvel reader for sure, but it’s hard to imagine it wouldn’t be confusing to someone who wanted to read a good Ultron story because they’re excited about the upcoming movie. If you dont know why Captain America is Sam Wilson, why Sabretooth is “good” and why Thor is a woman yeah, this book will definitely leave you scratching your head.
The Premise & What I Liked:
Take a quick look at Marvel's Rage of Ultron Trailer
The story starts years ago with an earlier fight against Ultron. We get immediately thrown into action and glimpse at the Avengers (Captain America, Thor, Hank Pym as Yellowjacket, Wasp, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Beast, Hawkeye, and Vision) take on the threat called Ultron. After it gets defeated we cut to the present and see a different team of Avengers this time dealing with the descendants of Ultron. In the middle of a very heated discussion about A.I.s and how to deal with them, Ultron returns to Earth to take revenge on his ‘dad’.
Even though, the balance with some of the heroes feels off, one thing for sure the comic book absolutely nails Ultron's motivations as a villain - he's a critic of humanity, unable to see anything positive, and much of that is because he feels so betrayed as Hank Pym's "son."
Pym's dynamic with Ultron and Vision is the one thing that saves this book in my eyes. Pym/Vision/Ultron material is definitely highlight of this book. Seeing Hank Pym’s coldness, shame, guilt for creating Ultron and then mistreating his creation and therefore probably starting the whole thing was really interesting to read.
The story gives Ultron some character while exploring his relationship with Vision and Hank Pym. It involves a great recap of what makes Ultron tick and why he’s so dangerous, but it stumbles in one key aspect: it doesn’t deliver a complete, satisfying story. Which bring me to…
What I Didnt Liked: The book actually end in a cliffhanger, guys. Dont get me wrong, the heroes are definitely not left in immediate danger but there is this sort of plot twist (even though you see it coming), sort of revelation in the end that never gets resolved in this comic. Since this was supposed to be a self contained graphic novel, the ending may leave the readers a bit unsatisfied.
It would be such a great ending if there was a planned sequel to Rage of Ultron because this feels like a volume in a series, a chapter in a larger story. However, the way this all ended for Hank and was kind of heart breaking and unbelievably terrifying.
The Verdict: The story definitely had some great little moments but overall I thought it was a decent read. If you are looking for quiet character moments and long, drawn out conversations, look elsewhere. But, if you like big, bombastic superhero battles and fight scenes with heart and weight, then Avengers: Rage of Ultron is the book for you.
Hey, at least Spidey is in it :-)
The Artwork:
I have mixed feelings about this comic book.
First of all, let me warn folks who only have experienced the Marvel Universe in its cinematic form; DO NOT LET THE TITLE TO CONFUSE YOU. This is no movie tie-in but a totally separe story from the cinematic universe. Hell, I have no idea if it fits into the comic book continuity at all or if it's a seperate universe.
Dont get me wrong, it’ll be a good read for anyone who’s a regular Marvel reader for sure, but it’s hard to imagine it wouldn’t be confusing to someone who wanted to read a good Ultron story because they’re excited about the upcoming movie. If you dont know why Captain America is Sam Wilson, why Sabretooth is “good” and why Thor is a woman yeah, this book will definitely leave you scratching your head.
The Premise & What I Liked:
Take a quick look at Marvel's Rage of Ultron Trailer
The story starts years ago with an earlier fight against Ultron. We get immediately thrown into action and glimpse at the Avengers (Captain America, Thor, Hank Pym as Yellowjacket, Wasp, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Beast, Hawkeye, and Vision) take on the threat called Ultron. After it gets defeated we cut to the present and see a different team of Avengers this time dealing with the descendants of Ultron. In the middle of a very heated discussion about A.I.s and how to deal with them, Ultron returns to Earth to take revenge on his ‘dad’.
Even though, the balance with some of the heroes feels off, one thing for sure the comic book absolutely nails Ultron's motivations as a villain - he's a critic of humanity, unable to see anything positive, and much of that is because he feels so betrayed as Hank Pym's "son."
Pym's dynamic with Ultron and Vision is the one thing that saves this book in my eyes. Pym/Vision/Ultron material is definitely highlight of this book. Seeing Hank Pym’s coldness, shame, guilt for creating Ultron and then mistreating his creation and therefore probably starting the whole thing was really interesting to read.
