"Retaliation."
Synopsis: By the time you finish this issue, The Ultimate Universe will change once again.
Normally, I don't outright write how many stars I give an issue at the beginning, but I will gladly explain why Ultimate Comics: The Ultimates #9 gets five stars.
I consider this issue and the next couple of issues a prequel to the new Ultimate Universe storyline: Divide We Fall. This issue deals with consequences as Nick Fury has involved The People into the war with Reed Richards and The Children of Tomorrow, and the aftermath of the president's decision to launch a nuclear assault at The City. Meanwhile, Thor and Tony deal with their situation.
The ending....man, oh MAN, what an ending. Hickman changes both the story and the Ultimate Universe yet again in the last few pages. The Ultimate Universe have always been known for its unpredictably, and now, it's only a matter of time before the ripples of this issue hits the other Ultimate Comics series (I might have to pick up on Ultimate Comics: X-Men again).
I'm sure Luke Ross will do a great job taking over for Esad Ribic for the artwork in the next issue, but Ribic's artwork for this issue and this series was incredible. Along with the awesome cover artwork by Kaare Andrews, Ribic enhanced Hickman's story with some jaw-dropping moments.
Overall:
If there is one Ultimate Comics series you should be checking out, it's The Ultimates. Do yourself a favor, and pick up on this series. These are the stories that would probably never happen in the mainstream universe which makes it all the more interesting.
