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Marvel Pocket Books Novels
The Ultimates: Against All Enemies
Fed up when the government refuses to make a technology capable of detecting the alien Chitauri widely available, Captain America takes it upon himself to leak the secret, causing discord among his teammates, while Hank Pym, desperate to recover his position on the Ultimates team, experiments with his own way to identify and eliminate the alien menace. Original.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 28, 2007
2 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Alexander C. Irvine
190 books199 followersAlexander C. Irvine is an American fantasist and science fiction writer. He also writes under the pseudonym Alex Irvine. He first gained attention with his novel A Scattering of Jades and the stories that would form the collection Unintended Consequences. He has also published the Grail quest novel One King, One Soldier, and the World War II-era historical fantasy The Narrows.
In addition to his original works, Irvine has published Have Robot, Will Travel, a novel set in Isaac Asimov's positronic robot milieu; and Batman: Inferno, about the DC Comics superhero.
His academic background includes an M.A. in English from the University of Maine and a PhD from the University of Denver. He is an assistant professor of English at the University of Maine. He also worked for a time as a reporter at the Portland Phoenix.
In addition to his original works, Irvine has published Have Robot, Will Travel, a novel set in Isaac Asimov's positronic robot milieu; and Batman: Inferno, about the DC Comics superhero.
His academic background includes an M.A. in English from the University of Maine and a PhD from the University of Denver. He is an assistant professor of English at the University of Maine. He also worked for a time as a reporter at the Portland Phoenix.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 15, 2020
This is an Ultimates story, a group of alternate Avengers with a different name. It was something Marvel tried out a couple of decades or so ago in order to sew confusion amongst their casual readers and/or to sell more books... then the MCU came along and we all stopped worrying about continuity amongst the different titles and characters... and then they decided to reboot to number one every six issues... and then Disney happened... oh, my stars and garters, where was I? Yeah, so Against All Enemies by Alex Irvine is a decent Ultimates prose novel, a bit long on exposition and short on action, but not a bad read. I didn't much care for the Jan-Hank dynamic, though Tony Stark is sharp as ever, and Cap is at his best. Alien shapeshifters, ya gotta remember to keep your guard up. Excelsior.
October 15, 2014
Okay in case, like me, you didn’t already know this The Ultimates is a superhero team created for Marvel Comics by Mark Millar. They first appeared in The Ultimates #1 in March 2002 and have been a going concern for Marvel ever since. If you read comic books or watch movies then you probably already figured out that The Ultimates are just The Avengers. Marvel Comics decided to give the team a new name so they could sell more comic books.
Against All Enemies
was an Ultimates story written in novel form by Alex Irvine and this Graphic Audio production is based on Irvine’s story.
So in this reality the Chitauri attacked and were defeated by the Avengers, I mean the Ultimates, just like in the Avengers movie, only instead of happening in New York it happened in Arizona. In this reality, not every Chitauri was killed or deactivated or whatever, some of them survived and laid low for a while. You see, they have this ability to mimic other life forms. All they have to do is eat a human or a dog or something and they can actually become that human or dog or something. As you can imagine that presents a distinct problem for the Avengers, I mean the Ultimates. Oh, did I mention that in this reality, the members of the team work for SHIELD and they take orders from Nick Fury?
So basically The Ultimates: Against All Enemies is about the struggle to try to locate and defeat the Chitauri who are still on Earth. Naturally Tony Stark invents a device that can key in on Chitauri DNA. It comes in the form of a metal-detector-like security device that can be installed at the entrances to airports and buildings and such. There is some dispute, however, as to whether the technology should be made widely available. Some feel that if it goes viral the Chitauri will catch wind of it and find a way around it. And in fact that’s pretty much what happens.
Another solution comes from former Ultimates member Hank Pym, aka Ant-Man. Pym develops an ingenious method of getting ants to key in on a Chitauri and attack. It works by sending out something like a radio signal. Any ant in the area receives the signal and goes on the hunt for Chitauri. And not just any ants but dreaded bullet ants, the largest ants with the most potent sting. After a couple of test runs it is determined that Pym’s method works. Tony Stark then develops a method of sending out the signal worldwide using satellite and cellular signals and the Ultimates are ready to go Chitauri hunting. Unfortunately, the Chitauri already know about the device and they are more organized than anyone thought. They attack Stark Industries, in an attempt to destroy the technology before it goes online.
