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Ultimate Galactus Trilogy #3
Ultimate Galactus, Volume 3: Extinction
It's time for the coming of Gah Lak Tus! And his arrival could mean the end of all life on this planet! Not even the power of S.H.I.E.L.D or the brilliance of Fantastic Four leader Reed Richards seems able to stop its inexorable march to Earth. What role do the Ultimate X-Men have in this drama? And who on Earth is Misty Knight and how does she know the fate of our world may rest with - Ultimate Silver Surfer?
Collecting: Ultimate Extinction 1-5
Collecting: Ultimate Extinction 1-5
120 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2006
6 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Warren Ellis
1,959 books5,766 followersWarren Ellis is the award-winning writer of graphic novels like TRANSMETROPOLITAN, FELL, MINISTRY OF SPACE and PLANETARY, and the author of the NYT-bestselling GUN MACHINE and the “underground classic” novel CROOKED LITTLE VEIN, as well as the digital short-story single DEAD PIG COLLECTOR. His newest book is the novella NORMAL, from FSG Originals, listed as one of Amazon’s Best 100 Books Of 2016.
The movie RED is based on his graphic novel of the same name, its sequel having been released in summer 2013. IRON MAN 3 is based on his Marvel Comics graphic novel IRON MAN: EXTREMIS. He is currently developing his graphic novel sequence with Jason Howard, TREES, for television, in concert with HardySonBaker and NBCU, and continues to work as a screenwriter and producer in film and television, represented by Angela Cheng Caplan and Cheng Caplan Company. He is the creator, writer and co-producer of the Netflix series CASTLEVANIA, recently renewed for its third season, and of the recently-announced Netflix series HEAVEN’S FOREST.
He’s written extensively for VICE, WIRED UK and Reuters on technological and cultural matters, and given keynote speeches and lectures at events like dConstruct, ThingsCon, Improving Reality, SxSW, How The Light Gets In, Haunted Machines and Cognitive Cities.
Warren Ellis has recently developed and curated the revival of the Wildstorm creative library for DC Entertainment with the series THE WILD STORM, and is currently working on the serialising of new graphic novel works TREES: THREE FATES and INJECTION at Image Comics, and the serialised graphic novel THE BATMAN’S GRAVE for DC Comics, while working as a Consulting Producer on another television series.
A documentary about his work, CAPTURED GHOSTS, was released in 2012.
Recognitions include the NUIG Literary and Debating Society’s President’s Medal for service to freedom of speech, the EAGLE AWARDS Roll Of Honour for lifetime achievement in the field of comics & graphic novels, the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire 2010, the Sidewise Award for Alternate History and the International Horror Guild Award for illustrated narrative. He is a Patron of Humanists UK. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex.
Warren Ellis lives outside London, on the south-east coast of England, in case he needs to make a quick getaway.
The movie RED is based on his graphic novel of the same name, its sequel having been released in summer 2013. IRON MAN 3 is based on his Marvel Comics graphic novel IRON MAN: EXTREMIS. He is currently developing his graphic novel sequence with Jason Howard, TREES, for television, in concert with HardySonBaker and NBCU, and continues to work as a screenwriter and producer in film and television, represented by Angela Cheng Caplan and Cheng Caplan Company. He is the creator, writer and co-producer of the Netflix series CASTLEVANIA, recently renewed for its third season, and of the recently-announced Netflix series HEAVEN’S FOREST.
He’s written extensively for VICE, WIRED UK and Reuters on technological and cultural matters, and given keynote speeches and lectures at events like dConstruct, ThingsCon, Improving Reality, SxSW, How The Light Gets In, Haunted Machines and Cognitive Cities.
Warren Ellis has recently developed and curated the revival of the Wildstorm creative library for DC Entertainment with the series THE WILD STORM, and is currently working on the serialising of new graphic novel works TREES: THREE FATES and INJECTION at Image Comics, and the serialised graphic novel THE BATMAN’S GRAVE for DC Comics, while working as a Consulting Producer on another television series.
A documentary about his work, CAPTURED GHOSTS, was released in 2012.
