I read the first issue of this relaunch and I wasn’t too impressed. As first issues go, it was too dense and required way too much background, defeating the purpose of the Ultimate label. The new direction under Brian Wood with this issue, however, is a solid jumping on point and feels like a fresh start.

The characters, especially Kitty Pryde, are defined very well here. Without reading anything prior, I am able to get caught up on the situation in the US regarding mutants, Sentinels and the political situation. And it doesn’t feel dense or overly complicated. I’m really looking forward to where this story goes.

This is what a great Ultimates comic should be; a re-imagining of standard characters into new situations or re-conceptualized. With Batman 10 out this week, it was a dogfight for PotW but Ultimate Comics Xmen 13 edged it out due to originality and exceeding expectations. Highly recommended.