I gotta tell you, as much as I love comic book heroes (Captain America and Iron Man have always been a couple of my favorites) this story really didn’t do much for me. For one thing there was not enough action. No action at all in fact until more than 3 hours into this five-hour story. Up until that time it’s all back-story, much of which left me scratching my head because it kept referring to prior events that I was not privy to. Maybe I’m just old fashioned; I like my superheroes just the way they are and this whole Ultimates thing is sort of a skewed reality where things are a little bit different. I will say that once the action began things felt much better to me and it continued most of the way through the remainder of the book. I was especially impressed with Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye. I had never paid much attention to him in the comics but his role was played up a bit here and I liked him.
The production quality of this book is up to Graphic Audio’s usual high standards; the music and sound effects always sound great. The Ultimates: Against All Enemies was adapted for Graphic Audio by Richard Rohan and features the voice talents of Richard Rohan, James Keegan, Richard Cutting, Jefferson Russell, Eric Messner, Laura C. Harris, Danny Gavigan, Christopher Scheeren, Andy Brownstein, Bradley Smith, Steve Wannall, Nanette Savard, Diedra Starnes, Rex Anderson, Andy Clemence, Joe Brack, Jonathon Church, Rebecca Sheir, Daniel Sonntag, Joel David Santner, Eric Singdahlsen, Jonathan Watkins, Matthew Keenan, David Harris and Thomas Keegan.
Steven Brandt @ Audiobook-Heaven
So in this reality the Chitauri attacked and were defeated by the Avengers, I mean the Ultimates, just like in the Avengers movie, only instead of happening in New York it happened in Arizona. In this reality, not every Chitauri was killed or deactivated or whatever, some of them survived and laid low for a while. You see, they have this ability to mimic other life forms. All they have to do is eat a human or a dog or something and they can actually become that human or dog or something. As you can imagine that presents a distinct problem for the Avengers, I mean the Ultimates. Oh, did I mention that in this reality, the members of the team work for SHIELD and they take orders from Nick Fury?
So basically The Ultimates: Against All Enemies is about the struggle to try to locate and defeat the Chitauri who are still on Earth. Naturally Tony Stark invents a device that can key in on Chitauri DNA. It comes in the form of a metal-detector-like security device that can be installed at the entrances to airports and buildings and such. There is some dispute, however, as to whether the technology should be made widely available. Some feel that if it goes viral the Chitauri will catch wind of it and find a way around it. And in fact that’s pretty much what happens.
Another solution comes from former Ultimates member Hank Pym, aka Ant-Man. Pym develops an ingenious method of getting ants to key in on a Chitauri and attack. It works by sending out something like a radio signal. Any ant in the area receives the signal and goes on the hunt for Chitauri. And not just any ants but dreaded bullet ants, the largest ants with the most potent sting. After a couple of test runs it is determined that Pym’s method works. Tony Stark then develops a method of sending out the signal worldwide using satellite and cellular signals and the Ultimates are ready to go Chitauri hunting. Unfortunately, the Chitauri already know about the device and they are more organized than anyone thought. They attack Stark Industries, in an attempt to destroy the technology before it goes online.
I gotta tell you, as much as I love comic book heroes (Captain America and Iron Man have always been a couple of my favorites) this story really didn’t do much for me. For one thing there was not enough action. No action at all in fact until more than 3 hours into this five-hour story. Up until that time it’s all back-story, much of which left me scratching my head because it kept referring to prior events that I was not privy to. Maybe I’m just old fashioned; I like my superheroes just the way they are and this whole Ultimates thing is sort of a skewed reality where things are a little bit different. I will say that once the action began things felt much better to me and it continued most of the way through the remainder of the book. I was especially impressed with Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye. I had never paid much attention to him in the comics but his role was played up a bit here and I liked him.
The production quality of this book is up to Graphic Audio’s usual high standards; the music and sound effects always sound great. The Ultimates: Against All Enemies was adapted for Graphic Audio by Richard Rohan and features the voice talents of Richard Rohan, James Keegan, Richard Cutting, Jefferson Russell, Eric Messner, Laura C. Harris, Danny Gavigan, Christopher Scheeren, Andy Brownstein, Bradley Smith, Steve Wannall, Nanette Savard, Diedra Starnes, Rex Anderson, Andy Clemence, Joe Brack, Jonathon Church, Rebecca Sheir, Daniel Sonntag, Joel David Santner, Eric Singdahlsen, Jonathan Watkins, Matthew Keenan, David Harris and Thomas Keegan.
Steven Brandt @ Audiobook-Heaven
January 14, 2022
Four stars and I don't even like The Ultimates. They always struck me as the Avengers, but if the Avengers were jerks. Maybe that's more engaging in novel form?