Recognitions include the NUIG Literary and Debating Society’s President’s Medal for service to freedom of speech, the EAGLE AWARDS Roll Of Honour for lifetime achievement in the field of comics & graphic novels, the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire 2010, the Sidewise Award for Alternate History and the International Horror Guild Award for illustrated narrative. He is a Patron of Humanists UK. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex.
Warren Ellis lives outside London, on the south-east coast of England, in case he needs to make a quick getaway.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 22, 2017
It’s over. The Ultimate Galactus story line is a huge buildup to a great big yawn. The only thing that saved this volume from a worse rating was the amazing artwork by Brandon Peterson. Truly stunning stuff at times.
April 8, 2020
Daaaaaaamn son!
This was badass af. I loved it.
Without spoikers; this is hollywood material. This whole thing would play so well on a big screen. It’s so well constructed.
Brandon Peterson’s art is perfect. Warren Ellis tells a compelling sci fi thriller and he uses all of the toys in the toy box very effectively. Most characters get their chance to shine. Nick Fury, Reed Richards and Professor X are on point. This is the best Ultimate stuff I’ve read so far.
I even found myself not missing traditional Galactus/Silver Surfer as much as I thought. I’m not gonna say this new Gah Lak Tus is better... but it’s definitely a bit scarier.
The way this resolved was cool, and the last few lines provides some exciting closure, while still promising more awesomeness.
Great read!
This was badass af. I loved it.
Without spoikers; this is hollywood material. This whole thing would play so well on a big screen. It’s so well constructed.
Brandon Peterson’s art is perfect. Warren Ellis tells a compelling sci fi thriller and he uses all of the toys in the toy box very effectively. Most characters get their chance to shine. Nick Fury, Reed Richards and Professor X are on point. This is the best Ultimate stuff I’ve read so far.
I even found myself not missing traditional Galactus/Silver Surfer as much as I thought. I’m not gonna say this new Gah Lak Tus is better... but it’s definitely a bit scarier.
The way this resolved was cool, and the last few lines provides some exciting closure, while still promising more awesomeness.
Great read!
August 10, 2016
The Ultimate's Universe has many subtle, and some not-so-subtle, differences with the normal Marvel universe. Warren Ellis has been penning this tale of Extinction for three volumes. The first two I enjoyed immensely, this third one not so much.
While the other two steadily built up tension with the coming of the entity known as Gah Lak Tus, it seems the final volume with the actual coming turned out to be slightly underwhelming. Warren Ellis tried to take too many strange subplots, throw them all together and not realize that he didn't need the complexity as the Ultimate's "Take" on the Galactus story could have served just as well as the basis for his tale. Instead, at least in my opinion, there were quite a few players in what became a space opera situated here on Earth. Sound confusing? This Volume channels that feeling well.
After all the buildup- this volume starts with Misty Knight investigating some cult leader who is leading people astray. We also have Fury co-opting Reed Richards to work with him. Meanwhile all the intelligence gathered from Captain Marh Vell coupled with what SHIELD has from the Kree Empire has them forming a picture of the world devourer Gah Lak Tus. Ellis' take on Galactus was to turn him into a vast linked machine-intelligence that used a hive-mind to control its swarm of energy devouring robots. It turns out that Misty's "guru" is the Silver Surfer, though since it's the Ultimates Universe it isn't. It seems the Galactus swarm sent heralds, several of them, and they all look like the Silver Surfer. These beings were viewed as Angels made manifest by the gullible and the heralds were in the process of talking their followers into committing suicide. Apparently these heralds thought that they would be able to convert enough people to make a difference, but that defies some logic. Meanwhile a large group of men and women who resemble MoonDragon decide to attack SHIELD. Um, yes you read that correctly. So these 3 score Moon-Dragon clones, who wish to usher in the coming of Galactus, charge SHIELD. Misty Knight yells at Captain America and shows him her metal arm. Richards uses SHIELD money and builds a super weapon. Dr. Xavier and Jean Gray attempt to contact the entity and finds that it holds biological life in revulsion. Misty and the Ultimates at various point battle everything from Silver Surfer to the Moon-Dragon look-a-likes. They almost get overwhelmed but the X-Men show up. Richard's fires his mega-weapon and incinerates 20% of the swarm. Gah-Lak-Tus decides enough is enough and warps away from our solar system.
