This is the best issue of Ultimate Avengers Volume 2 so far. Predictably it starts out with a fight between Johnny Blaze and VP Blackthorne. One thing that can be said of Ultimate Avengers is that it has never been short of fight scenes but this fight seems like the natural conclusion of the story arc.

It still features a few problems that have plagued the last five issues however. Characters still appear for panels shouting something badass and leave with no resolution and that is still apparent when Tyrone Cash appears on a flaming motorcycle before disappearing almost as fast as he came without even stopping to say hello to the reader.

However where this issue shines is the ending. Throughout this volume it seems like Millar has done everything he can to make these characters the most unlikeable heroes ever and seemingly trying to make the book the most cynical book being published. However with this issue he manages to bring the emotional payoff that has been sorely lacking and making characters like Punisher, Hawkeye, Johnny Blaze and even Satan not necessarily likeable but interesting, well rounded and believable.

Also the last few pages featuring Punisher bring a nice sense of conclusion to the arc and even make me look more fondly on the earlier issues.

Lenil Yu is still brilliant on art of course. His style is a perfect choice for Millar’s bombastic action writing and he continues to shine here. There are a few panels that sometimes look rough and unfinished but this does not detract from the overall brilliant work.

In conclusion despite my complaints about the series this issue has succeeded in the most vital way. It has got me excited for the next volume.