- Written by: Deniz Camp
- Art by: Juan Frigeri
- Colors by: Federico Blee
- Letters by: VC’s Travis Lanham
- Cover art by: Dike Ruan, Neeraj Menon (cover A)
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: July 30, 2025
The Ultimates #14, by Marvel on 7/30/25, sends Cap and Hawkeye on a mission to destroy a Roxxon pipeline, not realizing the heads of the world’s most powerful corporations have hired the deadly headmistress of a school to stop them.
First Impressions
This comic felt like a wild ride, but not always in a good way. The art is definitely a high point, making every panel pop, yet the story stumbles, leaving you scratching your head at the fight scenes.
Recap
In The Ultimates #13, Tony Stark, now operating as Iron Lad, re-evaluated his strategy for fighting the Maker’s Council. He moved away from simply restoring powers to would-be heroes and instead focused on building a widespread revolutionary movement, empowering ordinary citizens to fight back. Working with allies like Luke Cage, Iron Lad aimed to educate and train people, believing that a broader, more informed uprising was the key to defeating the Maker before his anticipated return. This shift in tactics marked a new, more grassroots approach for the Ultimates.
Plot Analysis
The Ultimates #14 kicks off with Captain America and Hawkeye walking straight into a trap at a Roxxon facility. Hawkeye, ever the eager one, ignores Cap’s warnings and rushes into a timed bet to shut down a pipeline junction within twenty minutes. Meanwhile, the big shot corporate villains like Rex Bonhurst, Justine Hammer, and Oubliette Midas are having a meeting, grumbling about how the Ultimates have been messing with their money and operations. They decide to bring in a powerful new “vendor” to deal with the hero problem, a dangerous person known for completely silencing any opposition – Emma Frost.
As Cap and Hawkeye struggle with Roxxon’s security, the action Emma’s introduction to the collective of CEOs as she narrates a surprise for the group on behalf of their mutual benefactor, the Black King. Emma enters everyone’s minds to give them a remote view of the Roxxon pipeline under attack. Cap and Hawkeye believe they won the fight easily, but the victory is interrupted by the arrival of Emma’s top student, Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. This confrontation quickly escalates, leading to a tense standoff where Emma showcases her impressive powers, to direct the fight and maintain a “web conference call” for all interested parties.
Back at the Roxxon facility, the two super strong villains immediately turn the tide, making Captain America and Hawkeye look like total amateurs. The fight becomes incredibly one sided as Wanda uses her magic to make frustrate Hawkeye, while Pietro runs circles around Cap, literally.
The issue ends with the Ultimates clearly defeated and outmatched by the sheer power of Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. But in a head scratching maneuver, Cap knocks out Scarlet Witch, and Hawkeye incapacitates Quicksilver with a well-aimed arrow. Before the board meeting concludes, Emma kills all the CEOs, save one, because they were mentally planning to betray the Black King, and the Ultimates have tow superpowered prisoners.
Detailed Review
Story
The story of The Ultimates #14 is a bit of a mixed bag. The core idea of the corporate baddies hiring super-powered villains to take down the heroes is solid, but the execution falls flat. The build-up to the big fight feels rushed, and the heroes’ decision-making is questionable, especially Hawkeye’s cocky dive into a clear trap. The pacing shifts jarringly between the main fight and Emma Frost’s subplot, which, while interesting, feels disconnected from the main action until later revelations. The overall narrative lacks the punch it aims for, leaving readers feeling apathetic to the heroes’ struggle.
Art
Juan Frigeri’s artwork in this issue is absolutely fantastic, saving it from being a total dud. The characters are drawn with incredible detail, and the action sequences, despite the poor choreography, look dynamic and visually exciting. Federico Blee’s colors are vibrant and set the mood perfectly, whether it’s the gritty corporate setting or the glowing powers of the Scarlet Witch. Every panel is gorgeous, making the powerful characters truly stand out.
Characters
Captain America and Hawkeye are unfortunately portrayed as almost comically outmatched and, at times, incompetent. Hawkeye’s overconfidence and Cap’s inability to stop him lead them directly into a situation they can’t handle. Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver are suitably menacing, showcasing their formidable powers, but they don’t get much depth beyond being powerful threats. The true standout is Emma Frost; her few pages are captivating, as she coolly handles Pietro’s aggression and demonstrates her mental prowess, shining brighter than the main heroes.
Positives
The comic’s art is undeniably its strongest asset, with Juan Frigeri and Federico Blee delivering stunning visuals that make every page a treat, from the detailed character designs to the explosive power displays. Emma Frost’s brief but impactful appearance is another highlight, as she exudes confidence and control, making her moments truly memorable and providing a much-needed spark to the issue. The introduction of Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver as overwhelming threats sets a high bar for future conflicts.
Negatives
The primary flaw of this issue is its poorly choreographed and nonsensical main fight, where Captain America and Hawkeye are easily defeated by Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver in a way that feels unearned and anticlimactic. The heroes’ tactics are questionable, making them seem foolish, and the power imbalance is so stark it drains any real tension from the conflict. The disjointed narrative, jumping between the main fight and Emma Frost’s subplot without seamless transitions, further weakens the story’s flow. Additionally, the corporate villains, while serving their purpose, lack significant development, remaining largely one-dimensional despite their power.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
Follow @ComicalOpinions on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Final Thoughts
The Ultimates #14 tries to deliver a big action spectacle but trips over its own feet. While the art is top-notch and Emma Frost steals the show, the main battle is a clunky mess that makes our heroes look silly. It’s a pretty average comic, saved only by its good looks and one character’s shining moment.
5.5/10
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