“Hank: It's true what they say Janet. It doesnt matter what they do...you love your children no matter what. And I just used my son's love to trick him.
Janet: You saved the city. You saved the world.
Hank: But I couldnt save my boy..”.
The story gives Ultron some character while exploring his relationship with Vision and Hank Pym. It involves a great recap of what makes Ultron tick and why he’s so dangerous, but it stumbles in one key aspect: it doesn’t deliver a complete, satisfying story. Which bring me to…
What I Didnt Liked: The book actually end in a cliffhanger, guys. Dont get me wrong, the heroes are definitely not left in immediate danger but there is this sort of plot twist (even though you see it coming), sort of revelation in the end that never gets resolved in this comic. Since this was supposed to be a self contained graphic novel, the ending may leave the readers a bit unsatisfied.
It would be such a great ending if there was a planned sequel to Rage of Ultron because this feels like a volume in a series, a chapter in a larger story. However, the way this all ended for Hank and was kind of heart breaking and unbelievably terrifying.
The Verdict: The story definitely had some great little moments but overall I thought it was a decent read. If you are looking for quiet character moments and long, drawn out conversations, look elsewhere. But, if you like big, bombastic superhero battles and fight scenes with heart and weight, then Avengers: Rage of Ultron is the book for you.
Hey, at least Spidey is in it :-)
The Artwork:
July 20, 2018
I guess I would fall into Henry Pym's side of thinking. Ultron for all his AI is really just a robot. Metal and wire. Programmed to be smart, but not a living being. Vison? Maybe a bit more, part man and part machine.
But Hank could have stopped all those evil robots, but the other Avengers were in favor of stopping them but not killing them. Kill a robot? Oh Magnus, great robot fighter where are you when we need you?
But Hank could have stopped all those evil robots, but the other Avengers were in favor of stopping them but not killing them. Kill a robot? Oh Magnus, great robot fighter where are you when we need you?
April 16, 2015
Avengers: Rage of Ultron is one component of the comprehensive product blitz in the lead-up to the opening of the new Avengers movie. Fortunately, the original graphic novel is also good.
Rage of Ultron opens a few years in the past, with an Avengers squad based on the team’s late ‘70s roster facing Ultron’s latest destructive rampage before launching him into space.
The present team clashes over Hank Pym (now back to being Giant-Man) deploying a new weapon that “shuts off” artificial beings, effectively killing them. Vision, himself a synthetic being, vehemently insists that Hank’s weapon amounts to murder. Hank, marinating in years of disrespect and resentment, refuses to see any ethical issues with “killing” artificial life.
Ultron returns, having taken over a planet, with plans to infect the entire universe with a “robot” virus that will transform humans into Ultron hybrids. A fearsome battle ends with a Ultron/Hank showdown that has dire consequences for Hank.
Rage of Ultron is an interesting use of the title villain. Writer Rick Remender’s focus on the familial conflict among Hank, Ultron and Vision produces some powerful drama and complex psychological and emotional exploration of the bonds among the three. Positing Ultron as Hank’s contempt for the world is an interesting and entirely logical evolution of the characters’ motivations. Remender crafts some intricate interplay between Hank and Vision and grapples with the nature of artificial life in a way that provides no easy answers. Sam Wilson, in the Captain America uniform, also gets a nice spotlight, demonstrating the growth in the character and how he’s stepped up into a leadership role. Remender gives a nice moment or two to a few other characters, notably Hank’s ex-wife, Wasp, and uses long-lost Avenger Starfox as well as anyone has. There are a couple of minor logic glitches (most notably, what happens to Hank at the climax) and the final resolution was a tad ambiguous, but overall the plot and characterization accomplish the job of producing a timeless Ultron story.
Marvel has indicated that Rage of Ultron is considered to be “in canon.” It reflects the current state of the Marvel Universe, featuring Sam Wilson in the Captain America role and the female Thor. Also on hand is Sabretooth, who joined after the events of AXIS. The present day costumes all line up with the current MU looks for these characters and recent character history is referenced (i.e. Wasp’s lost daughter).
