Story Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils David Finch
Inks Art Thibert
Colors Dave Stewart
Letters Chris Eliopoulos
Cover Dated November 2003
Blockbuster, Part Four of Six
I know the original point of this storyline was to show the Marvel Movie that could never be made. As it stars Wolverine, Daredevil and Spider-Man.
I only own the final three parts, all of which, I plan on reviewing here.
If you want to follow along, here is that handy website with all of Ultimate X-Men issues scanned :
This is Bendis’ first time getting to write Kitty Pryde – not sure if he’s already a huge fan of hers or does that grow from this experience. I imagine he is like me, and is a life long fan of her. Actually, that will be the next issue, as she only appears this issue.
In the previous issues of this storyline – Wolverine makes his way back to New York City. Mercenaries start shooting him. He makes it to Peter Parker’s house. The mercenaries show up there, as well. Spider-Man and Wolverine escape and the mercenaries follow them to Hell’s Kitchen – where Daredevil showed up
This issue opens with Jean Grey having a vision of Wolverine in danger.
Hell’s Kitchen. Wolverine is being shot at with adamantium bullets – a full decade before the Wolverine Origins film.
Daredevil is not happy that all of this is happening in his neighborhood. I believe this is right before or at the beginning of Bendis’ multi-year run on proper Daredevil.
Spider-Man shows up to save Daredevil, which he had the situation well in hand. This escalates to gun fire, which doesn’t thrill Daredevil – at all. I love Ultimate Spider-Man and Daredevil’s . . . chemistry, is the wrong word.
Spider-Man, Daredevil and Wolverine get behind a car, to use it as a shield. Spider-Man makes a Butch and Sundance reference, which no one gets.
I really like Finch getting a chance to draw these characters.
The heroes get away and regroup.
Daredevil wants Spider-Man to stop talking, it is messing with his heighten senses.
Wolverine finally gets the bullets out of his face, so his healing factor can kick in. Spider-Man comments that it gross to see and Daredevil doesn’t know what he is talking about. I don’t believe we get Ultimate Daredevil’s origins here, so I like how he is played for the mysterious new character but if you know who he is, that works as well. Bendis really knew how to write these Ultimate titles.
As far as I can remember, his origin is essentially the same. I do like how Spider-Man and Daredevil are not the same age and how that changes their relationship.
Spider-Man has all of these questions. Daredevil wants him to stop talking so he can hear the mercenaries. Wolverine is healed and can start participating in the discussion.
Spider-Man wants to know why Wolverine can’t just call the X-Men. Daredevil doesn’t recognize him from the X-Men. Spider-Man tells him that Wolverine is the hairy one. Everyone really comes off well here.
Spider-Man is amazed that Daredevil can hear the whispers of the mercenaries. He could hear them better, if Spider-Man wasn’t shouting. Which he isn’t, which makes me think Daredevil is still new to his abilities.
Daredevil knows the female leader is on the roof. Wolverine has Spider-Man take him up there.
There is an ad for Amazing Spider-Man 500, to give you an idea how long ago, ten years is.
Wolverine confronts her, she tells him she is his wife. She gets away as he is stunned by this information. She then starts telling him that she is his mother, next, cousin and finally, sister. She is just screwing with him.
Daredevil tells the other two that a woman has been shot because of this nonsense.
Spider-Man keeps asking why Wolverine won’t call the X-Men.
We get this great page explanation. Wolverine remembers nothing prior to the metal claws. He knows he isn’t a good man, from even before the procedure. Once he met Xavier, he doesn’t want to tarnish Xavier or his school.
My favorite part is when Wolverine explains how he feels responsible to fix the situation. He asks if Spider-Man can understand that. Spider-Man’s ‘kinda’ reveals so much with where Peter’s head is.
As Wolverine is about to pass out, Spider-Man wants him to promise not to get mad.
Why?
Because Spider-Man called the X-Men, as the issue ends with the X-Men showing up!
I know that artist got away from this but I do like how Kitty is easily recognizable with how she has freckles and brown hair.
So the next issue should be pretty awesome!
I don’t remember the trade for this at all!
Not to get all Kelly Thompson here, but who designed the X-Ladies’ uniforms? Had to be Xavier, right? He gave the guys full body outfits but the gals have to go running around, revealing their midriffs to anyone with eyes. It isn’t great.
At least Storm has the good sense to put a jacket on.
Back cover ad is for Apple Jacks, a cereal I keep meaning to try again. The ad is for a box with nothing but red Jacks, if you found it, you would have gotten some sweet money! My problem has always been, how do you know who won these things? They never tell you that. Are the winners listed somewhere?
