- Written by: Deniz Camp
- Art by: Von Randal
- Colors by: Erick Arciniega
- Letters by: VC’s Travis Lanham
- Cover art by: Dike Ruan, Neeraj Menon (cover A)
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: August 13, 2025
The Ultimates #15, by Marvel on 8/13/25, continues the story of the Ultimates’ fight against the Maker’s Council when they follow a rumor about the resurrection of the Immortal Iron Fist after a 10,000 year absence.
First Impressions
My initial reaction to The Ultimates #15 was one of mild disappointment. The art felt a bit rough, and the narrative, while introducing some intriguing lore, didn’t really grip me. It felt more like an interlude than a crucial chapter in the ongoing saga.
Recap
In The Ultimates #14, the Hawkeye and Captain America teamed up to destroy a Roxxon facility, while Emma Frost unleashed two of her best students, Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, to stop the sabotage. In the end, Hawkeye and Cap defeated the superpowered siblings (???), and Emma killed a group of high-powered CEOs who secretly plotted against the Maker’s Council.
Plot Analysis
This issue opens with a flashback, introducing Shen Qi, the “Miraculous” and eighth wielder of the Iron Fist. We see him in the Celestial Tournaments, easily defeating opponents and impressing even the gods with his fluid movements and perfect technique. He then leads the forces of Heaven to victory against endless demon legions in the 8th City, saving the Seven Cities in a brutal battle.
After this terrible war, Shen Qi becomes disgusted with violence. He renounces Heaven, Hell, and the world itself. He finds a remote place in the forests of K’un-Lun, meditates for forty years, and when he opens his eyes, he is surrounded by seekers who have come to learn from him.
Shen Qi begins to walk and speak, teaching about the self and its illusions, the path of self-extinction, and his past lives. He preaches distrust of doctrines, kings, princes, and even gods, suggesting they are all subject to time. He also speaks against violence for entertainment, instead advocating for self-abnegation.
As he travels through the seven cities and between worlds, Shen Qi performs miracles like making barren fields fertile and healing the sick. His followers build monasteries dedicated to his teachings, and people begin to call him a god, even though he never claims to be one. Word of this new, anti-establishment deity eventually reaches the celestial ears of the old gods, who attack Shen Qi and kill him.
10,000 years later, Hank Pym, Iron Lad, She-Hulk, and a new ally, Danny Rand, pursue a rumor that a boy has come forth as the new incarnation of the Iron Fist. But, the Ultimates aren’t the only ones after the boy, leading to a lethal showdown.
Detailed Review
Writing
The writing in The Ultimates #15 is a mixed bag. The world-building around Shen Qi and the Seven Cities is genuinely fascinating and feels well-researched, adding a rich layer of lore to the Marvel universe. However, this deep dive into backstory comes at the expense of plot progression. The issue feels like a standalone tale rather than a continuation of the larger narrative, which can be frustrating for readers invested in the main storyline. The dialogue, while functional, lacks the sharp wit or compelling tension that could elevate the story beyond a simple recounting of past events.
Art
Von Randal’s guest art, colored by Erick Arciniega, presents a noticeable departure from previous issues. The linework is often rough and scratchy, giving the panels a somewhat unpolished appearance. A significant drawback is the frequent lack of detailed backgrounds, which makes many scenes feel empty and deprives the world of its depth. While the character designs are adequate, the overall visual impact is diminished by these technical shortcomings, making it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the story.
Characters
Shen Qi is an interesting addition, and his journey from a powerful warrior to a pacifist philosopher is compelling. The issue spends a good deal of time establishing his backstory and motivations. However, because the entire issue is dedicated to his past, the established Ultimates team members are largely sidelined until the last minute. This makes the issue feel disconnected from the ongoing series, leaving readers wanting more from the characters they’ve been following for the past fourteen issues.
Positives
The world-building for Shen Qi and the Immortal Weapons lore is undeniably the strongest aspect of this issue. The depth of the backstory, tracing Shen Qi’s transformation and the origins of his philosophy, is quite impressive. It creates a rich, unique corner of the Marvel universe. The concept of a warrior renouncing violence and preaching against the very gods he once served is a refreshing take on heroic tropes.
Negatives
The primary negative aspects of this comic stem from its disjointed narrative and rough artwork. The story offers little to no forward momentum on the overarching Ultimates plot, making it feel like a filler episode rather than a crucial chapter. This lack of progression, combined with the often-absent backgrounds and scratchy linework, contributes to a less than satisfying reading experience. The art, while attempting to be dynamic, often sacrifices clarity and detail, leading to panels that feel rushed and unfinished.
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 #15 is an issue that introduces intriguing new lore but struggles to integrate it meaningfully into the main series. While the concept of Shen Qi is compelling and adds depth to the world, the artistic execution and the stagnant plot progression ultimately hold it back. Readers looking for advancements in the Maker storyline will find themselves waiting, while those interested in new world-building might appreciate the backstory, albeit at the cost of the main narrative.
5/10
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