The first part of this Marvel epic was atmospheric and one of the best comics I had read in awhile. Does the second issue continue the event with greatness or makes it go downhill like what Fear Itself #2 did to that event?

Here’s the official description from Marvel:

For years the heroes of the Marvel Universe have lived in fear that the artificial intelligence known as Ultron would one day evolve to fulfill its desire to wipe out all organic life and take over the Earth — that day has arrived. This massive 10-part Marvel Universe-spanning event is brought to you by Eisner award-winning writer Brian Michael Bendis and comics legend Bryan Hitch.

Somehow this story is making the title robot the most evil thing ever without him actually appearing. The first issue set the stage, having the majority of humans wiped out. The atmospheric approach is prominent here, and it works. Sadly Ultron himself is nowhere to be seen, which is rather strange. It didn’t quite hinder the comic, but I’m expecting some great dialogue from him next time.

Brian Michael Bendis once again captures the destroyed world well. The first part takes place in San Francisco where we follow the Black Widow. It’s a desperate situation, as we see the golden Ultron-bots wiping out any remaining humans. “Submit or perish” they say. (Tagline of the year? I think so.) We’ve read and seen many end-of-the world stories, but never has anything quite captured the dread like Age of Ultron #2. The man that pulls a gun on the Widow demonstrates what happens when it’s all about survival and humility is lost. The second part takes place back in New York. Spider-Man (whom is most definitely Peter Parker) is being ‘interviewed’ by the heroes. He offers some insight of what took place when Ultron arrived. It’s disappointing that we’ll never see in full how the robot took over and made Captain America depressed, so flashbacks like this are welcome.

Bryan Hitch may be my new favorite Marvel artist. The opening imagery of a destroyed San Francisco is captured wonderfully. We’ve seen humans vaporized thousands of times before, but there’s something about these maniac-looking golden robots cutting people in half which makes the reader feel slightly uneasy. The main cover is good, but don’t expect any of that action in the comic. The variants are highly detailed, the first one featuring a hooded Black Widow crouching in front of a ravaged San Francisco. The other one shows Ultron himself with exquisite detail, hopefully he’ll look almost as good in the story. (When he actually appears.)

Overall, the second installment of Age of Ultron further establishes the title villain as the most sinister threat the Marvel universe has ever faced. It’s a very grounded issue. I am expecting some robot action next time however, can’t keep the main reason why a lot of people are reading it under wraps too long.

SUBMIT OR PERISH_

4.5/5

My name is Daniel (@Destroyer_199), the main guy for comic reviews here at Unleash the Fanboy. I was born in 1995 in the Big Apple, spent my formative years in Staten Island, and currently reside in the awesome state that is New Jersey.