Well, okay then. As I said almost all the subplots and characters seemed to leave little in the actual match up with Gah Lak Tus. It was almost as if for three volumes we hear -The End is coming. The End is Coming. The...oh wait...uhmmm...the End is a swarm. It doesn't like biologicals. It has sent silver heralds to convince us to join cults and commit suicide. This massive swarm loses 20% of it's mass. Does 180 and flees system. There you have it.
All things considered I would still say this is a good volume. Perhaps the letdown on the "epic dust-up" with Galactus turning out to be not much of anything feels like a let down. I didn't mind the different take on Galactus and his heralds. The artwork was good and the overall story taken as a whole is quite good (Vol 1-3). But, at least for me, this volume never compared to the overall satisfaction I derived from the first two volumes.
While the other two steadily built up tension with the coming of the entity known as Gah Lak Tus, it seems the final volume with the actual coming turned out to be slightly underwhelming. Warren Ellis tried to take too many strange subplots, throw them all together and not realize that he didn't need the complexity as the Ultimate's "Take" on the Galactus story could have served just as well as the basis for his tale. Instead, at least in my opinion, there were quite a few players in what became a space opera situated here on Earth. Sound confusing? This Volume channels that feeling well.
After all the buildup- this volume starts with Misty Knight investigating some cult leader who is leading people astray. We also have Fury co-opting Reed Richards to work with him. Meanwhile all the intelligence gathered from Captain Marh Vell coupled with what SHIELD has from the Kree Empire has them forming a picture of the world devourer Gah Lak Tus. Ellis' take on Galactus was to turn him into a vast linked machine-intelligence that used a hive-mind to control its swarm of energy devouring robots. It turns out that Misty's "guru" is the Silver Surfer, though since it's the Ultimates Universe it isn't. It seems the Galactus swarm sent heralds, several of them, and they all look like the Silver Surfer. These beings were viewed as Angels made manifest by the gullible and the heralds were in the process of talking their followers into committing suicide. Apparently these heralds thought that they would be able to convert enough people to make a difference, but that defies some logic. Meanwhile a large group of men and women who resemble MoonDragon decide to attack SHIELD. Um, yes you read that correctly. So these 3 score Moon-Dragon clones, who wish to usher in the coming of Galactus, charge SHIELD. Misty Knight yells at Captain America and shows him her metal arm. Richards uses SHIELD money and builds a super weapon. Dr. Xavier and Jean Gray attempt to contact the entity and finds that it holds biological life in revulsion. Misty and the Ultimates at various point battle everything from Silver Surfer to the Moon-Dragon look-a-likes. They almost get overwhelmed but the X-Men show up. Richard's fires his mega-weapon and incinerates 20% of the swarm. Gah-Lak-Tus decides enough is enough and warps away from our solar system.
Well, okay then. As I said almost all the subplots and characters seemed to leave little in the actual match up with Gah Lak Tus. It was almost as if for three volumes we hear -The End is coming. The End is Coming. The...oh wait...uhmmm...the End is a swarm. It doesn't like biologicals. It has sent silver heralds to convince us to join cults and commit suicide. This massive swarm loses 20% of it's mass. Does 180 and flees system. There you have it.
All things considered I would still say this is a good volume. Perhaps the letdown on the "epic dust-up" with Galactus turning out to be not much of anything feels like a let down. I didn't mind the different take on Galactus and his heralds. The artwork was good and the overall story taken as a whole is quite good (Vol 1-3). But, at least for me, this volume never compared to the overall satisfaction I derived from the first two volumes.
February 3, 2024
This volume is 120 pages and collects Ultimate Extinction issues 1-5 and wraps up the Ultimate Galactus Trilogy. This was a fantastic take on Galactus in my opinion. I love alternate universe stories like this and the changes they make to established characters. Some people don’t understand that concept apparently. I highly recommend this one!
December 1, 2024
"I tell you Cap. All this made you think there might not be a God.
You know what all this makes me wonder?
I'm wondering that when I get up to them pearly gates...is God gonna put up a fight, or just move over and let me sit down?"
You know what all this makes me wonder?
I'm wondering that when I get up to them pearly gates...is God gonna put up a fight, or just move over and let me sit down?"
