After Ultimate Marvel’s “Death of Spider-Man” I felt that they had to address the impact that such an iconic character’s death would have on his loved one’s and the universe. “Ultimate Fallout” #1 was a needed introspection but also an emotionally satisfying issue. Unfortunately issue #2 doesn’t have near the heart or interest as the first book and comes across as totally unnecessary.

The issue is basically broken down into three segments that focus on Captain America, Thor, and Rogue. Brian Bendis, Jonathan Hickman, and Nick Spencer handle the chapters, none of which stand out as particularly good. Bendis’ Captain America short story is one that could have been told on three pages but instead feels overly drawn out. Hickman’s story of Thor daydreaming during the funeral service is not only pointless but uninteresting. Spencer’s Rogue story feels completely out of the blue while trying to hint at something to come…or is it? The only shred of genuine story progression is found on the final page but it’s nothing we didn’t already know from the first issue.

The art is also done by three different artists all of who deliver subpar work. Not only does the artwork fall short on individual story levels, but also as a cohesive issue. The pencils, the colors, it all looks flat and uninspired. With the exception of the fantastic cover, there’s hardly anything here that’s eye catching or even pleasant to look at.

How this thing is going to stretch out for six issues is beyond me. This issue is a drab, meaningless book that does nothing to make me want to pick up the next one. I don’t want to cry “cash grab” but it’s certainly feeling like one. You may find some enjoyment in the individual stories but for me it was a pretty big waste of time.