Jerome Opeña (with assists from Pepe Larraz and Mark Morales) handles the art and does some of his best work. Opeña’s dark, moody style fits the bleaker tone of Rage of Ultron. He alternates shadow-drenched, emotionally-charged scenes with big, bold actionscapes, communicating lots of drama and feeling in his dynamic character work. Memorable spreads include Starfox floating over Titan, transformed to reflect Ultron’s sinister face; the planet-sized Ultron bearing down on the Vision; and some really dynamic fight sequences. A crack team of colorists (Dean White, Rachelle Rosenberg and Dono Sanchez Almara) do some stunning work. They come up with some really cool effects and use shadows and contrasts very effectively to enhance the drama. The entire package has a lush, cinematic feel that justifies the sticker price.
Avengers: Rage of Ultron accomplishes its mission of being accessible to readers not steeped in five decades of Avengers history. Remender provides all the background a reader would need in-story (though for those interested, former Avengers writer Kurt Busiek reviews some highpoints in the introduction). With a similar name to the upcoming moving, Avengers: Rage of Ultron is a savvy product offering that can appeal to movie fans and comic book devotees alike.
A version of this review originally appeared on www.thunderalleybcp.com
Rage of Ultron opens a few years in the past, with an Avengers squad based on the team’s late ‘70s roster facing Ultron’s latest destructive rampage before launching him into space.
The present team clashes over Hank Pym (now back to being Giant-Man) deploying a new weapon that “shuts off” artificial beings, effectively killing them. Vision, himself a synthetic being, vehemently insists that Hank’s weapon amounts to murder. Hank, marinating in years of disrespect and resentment, refuses to see any ethical issues with “killing” artificial life.
Ultron returns, having taken over a planet, with plans to infect the entire universe with a “robot” virus that will transform humans into Ultron hybrids. A fearsome battle ends with a Ultron/Hank showdown that has dire consequences for Hank.
Rage of Ultron is an interesting use of the title villain. Writer Rick Remender’s focus on the familial conflict among Hank, Ultron and Vision produces some powerful drama and complex psychological and emotional exploration of the bonds among the three. Positing Ultron as Hank’s contempt for the world is an interesting and entirely logical evolution of the characters’ motivations. Remender crafts some intricate interplay between Hank and Vision and grapples with the nature of artificial life in a way that provides no easy answers. Sam Wilson, in the Captain America uniform, also gets a nice spotlight, demonstrating the growth in the character and how he’s stepped up into a leadership role. Remender gives a nice moment or two to a few other characters, notably Hank’s ex-wife, Wasp, and uses long-lost Avenger Starfox as well as anyone has. There are a couple of minor logic glitches (most notably, what happens to Hank at the climax) and the final resolution was a tad ambiguous, but overall the plot and characterization accomplish the job of producing a timeless Ultron story.
Marvel has indicated that Rage of Ultron is considered to be “in canon.” It reflects the current state of the Marvel Universe, featuring Sam Wilson in the Captain America role and the female Thor. Also on hand is Sabretooth, who joined after the events of AXIS. The present day costumes all line up with the current MU looks for these characters and recent character history is referenced (i.e. Wasp’s lost daughter).
Jerome Opeña (with assists from Pepe Larraz and Mark Morales) handles the art and does some of his best work. Opeña’s dark, moody style fits the bleaker tone of Rage of Ultron. He alternates shadow-drenched, emotionally-charged scenes with big, bold actionscapes, communicating lots of drama and feeling in his dynamic character work. Memorable spreads include Starfox floating over Titan, transformed to reflect Ultron’s sinister face; the planet-sized Ultron bearing down on the Vision; and some really dynamic fight sequences. A crack team of colorists (Dean White, Rachelle Rosenberg and Dono Sanchez Almara) do some stunning work. They come up with some really cool effects and use shadows and contrasts very effectively to enhance the drama. The entire package has a lush, cinematic feel that justifies the sticker price.
Avengers: Rage of Ultron accomplishes its mission of being accessible to readers not steeped in five decades of Avengers history. Remender provides all the background a reader would need in-story (though for those interested, former Avengers writer Kurt Busiek reviews some highpoints in the introduction). With a similar name to the upcoming moving, Avengers: Rage of Ultron is a savvy product offering that can appeal to movie fans and comic book devotees alike.