It took me a while but I was into this story. I listened to the audiobook which was adapted from the novel--so I'm not sure if it differs too much from the book. The first six or ten minutes are kind of rough to listen to, it's supposed to be an alien voice summarizing a bunch of stuff but it sounded weird.
The voices of the Ultimates are close to the MCU versions, which I thought made it more fun. The voice cast did a great job.
It took me a while but I was into this story. I listened to the audiobook which was adapted from the novel--so I'm not sure if it differs too much from the book. The first six or ten minutes are kind of rough to listen to, it's supposed to be an alien voice summarizing a bunch of stuff but it sounded weird.
The voices of the Ultimates are close to the MCU versions, which I thought made it more fun. The voice cast did a great job.
July 2, 2014
Fun fluff. Captain America is kind of a moody little baby.
January 31, 2025
A whole lot of talking and not enough action. Yawn.
Don’t get me wrong. I love stories with long drawn out dialogue and exposition - even in superhero stories - but it just does not work here. The dialogue is purely quips and sarcastic comments. From everybody! (I guess it makes sense from Tony and Nick) I always have to make sure I know who I’m reading because they are all written the same.
I have personally never heard of the Ultimates before. From what I’ve read, they’re just an alternate version of the Avengers with some minor story differences. Hulk is locked away with SHIELD. Hank Pym is kicked off the team. Janet is dating Captain America. The Chitauri attack happens in Arizona. All small iterations that are the only interesting things within this novel. I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Hank and Janet with their relationship issues. Something we don’t get to see a lot in the movies or other comic books.
My issue is the story is so small. The Ultimates are dealing with the aftermath of the alien attack and believe there are still Chitauri left on earth. The story could have took in some secret invasion elements or made a compelling story, but instead they create a dry bland mix of absolutely nothing. There was a couple of attacks that were somewhat compelling to me to read more. The attack on Hank Pym’s lab. Bucky’s dog. Shooting Hank Pym unexpectedly. Cool like snip bits from the novel but if you can tell from how long it took me read this…it wasn’t compelling enough to keep me reading. Even during the final fight at the end of the book, I was struggling to keep reading this novel.
Another thing that bothered me is this iteration of Captain America. It’s fine to have your own twist on the character, but considering how close he is to the one we know and love, this one was made to be a cuck. Slapped around by everybody and the only ideals he follows are that of his captains. He’s a pawn. Nothing more than a soldier following orders. I understand he ends up releasing information on hidden technology later in the book but he’s still everybody else bitch boy - from beginning to end. For being a main character, the author really doesn’t understand who Captain America really is.
Definitely not a horrible book but would for sure look for different options before choosing this one. Don’t be fooled by the title, it’s just the Avengers on their off days xD
Don’t get me wrong. I love stories with long drawn out dialogue and exposition - even in superhero stories - but it just does not work here. The dialogue is purely quips and sarcastic comments. From everybody! (I guess it makes sense from Tony and Nick) I always have to make sure I know who I’m reading because they are all written the same.
I have personally never heard of the Ultimates before. From what I’ve read, they’re just an alternate version of the Avengers with some minor story differences. Hulk is locked away with SHIELD. Hank Pym is kicked off the team. Janet is dating Captain America. The Chitauri attack happens in Arizona. All small iterations that are the only interesting things within this novel. I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Hank and Janet with their relationship issues. Something we don’t get to see a lot in the movies or other comic books.
My issue is the story is so small. The Ultimates are dealing with the aftermath of the alien attack and believe there are still Chitauri left on earth. The story could have took in some secret invasion elements or made a compelling story, but instead they create a dry bland mix of absolutely nothing. There was a couple of attacks that were somewhat compelling to me to read more. The attack on Hank Pym’s lab. Bucky’s dog. Shooting Hank Pym unexpectedly. Cool like snip bits from the novel but if you can tell from how long it took me read this…it wasn’t compelling enough to keep me reading. Even during the final fight at the end of the book, I was struggling to keep reading this novel.
Another thing that bothered me is this iteration of Captain America. It’s fine to have your own twist on the character, but considering how close he is to the one we know and love, this one was made to be a cuck. Slapped around by everybody and the only ideals he follows are that of his captains. He’s a pawn. Nothing more than a soldier following orders. I understand he ends up releasing information on hidden technology later in the book but he’s still everybody else bitch boy - from beginning to end. For being a main character, the author really doesn’t understand who Captain America really is.
