Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Art: Bryan Hitch, Andrew Currie, Alex Sinclair, and Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Release Date: August 30th, 2023
After Kang descends upon the City of Tomorrow, the Illuminati must regroup! Iron Man has a heart-to-heart with Tony Stark! Doctor Doom – the anti-Maker – prepares his own plans to deal with this evil Reed Richards…and the Ultimate Universe that the Maker thought he had rebuilt frays at the edges as they prepare for cosmic war in this next edition of Ultimate Invasion #3 by Jonathan Hickman!
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read The Ultimate Invasion #3 Review.
THE DISPATCH
Sadly, nothing really transpired on this slow open. A funeral turns into a who’s who of heroes, villains, and characters in the 6160. However, the introduction of these key players didn’t come across as overly interesting and took up over half of Ultimate Invasion #3. Nevertheless, Hickman’s reveals oftentimes do come at the cost of the issue. Sure, the build-up was slow-moving. However, if readers can hang in there, it normally pays off with something, new, unique, and inventive that’s normally rather shocking. And Ultimate Invasion #3 is no different.
Secrets are only partially revealed as some moving, almost jaw-dropping moments are delivered at key parts in order to bring the reader back into the story. Additionally, I feel many fans will have their theories, especially as Ultimate Invasion #3 comes to a close. Nonetheless, the biggest problem is the feeling I get that there appears to be a large chunk of the plot missing. The big idea the Maker has and why Howard Stark is at the center of this seems a bit odd. Plus, I thought I knew the Maker’s motivation but after this issue, I’m just not sure anymore. My point is I’m a bit more confused than normal for a Hickman comic, especially with the series concluding next issue. So, I just feel again like we’re all missing something.
ART
The coloring is actually driving me crazy. It’s incredibly muted and adds this faded, almost flat veneer to the issue. Now, I know this might not bother everyone. However, I personally love my comics bright. I feel like it adds power and purpose to the story. Nevertheless, Hitch draws one heck of a Maker! And every time you see him, you get the reflections in his helmet that are spot on. Overall, Hitch and his art team have done well complementing the narrative. Yet, the darker inks and muted color design does bring down the mood of the issue. Now, if that’s the intent, they’re definitely succeeding well.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Ultimate Invasion #3 moves a bit slower than normal in order to unveil a rather creative and inventive wrinkle that fans would never expect. However, that’s kind of the problem with the story. This week has two pretty wild reveals, however, none in which were even thought of or built up towards. It’s almost as if Hickman gave us a surprise we weren’t even planning for. It’s like your wife surprising you with a bowling ball and bowling lesson but you never mentioned you wanted either of the two. You’re surprised and grateful. Heck, you may even enjoy it. But, it wasn’t even on the radar. Mixing that together with the pacing, lack of action, and the series concluding next issue, I can’t help but feel a bit perplexed after reading Ultimate Invasion #3. The story itself isn’t bad. It just doesn’t feel altogether there yet with one issue to go. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!