A version of this review originally appeared on www.thunderalleybcp.com
May 6, 2015
Billed as an Avengers story and released days before the Avengers: Age of Ultron film, it would be more accurate to say that this is a Hank Pym vs Ultron family drama co-starring the Vision, with the rest of the Avengers as the supporting players.
The plot is simplicity itself. Hank Pym created Ultron and defeated him by sending him into space. Ultron lands on Titan, one of the moons of Saturn, assimilates the planet, and comes back to teach his Daddy a lesson. Pym wants to kill Ultron, Vision doesn't. That's about it.
What's interesting here are the family dynamics on display. Kurt Busiek, a respected comics writer who wrote Ultron back in the day, opines about the family links inherent in the Ultron story during his page-long introduction, which it seems Remender is very much on board with. This is absolutely a story about family, even going so far as to have Pym and Ultron calling each other father and son (and Ultron calling the Vision 'son', making the weirdness multi-generational). How much you enjoy this trade will likely correlate with how much you buy into this essential conceit. For me, I just went with it.
The disappointment of the volume is that a number of characters here have next to nothing to do. Thor might as well not be there, Scarlet Witch is ancillary ... basically everyone except for the Vision and Cap make any impact, with an honourable (dishonourable?) mention to the character of Starfox, whose inclusion here made for a slightly naff plot device that I'm sure will bother some readers. Again, I just went with it, so it didn't spoil my enjoyment.
Where this volume works is in breaking down Hank Pym. I've never really cared for the character, and I understand I'm not alone - that sense of 'why is this guy even here?' pervades this volume, and Remender kicks some story-telling goals by exploiting the character's status within the Avengers. It works, and the face-off near the end with Ultron and Pym, where Ultron breaks down Pym's broken psychology, was the standout sequence for me.
As for the ending, this is likely to be divisive. For me it was a bit perfunctory - all of a sudden the volume was just over. With the entire piece clocking in at 112 pages, it's likely to feel like an unsatisfactory reading experience for some.
Special mention goes to the art. Opena's pencils are great here, and the colour work by multiple collaborators is outstanding. It's some of the most vibrant work I've seen in some time. The collection itself is also classy - the cover and pages are glossy, which matters if you're a book nerd like myself.
Overall this was a decent story with very fine art, beautifully bound. Being one of Marvel's OGN series (Original Graphic Novels), the continuity here is very dicey, which readers should be aware of. It seems like it take place in the now, given the presence of female Thor and Sam Wilson as Cap, but it's unclear if this story will be regarded as being part of continuity. That said, given Marvel's announced intent to scuttle their existing universe via the Secret Wars event, the argument is somewhat moot. Still, I can see this spoiling the enjoyment for some readers who want to know where the story 'fits'.
The plot is simplicity itself. Hank Pym created Ultron and defeated him by sending him into space. Ultron lands on Titan, one of the moons of Saturn, assimilates the planet, and comes back to teach his Daddy a lesson. Pym wants to kill Ultron, Vision doesn't. That's about it.
What's interesting here are the family dynamics on display. Kurt Busiek, a respected comics writer who wrote Ultron back in the day, opines about the family links inherent in the Ultron story during his page-long introduction, which it seems Remender is very much on board with. This is absolutely a story about family, even going so far as to have Pym and Ultron calling each other father and son (and Ultron calling the Vision 'son', making the weirdness multi-generational). How much you enjoy this trade will likely correlate with how much you buy into this essential conceit. For me, I just went with it.
The disappointment of the volume is that a number of characters here have next to nothing to do. Thor might as well not be there, Scarlet Witch is ancillary ... basically everyone except for the Vision and Cap make any impact, with an honourable (dishonourable?) mention to the character of Starfox, whose inclusion here made for a slightly naff plot device that I'm sure will bother some readers. Again, I just went with it, so it didn't spoil my enjoyment.
Where this volume works is in breaking down Hank Pym. I've never really cared for the character, and I understand I'm not alone - that sense of 'why is this guy even here?' pervades this volume, and Remender kicks some story-telling goals by exploiting the character's status within the Avengers. It works, and the face-off near the end with Ultron and Pym, where Ultron breaks down Pym's broken psychology, was the standout sequence for me.