Definitely not a horrible book but would for sure look for different options before choosing this one. Don’t be fooled by the title, it’s just the Avengers on their off days xD
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2019
773 - 2019
Earth-1610, no Avengers but Ultimates, which is the same thing.
Paska perang dengan Chitauri, di mana sebagian Chitauri yang shapeshifter ala Skrull ternyata masih survive dan ada di mana-mana. Tony Stark berhasil menciptakan alat untuk mendeteksi DNA Chitauri, dan untuk melawannya Chitauri berhasil memanipulasi Steve Rogers hingga bekerja untuk kepentingan mereka.
Dibandingkan Avengers di Earth-616 atau Earth-19999 (baca: MCU), hampir semua anggota Ultimates (kecuali Jan mungkin) adalah certified A-hole. Di antara Bruce Banner yang pas jadi Hulk bisa makan orang, Hank Pym yang pelaku KDRT gegara inferiority complex, Thor yang kewarasannya dipertanyakan karena mengaku dewa Norse (iya, nggak ada yang percaya!), Tony Stark si jenius, milyarder, playboy dan drunken master boleh dibilang normal.
Dan Steve Rogers? Oh, boy... Kalau tidak ada Steve Rogers, novel ini mungkin tidak usah ada, karena ia memang sumber masalah dalam cerita ini. Yah, mungkin karena ia dibangunkan dari es di masa yang salah. Tidak paham politik, tidak paham teknologi, tidak percaya siapapun termasuk Nick Fury dan rekan-rekan Ultimates-nya, sehingga gampang ditipu, dibodohi, dan diperalat oleh pejabat militer yang menurutnya lebih bisa dipercaya (padahal ternyata agen Chitauri yang menyamar).
Novel ini disajikan dari beberapa POV, tapi POV Steve Rogers yang paling dominan sehingga kita bisa tahu pola pikirnya yang pendek, naif dan judgemental. Untungnya ia sadar dan mau mengakui kalau telah melakukan kesalahan, meskipun pada akhirnya tidak ditendang dari tim seperti Hank Pym atau dikurung seperti Bruce Banner. Seperti kata Nick Fury, kalau saja ia tidak menyandang nama Captain America, seharusnya ia dipenjara atau dihukum mati, karena sudah menjadi mata-mata musuh, meskipun di luar sepengetahuannya.
Yang berperan penting dalam novel ini jelas para ilmuwan. Hank Pym, yang statusnya cuma mantan anggota Ultimates, menemukan cara untuk mengerahkan pasukan semut untuk mendeteksi dan menyerang Chitauri dengan menggunakan sinyal radio. Dan tentu saja Tony Stark. Selain menciptakan alat pendeteksi Chitauri, ia juga lebih pantas menjadi The Man with a Plan dengan menyiapkan skenario jebakan maut yang bahkan tidak diketahui siapapun termasuk si masterspy Nick Fury.
Earth-1610, no Avengers but Ultimates, which is the same thing.
Paska perang dengan Chitauri, di mana sebagian Chitauri yang shapeshifter ala Skrull ternyata masih survive dan ada di mana-mana. Tony Stark berhasil menciptakan alat untuk mendeteksi DNA Chitauri, dan untuk melawannya Chitauri berhasil memanipulasi Steve Rogers hingga bekerja untuk kepentingan mereka.
Dibandingkan Avengers di Earth-616 atau Earth-19999 (baca: MCU), hampir semua anggota Ultimates (kecuali Jan mungkin) adalah certified A-hole. Di antara Bruce Banner yang pas jadi Hulk bisa makan orang, Hank Pym yang pelaku KDRT gegara inferiority complex, Thor yang kewarasannya dipertanyakan karena mengaku dewa Norse (iya, nggak ada yang percaya!), Tony Stark si jenius, milyarder, playboy dan drunken master boleh dibilang normal.
Dan Steve Rogers? Oh, boy... Kalau tidak ada Steve Rogers, novel ini mungkin tidak usah ada, karena ia memang sumber masalah dalam cerita ini. Yah, mungkin karena ia dibangunkan dari es di masa yang salah. Tidak paham politik, tidak paham teknologi, tidak percaya siapapun termasuk Nick Fury dan rekan-rekan Ultimates-nya, sehingga gampang ditipu, dibodohi, dan diperalat oleh pejabat militer yang menurutnya lebih bisa dipercaya (padahal ternyata agen Chitauri yang menyamar).
