Advanced Review: Age of Ultron #4
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler: Bryan Hitch
*SPOILER-FREE REVIEW*
When issue three of Age of Ultron ended, Luke Cage thought he was delivering She-Hulk over to Ultron. The surprise was that it was not Ultron who Cage found, but fellow-Avenger Vision. This so far was the most exciting thing to happen in the series. Thankfully issue four follows up on this and delivers a satisfactory effort. The setup for this seems similar to Avengers vs. X-Men where Marvel split up the story into two Acts. Act I takes place in issues 1-5 and Acts II in issues 6-10.
What I Liked
It is good to see the story progressing to some type of conflict between the remaining heroes and Ultron. A plan has been devised and put into action. A key element regarding Ultron is revealed, which raises even new questions.
This may sound inhumane, but I even enjoy the extra violence in this issue. It’s not surprising that two Hulks (She-Hulk and Red-Hulk) get to show how they are tough guys (and lady).
What I Didn’t Like
While I enjoyed that the story picked up, it all seemed a little too convenient. If Ultron and his army were able to conquer the entire planet, it should be a little harder to sneak out of cities being patrolled by his army. Yet three groups of heroes are able to achieve this feat. While all making their way across the globe. Nah, I’m not buying it. Too easy a plot device for such a complicated story.
There is also a small bit of dialogue given to Emma Frost to hint at her telepathic powers not working like they used to (see fallout from Avengers vs. X-Men and the new ongoing Uncanny X-Men series). I’m pretty sure the original line was changed to reflect the changes in the Marvel NOW! The same can be said for why Moon Knight (who has not appeared in a Marvel NOW! book, but had an ongoing series around the time that Age of Ultron was originally intended to come out) is even involved in this event.
And Luke Cage…..really? He survives what happens to him in this book, and is able to reach this new destination? Without any Ultron robots stopping him? Unbelievable.
Summary
The story of Age of Ultron is about to reach it’s first climax next issue from the looks of it. After obtaining new information regarding Ultron, our heroes are regrouping to make a stand. My prediction is something big will happen in the next chapter. Then we’ll have more filler-issues leading up to the big finale.
This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network. They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
