Marvel Ultimate Graphic Novel Collection Parts 2 & 3

It has been a while since i have posted an article, but don't get me wrong, i have wanted to. I am currently inundated with English Language coursework, and a chronic bout on procrastination. So as i sit here, with a pile of papers by William Labov and Peter Trudgill on my lap, a pile higher of half-written transcripts by my side and 1978s 'Superman - The Movie', which, bless my youthful comic book loving heart, i have never seen before (I'm sure you can forgive me, as it is only twenty-two years older than myself), i have decided to myself that now is the time to update this sordid fan-boy wet dream of a website. Hell, it isn't like the world is going to run out of sociolinguists.

 Vol. 2 - Uncanny X-Men: Dark Phoenix


The second part of the Ultimate graphic novel collection is 80s classic Dark Phoenix - the story arc that inspired the X-Men films that we all love/judge. This graphic novel is revolutionary for its re-invention of key characters such as Wolverine becoming a real identity and standing within the team - perhaps becoming the most popular X-man, if not most popular character in the marvel universe - and obviously, Jean Grey's transformation from Stan Lee's damsel in distress to all-powerful telekinetic goddess.


There is no doubt that Dark Phoenix is iconic. This is really like owning a piece of Marvel's iconic history. This story arc alone, and the teaming up of Chris Claremont & John Byrne has given the X-Men so much - characters like The White Queen, The Dazzler, and Kitty Pryde.




That being said, Iconic factor and all, this is a really loose storyline. I mean, at the base of it it is fantastic- the search for Kitty Pryde, the re-emergence of Dark Phoenix, Scott Summers and Jean Grey's romance - but there is so much that is unnecessary and totally over the top. The whole bit at the end where they are in space, fighting a galactic empire? Couldn't stand it. However, there is no denying it's awesome main plot.

One of my favorite pages. See also angry Wolverine.

Vol.3 - Iron Man: Extremis

Iron Man: Extremis is the first re-invention since Iron Man's original construction. This new Origins story is 'Iron Man for the 21st century', with self-loathing capitalist Tony Stark questioning his every move. Elements of Extremis where used in the Iron Man film with Robert Downey Jr.

In Extremis, Iron Man is fighting against a stolen science experiment gone wrong - something scientists have been working on to replicate the super-soldier serum used to create Captain America during World War Two.

The main thing that i thought would put me off Extremis was the art. It looks...
Computer generated. This, for me, is not a good look. However, it is extremely well done, and the extreme detail and quality completely makes up for this. It is very similar to the art on the New 52's Batwing (Batman's African compatriot).

If you are a fan of the Iron Man films, You will love this...

The art is very fitting with Iron Man's sleek suit and the darkness of the comic itself. This is also a thoroughly enjoyable read for hard-core fans and newcomers alike.

This collection is absolutely amazing thus far, i can't wait for part four, which will be The Ultimates: Super-human - more new ground for me!

Next post i will hopefully be doing a review of another major New 52 title, either that or Witchblade, Y: The Last Man or, i don't know, i could write something intelligent about the impact of comic books and the importance of super heroes in the 20th century. Look out for that.