Novel ini disajikan dari beberapa POV, tapi POV Steve Rogers yang paling dominan sehingga kita bisa tahu pola pikirnya yang pendek, naif dan judgemental. Untungnya ia sadar dan mau mengakui kalau telah melakukan kesalahan, meskipun pada akhirnya tidak ditendang dari tim seperti Hank Pym atau dikurung seperti Bruce Banner. Seperti kata Nick Fury, kalau saja ia tidak menyandang nama Captain America, seharusnya ia dipenjara atau dihukum mati, karena sudah menjadi mata-mata musuh, meskipun di luar sepengetahuannya.
Yang berperan penting dalam novel ini jelas para ilmuwan. Hank Pym, yang statusnya cuma mantan anggota Ultimates, menemukan cara untuk mengerahkan pasukan semut untuk mendeteksi dan menyerang Chitauri dengan menggunakan sinyal radio. Dan tentu saja Tony Stark. Selain menciptakan alat pendeteksi Chitauri, ia juga lebih pantas menjadi The Man with a Plan dengan menyiapkan skenario jebakan maut yang bahkan tidak diketahui siapapun termasuk si masterspy Nick Fury.
August 12, 2017
Irving ha uno stile molto avvincente e la storia è costruita benissimo. Sarebbe stato un gran bel romanzo, se solo non avesse toppato sulla caratterizzazione di... be', tutti i personaggi?
Il che mi ha francamente rovinato la lettura, perché se vado a leggere una storia come questa è proprio per i personaggi. Ma qui c'erano cose che non stavano né in cielo né in terra, nell'universo degli Ultimates. Una a caso: Captain America sembrava OK, finché non ha rivelato che non è completamente innamorato di Wasp perché è una mutante. (Segue rumore delle mie balle che cadono a terra e rotolano verso l'infinito e oltre.)
Ed è un vero peccato, perché nel momento in cui l'autore ci azzecca con la caratterizzazione, fa delle osservazioni molto interessanti. Nel complesso però è stata una vera delusione.
Il che mi ha francamente rovinato la lettura, perché se vado a leggere una storia come questa è proprio per i personaggi. Ma qui c'erano cose che non stavano né in cielo né in terra, nell'universo degli Ultimates. Una a caso: Captain America sembrava OK, finché non ha rivelato che non è completamente innamorato di Wasp perché è una mutante. (Segue rumore delle mie balle che cadono a terra e rotolano verso l'infinito e oltre.)
Ed è un vero peccato, perché nel momento in cui l'autore ci azzecca con la caratterizzazione, fa delle osservazioni molto interessanti. Nel complesso però è stata una vera delusione.
June 14, 2019
I picked this up at a thrift sale to see what Marvel was like pre-MCU. I've never read any of the comics beyond a few pages of Matt Fraction's Hawkeye stuff and some meme panels.
This book was ups and down, especially with some fresh feelings from Endgame. A few lines are somehow unknownably prophetic! Tony has a one-off about Scarlett Johansson, which was just perfect.
Overall, it was a little hard to get through, especially the Chitauri debriefs. I kinda skimmed them. But otherwise, a fun look back at some Marvel characterizations!
This book was ups and down, especially with some fresh feelings from Endgame. A few lines are somehow unknownably prophetic! Tony has a one-off about Scarlett Johansson, which was just perfect.
Overall, it was a little hard to get through, especially the Chitauri debriefs. I kinda skimmed them. But otherwise, a fun look back at some Marvel characterizations!
January 12, 2022
Listened with kids. Decent.
February 11, 2022
Encouragesimperialism
February 5, 2026
I love graphic audio
I miss that. they've stopped producing superhero content
I miss that. they've stopped producing superhero content
November 21, 2008
Right, background before I get into the review. The Ultimates is a reboot of the Marvel comic superheroes The Mighty Avengers; but upgraded to modern times. For instance, Nick Fury in this imagining looks like Samuel L Jackson, Jan Pym is Asian and a mutant. Tony Stark is an alcoholic playboy with a sharp mind, Thor is man who might be a god who is anti co operate hegemony, Hawkeye is an embittered man with a murky history of black ops for SHIELD and Steve Rogers is a super soldier who has thawed out from the 1940s into modern times.
This book assumes that you've some prior knowledge of these characters. If you're coming from Marvel 616 (classic) verse and seeing these characters the first time, you might not like the characters much. For instance, Tony Stark is less a martyr in this universe and more a libertine (e.g. he has to drink alcohol in this universe for pain management, so he's delightfully sozzled), Captain America is well... very much bordering on jingoistic.
