The Ultimates: Homeland Security (1.2)

Homeland Security opens up just where Super Human ended and it also concludes this run of the series.  As I began reading the second book I was reminded of how this series are darker and covers more mature themes than a normal Avengers book would and in my opinion they aren’t really suitable for younger readers.

Ok, now that the disclaimer is out of the way, let’s get to the difference between books.  Even though this book concludes the story of the previous Ultimates book, there are significant differences.  For instance, the problems the Ultimates face in the first book are problems that they brought about themselves.  In Homeland Security, there are significant outside forces to deal with, forces of an extra-terrestrial nature.

Another significant difference is the cast.  The core five were established in the last book but that changes as Giant Man’s actions from the previous book significantly reduced his role in Homeland Security and added to the team are Black Widow, Hawkeye, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch — the last two are only bit players though.  In an homage to The Matrix Hawkeye and the Black Widow make their entrance in black trench coats carrying black duffel bags filled with weapons and deal some serious damage to some unsuspecting aliens.  Both Black Widow and Hawkeye play important roles in the final battle of the series.

The core team have had big changes as well.  Captain America gets a reminder of how out of touch he is with modern social norms, the Wasp has her own private struggles after having it out with her husband.  Tony Stark admits uncertainty in his self-imposed crusade and in a moment of weakness expresses self-doubt which is out of character for him.  Dr Banner is remorseful for his recent actions and scared about his future yet still has the ability to let his guard down and laugh when visited by Betty Ross. All these changes show one thing, our ‘Super Human’ team is all to human.

The biggest change between the two books is probably the amount of combat in Homeland Security.  You will not go more than four pages in between fights and some of them are just epic.  The main battle at the end of the book is chaotic and frantic just like a real battle would be.

The main question I have to answer is, does the second book live up to the first Ultimates book?  The answer is yes.  The payoff of Homeland Security is worth the slower pace of the first book and it resolves almost all of the important storylines but still leaves us with a couple of more personal issues that leave us wanting more.  All in all I thoroughly enjoyed both Ultimates books and recommend them to anyone that likes a more realistic and slightly darker super-hero read.