"Let none stand against the Children of Tomorrow."
Synopsis: The aftermath of Reed's actions takes toll as The United States, SHIELD, and The Ultimates tries to rebound.
I figured it out. Jonathan Hickman must hate the Ultimate Universe. It's the only explanation considering that The Ultimates cannot and will not get a break issue after issue. The United States is on the blink of pandemonium, The Ultimates are on the run, and Reed Richards is just trolling. But it's just fantastic writing by Hickman.
The events in this issue takes place around a three day window showing off what group has been doing after the aftermath of the previous issue. Instead of working together, SHIELD and The Ultimates continue to be at odds with each other with Director Flumm taking over Fury's job (how many times have Fury lost his position as Director of SHIELD now?). As I thought with Tony, an old problem has come back, but he's not done yet. Someone who I thought would make an appearance earlier in the series finally appear, though I don't think she would make any difference in front of Reed. Also, nice cameo by War Machine. And the ending may show signs of new hope...maybe?
Along with what has to be my favorite cover of The Ultimates to date by Kaare Andrews, (which has nothing to do with what goes on in this issue I might add) Luke Ross takes over in place of Esad Ribic in the art department, and quite frankly, Ross' artwork is has only a few minor tweaks that makes his work different from Ribic. Ross' work is a bit sharper and focuses more on character's facial expressions and reactions. Overall, Ross was the right choice to replace Ribic.
Overall:
Things are looking bleak for the Ultimate Universe, but it's the fantastic writing by Jonathan Hickman that makes this series worth reading after 10 issues. Maybe under Sam Humphries, we'll see a sign of renewed hope.