So, plot: there are alien shape shifters called the Chitauri, and they were defeated by the Ultimates in a previous battle (check the Ultimate Avengers animated movie on DVD). Tony Stark has developed a means of quickly detecting Chitauri DNA, but the federal government refuses to adapt the technology. Captain America is frustrated by the government's decision and takes matters into his own hands, by leaking the technology. As a result, chaos ensues. However, salvation might be at hand: Hank Pym wants to get back on the Ultimates team, and he's been experimenting with ants as a fool proof option of detecting the Chitauri. His experiments are promising... but are they promising enough for them to let the disruptive Hank Pym back on the team?
The story is tightly told, and for those of you well acquainted with the Ultimates comics/trades (or even watched the cartoon, you'll be able to follow the gist of the story, and even appreciate the chance of over 300 pages devoted to the team (better than a 32 page comic one shot). For those of you who are classic Avengers enthusiasts, I recommend this story on the proviso that you enjoy it as its own entity, and don't compare it to classic 616 verse.
Just. Don't.
Even though the story is very much superheroes versus the bad guys, in a way, The Ultimates are warring among themselves too. Tony Stark dislikes Steve Rogers because of his inflexible and high handed attitudes, Steve Rogers thinks that Tony Stark is everything that is wrong with America in terms of big money interests taking over the interests of the people. Nick Fury needs Tony Stark, but distrusts him because of his dissolute lifestyle; Tony Stark plays at super hero but is resistant to commit fully to The Ultimates because he knows Fury is going to throw them under a bus.
Hawkeye (Clint Barton) is cynical as all get out, and does this because there's nothing else. Hank Pym wants back on the team but can't do it because he's estranged from his wife, and Jan is exasperated that Hank has been kicked off the team (due to an incident that caused their estrangement, now soon to be divorced) because she too is a scientist and can see the value of his work. Thor is on the outskirts of this, choosing not to dwell in the affairs of 'mortals' and chooses to pitch in when he thinks he's needed.
On one hand, this sort of to and fro among the heroes make for interesting reading, and even makes the characters a bit sympathetic to the reader. On the other hand, this sort of team dynamic makes them more reactive to the actions of the Chitauri instead of proactive, and they wait until really late to get themselves together, and at the end of the book, even when the bad guys are defeated (c'mon, you expect anything else?), you get the feeling that the team members have a long way to go before approaching camaraderie - but you find yourself wishing them luck in doing so.
I give this book 3.5 stars instead of 4, but since I can't do that, I give it 4.
This book assumes that you've some prior knowledge of these characters. If you're coming from Marvel 616 (classic) verse and seeing these characters the first time, you might not like the characters much. For instance, Tony Stark is less a martyr in this universe and more a libertine (e.g. he has to drink alcohol in this universe for pain management, so he's delightfully sozzled), Captain America is well... very much bordering on jingoistic.
So, plot: there are alien shape shifters called the Chitauri, and they were defeated by the Ultimates in a previous battle (check the Ultimate Avengers animated movie on DVD). Tony Stark has developed a means of quickly detecting Chitauri DNA, but the federal government refuses to adapt the technology. Captain America is frustrated by the government's decision and takes matters into his own hands, by leaking the technology. As a result, chaos ensues. However, salvation might be at hand: Hank Pym wants to get back on the Ultimates team, and he's been experimenting with ants as a fool proof option of detecting the Chitauri. His experiments are promising... but are they promising enough for them to let the disruptive Hank Pym back on the team?
The story is tightly told, and for those of you well acquainted with the Ultimates comics/trades (or even watched the cartoon, you'll be able to follow the gist of the story, and even appreciate the chance of over 300 pages devoted to the team (better than a 32 page comic one shot). For those of you who are classic Avengers enthusiasts, I recommend this story on the proviso that you enjoy it as its own entity, and don't compare it to classic 616 verse.
Just. Don't.
Even though the story is very much superheroes versus the bad guys, in a way, The Ultimates are warring among themselves too. Tony Stark dislikes Steve Rogers because of his inflexible and high handed attitudes, Steve Rogers thinks that Tony Stark is everything that is wrong with America in terms of big money interests taking over the interests of the people. Nick Fury needs Tony Stark, but distrusts him because of his dissolute lifestyle; Tony Stark plays at super hero but is resistant to commit fully to The Ultimates because he knows Fury is going to throw them under a bus.