As for the ending, this is likely to be divisive. For me it was a bit perfunctory - all of a sudden the volume was just over. With the entire piece clocking in at 112 pages, it's likely to feel like an unsatisfactory reading experience for some.
Special mention goes to the art. Opena's pencils are great here, and the colour work by multiple collaborators is outstanding. It's some of the most vibrant work I've seen in some time. The collection itself is also classy - the cover and pages are glossy, which matters if you're a book nerd like myself.
Overall this was a decent story with very fine art, beautifully bound. Being one of Marvel's OGN series (Original Graphic Novels), the continuity here is very dicey, which readers should be aware of. It seems like it take place in the now, given the presence of female Thor and Sam Wilson as Cap, but it's unclear if this story will be regarded as being part of continuity. That said, given Marvel's announced intent to scuttle their existing universe via the Secret Wars event, the argument is somewhat moot. Still, I can see this spoiling the enjoyment for some readers who want to know where the story 'fits'.
April 15, 2024
What if this was my 13th reason?
Okay, fine, I know suicide jokes aren't the answer to negative feelings (won't stop them though) and it's probably in poor taste to say that about a Hank Pym comic in particular given.... gestures broadly at that one West Coast Avengers issue y'know, but God, this one hurt. But in a good way.
It's no secret that Hank Pym is one of my favorite characters ever, and this delves so deep into the pit of despair that is his psyche that I was foaming at the mouth. Also they draw him very very pretty in this one, which is always a plus for me.
There was one line in particular, during Janet's eulogy, about how during depressive episodes Hank would say that all he wanted was to stop feeling and God , that one hit me where it hurt because I know I've sobbed the exact same sentence before when my depression has been really bad. We share so many of the same issues--depression and self-doubt, self-loathing and violent outbursts we regret, and I'll never stop seeing bits of myself in him. I'll always love Hank Pym.
Okay, fine, I know suicide jokes aren't the answer to negative feelings (won't stop them though) and it's probably in poor taste to say that about a Hank Pym comic in particular given.... gestures broadly at that one West Coast Avengers issue y'know, but God, this one hurt. But in a good way.
It's no secret that Hank Pym is one of my favorite characters ever, and this delves so deep into the pit of despair that is his psyche that I was foaming at the mouth. Also they draw him very very pretty in this one, which is always a plus for me.
There was one line in particular, during Janet's eulogy, about how during depressive episodes Hank would say that all he wanted was to stop feeling and God , that one hit me where it hurt because I know I've sobbed the exact same sentence before when my depression has been really bad. We share so many of the same issues--depression and self-doubt, self-loathing and violent outbursts we regret, and I'll never stop seeing bits of myself in him. I'll always love Hank Pym.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2016
Too short. Felt like I read a single issue.
Props for using a lesser known Avenger like Starfox/Eros. A bit weird for arguing that robots are human/sentient/killing them is the same as killing people. Having that as the base-line belief of all the characters except Hank Pym seemed backwards. Includes an assertion by a character that there is definitely no God, but features a god character (Thor) without dealing with how this is supposed to work. This smacks of Remender writing in his personal religious (anti-religious) beliefs into the character which isn't super rare but it's not something I see often in Marvel's writing.
Props for using a lesser known Avenger like Starfox/Eros. A bit weird for arguing that robots are human/sentient/killing them is the same as killing people. Having that as the base-line belief of all the characters except Hank Pym seemed backwards. Includes an assertion by a character that there is definitely no God, but features a god character (Thor) without dealing with how this is supposed to work. This smacks of Remender writing in his personal religious (anti-religious) beliefs into the character which isn't super rare but it's not something I see often in Marvel's writing.
April 16, 2015
An interesting take on the pain of being human. The struggle for some to feel accepted and loved. The battle to figure out who you are and what your place in the world is. Well written.
February 24, 2016
Se volete leggere la mia recensione, cliccate qui!: http://ascwblog.blogspot.it/2016/02/a...
