The Ultimates #2 avoided the sophomore slump that dogs many series’ second issues. Indeed, it is a more powerful book than the premiere, spinning two stories. Simultaneously, it draws upon the rich history of the original Marvel Universe, and establishes the new Ultimate Universe.
Written by Deniz Camp, with art by Juan Frigeri, the action of The Ultimates #2 is split between two stories. In one, using a holodeck, Captain America learns the history of the Ultimate Universe that he missed. In the other, Steve Rogers leads a raid on The White House, to “save America.”
Opening references infamous The Ultimates moment
The opening scene has a poignant moment, where Captain America assures a family of tourists that he and his friends are heroes. A little girl asks what the letter on his head stands for. While this is meant to reflect that America no longer exists in any form in the Ultimate Universe, it is also a nod to one of the most infamous moments from the original The Ultimates.
In that series, a villain ordered Captain America to surrender. He angrily retorted that the “A” on his head did not stand for France. This line was mocked by many, as this stereotype was popularized long after World War II. More, most believed it was as antithetical to the the ideals of Captain America as it was anachronistic. Indeed, Ed Brubaker included a scene in his Captain America run afterward, where Steve Rogers praised the bravery of the French Resistance, noting that their government may have surrendered, but the people did not.
The Ultimates Midas merges two Marvel villains
The Ultimates #2 reveals that The White House is now private property, owned by a man called Midas. There are three Marvel villains who used the Midas name, and the Ultimate Universe version seems to merge two of them together. One was a corrupt billionaire, Mordecai Midas, who sought to seize control of Iron Man’s companies. The other, who was formerly known as Cosmic Man, was the nemesis of Marvel Boy.
Both villains gained a “golden touch” power, but the Cosmic Man Midas also owned a set of Golden Iron Man armor. The Ultimates Midas wears the same armor, but is established as a rival of this world’s Iron Man, Howard Stark. However, he is also revealed to have gained his powers through exposure to cosmic rays, like the original Doctor Midas.
The Ultimates and Secret Empire
The battle with Midas evokes imagery from Captain America #175. The final issue of the classic Secret Empire story, this comic found Steve Rogers pursuing the mysterious mastermind called Number One into The White House. While the art and text did not identify Number One, he was intended to be Richard Nixon, and the story a secret commentary on the Watergate Scandal.
The Ultimates version of Midas is similarly unidentified and his face remains hidden throughout. However, there are several lines of dialogue that suggest he might be this Earth’s version of Donald Trump. Chief among these are references to his being a master of the art of the deal, a businessman, and always winning.
The fight to save America Chavez in The Ultimates
The final twist of The Ultimates #2 is that the mission to save America is not metaphorical, despite Steve Rogers viewing Midas as the embodiment of America’s corruption. The source of Midas’ cosmic power is revealed to be America Chavez. The hero was trapped in The White House basement, exploited by Midas to pad his pockets and empower himself.
This revelation raises another nod to the original Ultimates series, when the young Tony Stark asks Steve Rogers for his verdict on the 21st century. This references President George W. Bush asking Captain America the same question. That version of Steve Rogers replied “Cool, Mister President. Definitely cool.” The new Cap has a decidedly more negative reaction, with his comforting words to America Chavez acting as his answer.
The Ultimates #2 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