Hawkeye (Clint Barton) is cynical as all get out, and does this because there's nothing else. Hank Pym wants back on the team but can't do it because he's estranged from his wife, and Jan is exasperated that Hank has been kicked off the team (due to an incident that caused their estrangement, now soon to be divorced) because she too is a scientist and can see the value of his work. Thor is on the outskirts of this, choosing not to dwell in the affairs of 'mortals' and chooses to pitch in when he thinks he's needed.
On one hand, this sort of to and fro among the heroes make for interesting reading, and even makes the characters a bit sympathetic to the reader. On the other hand, this sort of team dynamic makes them more reactive to the actions of the Chitauri instead of proactive, and they wait until really late to get themselves together, and at the end of the book, even when the bad guys are defeated (c'mon, you expect anything else?), you get the feeling that the team members have a long way to go before approaching camaraderie - but you find yourself wishing them luck in doing so.
I give this book 3.5 stars instead of 4, but since I can't do that, I give it 4.
April 20, 2010
With the release of the 'Iron Man 2' movie just around the corner, and with my mailman being harassed by me everyday as I eagerly anticipate my copy of the novel arriving in my mailbox, I figured it would be prudent to review another of Alex Irvine's novels, 'The Ultimates: Against All Enemies'. And what a novel it is.
If you're not familiar with the Ultimates they are basically the Avengers (Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Giant-Man, The Hulk and The Wasp all led by General Nick Fury) only they exist on a parallel universe and go by a different name. Now, I'm not usually one for a storyline that involves parallel universes but for this book an exception just has to be made. You see, the characters that we are familiar with have been completely revamped and made to appeal to a more mature audience. As such you have the following:
* Tony Stark (Iron Man) - an alcoholic, womanizing, glory hunter who is obsessed with money, power & sexual conquests.
* Thor - an environmental activist who may or may not be schizophrenic depending on your viewpoint.
*Captain America - a soldier who preaches American morals but is having an affair with Janet Pym (The Wasp).
*Bruce Banner (The Hulk) - injected himself with super-soldier serum and went on a homicidal rampage killing hundreds of innocent people.
*Hank Pym (Giant-Man) - wife-beating scientist obsessed with getting his wife, Janet Pym, back and is having a breakdown trying to do so.
*Janet Pym (The Wasp) - wants nothing to do with her estranged husband but has to work alongside him for the good of the team all while enjoying the pleasures of Capt America.
*Nick Fury - A superspy who is the personification of cool and who is African American (he has always been Caucasian in all other aspects of the Marvel universe) and who constantly struggles to keep the team on the same page.
Of course, most of these characters dislike, or are jealous of, each other and that just opens up a whole other layer of drama and angst to the mix. Phew!
The story itself involves an invasion by aliens, the Chitauri, that can take on human form and are incredibly difficult to detect. This causes paranoia to the extreme amongst the Ultimates and just adds to their already dysfunctional ways.
Alex Irvine has a wonderful grasp of the characters and brings them to life with an ease that has you longing to know what happens next in their lives. Couple this with his great story telling ability and his constantly flowing style of writing and this novel is a winner all the way.
Mr Mailman, bring on 'Iron Man 2'!
If you're not familiar with the Ultimates they are basically the Avengers (Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Giant-Man, The Hulk and The Wasp all led by General Nick Fury) only they exist on a parallel universe and go by a different name. Now, I'm not usually one for a storyline that involves parallel universes but for this book an exception just has to be made. You see, the characters that we are familiar with have been completely revamped and made to appeal to a more mature audience. As such you have the following:
* Tony Stark (Iron Man) - an alcoholic, womanizing, glory hunter who is obsessed with money, power & sexual conquests.
* Thor - an environmental activist who may or may not be schizophrenic depending on your viewpoint.
*Captain America - a soldier who preaches American morals but is having an affair with Janet Pym (The Wasp).
*Bruce Banner (The Hulk) - injected himself with super-soldier serum and went on a homicidal rampage killing hundreds of innocent people.
*Hank Pym (Giant-Man) - wife-beating scientist obsessed with getting his wife, Janet Pym, back and is having a breakdown trying to do so.
*Janet Pym (The Wasp) - wants nothing to do with her estranged husband but has to work alongside him for the good of the team all while enjoying the pleasures of Capt America.
*Nick Fury - A superspy who is the personification of cool and who is African American (he has always been Caucasian in all other aspects of the Marvel universe) and who constantly struggles to keep the team on the same page.
Of course, most of these characters dislike, or are jealous of, each other and that just opens up a whole other layer of drama and angst to the mix. Phew!
The story itself involves an invasion by aliens, the Chitauri, that can take on human form and are incredibly difficult to detect. This causes paranoia to the extreme amongst the Ultimates and just adds to their already dysfunctional ways.
