Ultimate Avengers 2 is a pragmatic, invigorating continuance that creatively builds on the foundation of the adventures of The Ultimate Avengers. Ultimate Avengers 2 takes a real world approach to the world of comics and the use of its characters, returning all of the original actors who voiced the first film - Justin Gross (Captain America), Grey DeLisle (Wasp), Michael Masse (Bruce Banner), Olivia D’Abo (Black Widow), Marc Worden (Iron Man), Nan McNamara (Betty Ross), Nolan North (Giant Man), Andre Ware (Nick Fury), David Boat (Thor), Fred Tatascoire (Hulk), and Jim Ward (Herr Kleiser).
Debuting in the latter half of 2006, this film is based on The Ultimates, the same ground-breaking comic as the prior incarnation, created for Marvel Comics by Mark Milar (writer) and Bryan Hitch (pencils). The Ultimates were originally designed to be an anti-terrorist unit, and were developed with three reasons in mind. First, to re-introduce fans to the classic characters of the Avengers and to attract a new base of fans. Second and more specifically, it was intended to attract the fans who didn’t necessarily follow the history of the characters or who didn’t follow the canon of comics. And finally, the Utimates were designed to attract the audience who followed the films and not necessarily the hardcore comics fans. Essentially, it was an update of the characters in an attempt to draw a new younger fan base.
Ultimate Avengers 2 is a hard-nosed tale of redemption and penance, filled with violence and sacrifice. Resuming immediately where the first film ended, it shows the aftermath in the life of each of characters. As we don't have to spend time on introductions the movie is able to dive deeper into the background of each of the Avengers, giving us a small glimpse at the demons that haunt each of the heroes. Banner’s guilt, Giant man’s ego, the Wasp's marital concerns, Iron Man's heart, and Captain America’s isolation/past just to name a few. The characters in the story face real life problems and make real world choices.
Ultimate Avengers 2 further develops the story introduced in the first film, however there is a more serious tone in this sequel. We are introduced to some new characters, including T’Chala a.k.a the Black Panther, and it is in his homeland, Wakanda, where the story takes place.
Ultimate Avengers 2 is a near perfect animated film. It’s a great narrative that becomes a showcase for the modern state of comic books and the usage of the characters who reside in their pages. This is a film with universal appeal that will compel movie lovers to take a vested interest in the story. A must see for any animation fan, as well as anyone who has any interest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the live-action Avengers movies.
Previously
Ultimate Avengers
Planet Hulk
Thor: Tales of Asgard
Da’Mon Guy is a writer and artist. He’s a graduate of Coppin State University and an avid, life-long lover of film. Da'Mon has been actively writing movie reviews since 2011, for a number of publications. Check out more of his work at Examiner.com, where he has published over 400 reviews. Visit his Blog and follow him on Twitter.
