Simply a Master

I bought Ultimate X #2 for one reason and one reason only: Arthur Adams. The legendary artist has never been known for his tremendous output, yet he is so talented that both fans and pros admire his skill. As a matter of fact, it is hard to find an artist working nowadays who doesn't mention Adams as one of his influences and/or favorite artists. Therefore, when the 11 O'Clock Comics guys reviewed the book, I knew I'd have to get it… even if Jeph Loeb wrote it.

It is widely known that I don't consider Loeb the best of writers, yet he keeps working with artists I love and I am then forced to buy his books. He worked with Joe Madureira on Ultimates 3, with Frank Cho on Red Hulk (and, if I'm not mistaken, the upcoming Ultimates 4), and now with Arthur Adams on this book. (And also on Red Hulk for a couple of issues.) So after lamenting my luck, I went ahead and bought the stupid book. Was it worth it?

It was amazing, that's what it was.

The story was actually interesting, mysterious, and well told. There is barely any action scenes to speak of (yay!), and the whole tale develops at a slow, leisurely pace that I really, really enjoyed. And the artwork… To say it was extraordinary would be to say the sun is kinda shiny. Everything Adams draws in this book is simply perfect. He draws people incredibly well: their faces, expressions, body language. Their clothes are so detailed and realistic they almost blew my mind. His backgrounds are out of this world: Karen's bathroom is a work of art; her room is amazing; the mall is rendered so beautifully you will think the place actually exists; and the cars parked outside are incredible. I could go on: the panels are terrific, his sequential storytelling brilliant… He is a master.

As it turns out, Ultimate X is an ongoing bimonthly series by Loeb and Adams, so I guess this means I'll have to add it to my must-buy list, because if issue 2 is any indication, this series is going to be gold. Go buy it!