Alex Irvine has a wonderful grasp of the characters and brings them to life with an ease that has you longing to know what happens next in their lives. Couple this with his great story telling ability and his constantly flowing style of writing and this novel is a winner all the way.
Mr Mailman, bring on 'Iron Man 2'!
August 1, 2024
Decent story, but characterizations were very annoying.
December 22, 2016
A fun story about heroes with big egos. I rather enjoyed listening to this book.
August 1, 2012
This book left me wanting. Wanting more action.
Good golly gosh, a book about superheroes and they barely get super.
Captain America is my favourite superhero, has been for ever and he does next to nothing in this book. The Tony Stark character kind of stole the show in this one. He had all the good lines.
in my humble opinion, Irvine gets way too cerebral in this one. Too much life lessons in this one.
Find the bad guy, hit the bad guy. I was hoping for some quality kills per minute here and did not get it.
Undanted, i will try again. The man with the shield will not be kept down.
Good golly gosh, a book about superheroes and they barely get super.
Captain America is my favourite superhero, has been for ever and he does next to nothing in this book. The Tony Stark character kind of stole the show in this one. He had all the good lines.
in my humble opinion, Irvine gets way too cerebral in this one. Too much life lessons in this one.
Find the bad guy, hit the bad guy. I was hoping for some quality kills per minute here and did not get it.
Undanted, i will try again. The man with the shield will not be kept down.
May 19, 2013
This book reads a lot more like an issue of the Ultimates than the previous book by Michael Jan Friedman did. For the most part, the Ultimates just don't get along very well. Even Captain America is lacking in trust in this one. The Chitauri are back, working several angles to get their revenge and destroy the "virus" that is humanity.
This one was fairly well-written by Irvine, who appears to do mostly genre books and novelizations. If you are a Marvel or Ultimate Comics fan, you'll probably want to give this one a try. It more accessible for the average reader as well.
This one was fairly well-written by Irvine, who appears to do mostly genre books and novelizations. If you are a Marvel or Ultimate Comics fan, you'll probably want to give this one a try. It more accessible for the average reader as well.
July 3, 2013
Much more of an exposition of the characters motivations, including the Chitauri. Unfortunately, it was far too difficult to relate to the development of the latter. Fairly good throughout but the third act is unsatisfying. Close readers will note a sorely missed opportunity to explore the cultural etymology of the "The Thing" / "Who goes there?" / "At the mountains of madness", which is particularly profound given that they share the same science fiction trope of doppelgängers of non-earthly origin.
June 24, 2013
A very detailed look at the world of the Avengers (in Marvel's Ultimate universe).
The story started very slowly, and I was actually wondering when the action will start.. The Chitauri point of view is shown via reports in memo format (do they really think this way?!).
The action picked up towards the latter half of the book - which sort of made up for the very slow paced beginning.. I almost put this down unfinished because of the slow pace.
The story started very slowly, and I was actually wondering when the action will start.. The Chitauri point of view is shown via reports in memo format (do they really think this way?!).
The action picked up towards the latter half of the book - which sort of made up for the very slow paced beginning.. I almost put this down unfinished because of the slow pace.
August 13, 2015
I got a chance to listen to this book as graphic audio and it was amazing :) I usually listen to audiobooks while doing boring tasks and I found myself looking forward to doing those tasks just so I could listen to more of this graphic audio. Really recommend to anyone who likes Marvel superheroes and can get this in graphic audio format. Rating 4/5 for content, 5/5 if you listen in graphic audio format, it's almost like watching a movie in your mind :)
June 12, 2015
It's a basic superhero story, told a little different because it's in Marvel's Ultimate Universe. Which is kinda like the regular universe but the heroes are a bit......Different? Well they came across as a little harsher than their comic book counterparts. But it was fun. I get the feeling that there is a book that takes place before it, but it's not mentioned on the jacket anywhere.
January 18, 2016
If dysfunctional Avengers is your cup of tea, then this is the book for you. The plot is ok; the finale set in the ice base is pretty good. I don't agree with the characterization of Captain America, but then again I'm not an Ulitmates fan anyhow.
July 2, 2012
I didn't finish this one, once again Irvine failed to grab me right out of the gate, plus I'm not a fan of Ultimate Steve, he is far too arrogant to really feel like Captain America.
December 29, 2014
I really enjoyed this novel. Though I didn't like some of the changes to the team, it was an overall good story. I wonder how much the MCU will use specifically as it relates to Hank Pym.
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