November 20, 2020
This book started off with a beautiful flashback to an earlier Avengers facing Ultron. It had a touching moment of Hank connecting with his 'son' and the mix of emotions as he sees Ultron as a genuine progeny that he's failed. Then it cuts to the future with Ultron doing big omega evil stuff and Hank being a violent jackass. He's become disullusioned, he's stopped caring about 'robot' life, and he wants to shut Ultron down for good. There's this cool idea of Ultron being the singularity, of being universal entropy as the inevitable goal of the universe all becoming one as a part of his A.I. But that gets dropped pretty quickly to become all about Hank Pym's jealousy and disappointment. It's like we're missing a few chapters, and those few chapters are the decades of Ultron and Hank Pym comics, since I haven't read those I feel like the personality shift is really drastic. It doesn't represent who Hank Pym was months beforehand in the Avengers A.I. series, in fact it's the polar opposite. It's kind of building on Rick Remender's other works, including nods to Uncanny Avengers and AXIS, more than the current state of the characters involved.
Then the series just ends quickly with little resolution. It's trying to say something about A.I. but never really gets there, and tries to say something about Hank Pym that doesn't work without more buildup. It's got some killer art that doesn't get a lot of chances to do anything big- the characters look good, there are some superheroes that get all Ultronified copies, but the balance of drama and action is just too dour and doesn't give enough room for the creative team to explore.
Then the series just ends quickly with little resolution. It's trying to say something about A.I. but never really gets there, and tries to say something about Hank Pym that doesn't work without more buildup. It's got some killer art that doesn't get a lot of chances to do anything big- the characters look good, there are some superheroes that get all Ultronified copies, but the balance of drama and action is just too dour and doesn't give enough room for the creative team to explore.
February 14, 2023
8/10:
Such a solid Ultron-centric Avengers story that easily stands on its own while also tying into the past and promoting the future for the characters involved.
The deep familial connections between Hank Pym, Ultron, and Vision were tangible and I truly appreciate how compelling each of their arguments was. There’s something to say about AI having a soul and sentience in our world, and I’m curious if it’ll ever come to that.
I also have to mention the vast array of characters included in this story, how seamless their presence was, and how vital their inclusion was. I think the three characters that really grounded the Avengers in their humanity were Spider-Man, Captain America (Sam Wilson), and Sabretooth. These three men never lost their faith in defeating Ultron while also supporting the other members of the team; something that’s always vital to the defeat of Ultron.
Such a solid Ultron-centric Avengers story that easily stands on its own while also tying into the past and promoting the future for the characters involved.
The deep familial connections between Hank Pym, Ultron, and Vision were tangible and I truly appreciate how compelling each of their arguments was. There’s something to say about AI having a soul and sentience in our world, and I’m curious if it’ll ever come to that.
I also have to mention the vast array of characters included in this story, how seamless their presence was, and how vital their inclusion was. I think the three characters that really grounded the Avengers in their humanity were Spider-Man, Captain America (Sam Wilson), and Sabretooth. These three men never lost their faith in defeating Ultron while also supporting the other members of the team; something that’s always vital to the defeat of Ultron.
February 24, 2018
Review of Avengers: Rage of Ultron
Now THIS is what Age of Ultron should have been about! Don't get me wrong, the movie was great, but this comic was spectacular! There was such a deep and emotional story to it with lots of great plot points and even awesome action sequences! This was a great read!
Now THIS is what Age of Ultron should have been about! Don't get me wrong, the movie was great, but this comic was spectacular! There was such a deep and emotional story to it with lots of great plot points and even awesome action sequences! This was a great read!
December 29, 2023
Ultron
I really like Ultron but I feel he had to be used only on occasion. The stories with him can be hit or miss.
This one was a good one. The retcon awhile back of his A.I being based on Pym was one of the best retcons ever.
This was a dark but interesting look at the history of Ultron and The Avengers.
I really like Ultron but I feel he had to be used only on occasion. The stories with him can be hit or miss.
This one was a good one. The retcon awhile back of his A.I being based on Pym was one of the best retcons ever.
This was a dark but interesting look at the history of Ultron and The Avengers.
December 10, 2024
This was an amazing story full of awesome ultron moments. To see the interaction between Hank Pym, Vision, and Ultron and Hank Pym’s acceptance and regret of being Ultrons father is just amazing. There are many many amazing moments in this book. I recommend this to anybody remotely interested in Hank Pym or Ultron or the avengers in general.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 190 reviews