April 11, 2023
This volume has a pretty good beginning, the looming threat of Gah Lak Tus is very lovecraftian and the character's reactions are pretty neat, specially Cap doubting his faith at the face of ultimate doom.
As the thing progresses, though, it all goes to shit. The plot develops two different solutions for how to defeat the threat (both of them very interesting yet, one is definitely better developed) and at the end they pretend both of these always worked together? way too confusing. Halfway through the story, some plot points and even an entire character is forgotten. All of this gets worse by the final issue, in which everything is just violently rushed to the finishing line.
So what happen? Some readers noticed that the covers indicated this story was set to have 6 issues rather than the 5 we got, so it's safe to assume Ellis had to compress what he originally envisioned for this conclusion to his Gah Lak Tus arc. It's a shame because, while it was a bumpy ride to get to this, it was still pretty enjoyable.
The one thing I can't really forgive is how Ellis writes Cap and Fury in this particular volume, the first comes across as a conservative bully desperate to prove to himself of his faith (despite the idea of putting him through an arc like this is a brilliant idea) and the later is just as careless asshole that speaks like an edgy teenager.
As the thing progresses, though, it all goes to shit. The plot develops two different solutions for how to defeat the threat (both of them very interesting yet, one is definitely better developed) and at the end they pretend both of these always worked together? way too confusing. Halfway through the story, some plot points and even an entire character is forgotten. All of this gets worse by the final issue, in which everything is just violently rushed to the finishing line.
So what happen? Some readers noticed that the covers indicated this story was set to have 6 issues rather than the 5 we got, so it's safe to assume Ellis had to compress what he originally envisioned for this conclusion to his Gah Lak Tus arc. It's a shame because, while it was a bumpy ride to get to this, it was still pretty enjoyable.
The one thing I can't really forgive is how Ellis writes Cap and Fury in this particular volume, the first comes across as a conservative bully desperate to prove to himself of his faith (despite the idea of putting him through an arc like this is a brilliant idea) and the later is just as careless asshole that speaks like an edgy teenager.
November 19, 2013
Although a really good series, I personally have a soft spot for the original Galactus, whose revenge on his compassionate herald The Silver Surfer ranks as one of the all time great Marvel storylines, the Ultimate version of Silver Surfer basically stinks.
October 13, 2020
Title: Ultimate Galactus Vol. 3: Extinction
Author: Warren Ellis
Illustrator(s): Brandon Peterson
Issues: 1-5
Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis: It's time for the coming of Gah Lak Tus! And his arrival could mean the end of all life on this planet! Not even the power of S.H.I.E.L.D or the brilliance of Fantastic Four leader Reed Richards seems able to stop its inexorable march to Earth. What role do the Ultimate X-Men have in this drama? And who on Earth is Misty Knight and how does she know the fate of our world may rest with - Ultimate Silver Surfer? Collecting: Ultimate Extinction 1-5
Favourite character: Misty Knight
Least favourite character: Nick Fury probably
Mini-review: I thought this was okay. I wished that the actual Silver Surfer had been included and not just his evil doppelgangers, but it is what it is. At least he'll be in future issues of Ultimate Fantastic Four. I liked Misty Knight, and I wasn't expecting her to be in this so that was a fun surprise. I'm glad that Black Widow wasn't in it and Iron Man was barely there, but I do wish that they had included a few more X-Men because I love my mutant children.
Fan Cast:
Falcon/Sam Wilson - Anthony Mackie
Misty Knight - Yaya DaCosta
Nick Fury - Samuel L. Jackson
Mister Fantastic/Reed Richards - Ryan Potter
Invisible Woman/Sue Storm - Grace Victoria Cox
Captain America/Steve Rogers - Chris Evans
Professor X/Charles Xavier - Giancarlo Esposito
Marvel Girl/Jean Grey - Annalise Basso
Moondragon/Heather Douglas - Kristen Stewart
Captain Marvel/Mahr Vehl/Philip Lawson - Jonathan Bennett
Iron Man/Tony Stark - Robert Downey Jr.
Vision - Stefanie Martini
Captain Jeanne DeWolfe - Sharon Leal
Carol Danvers - Brie Larson
Storm/Ororo Munroe - Ryan Destiny
Colossus/Piotr Rasputin - Robbie Amell
Wolverine/James "Logan" Howlett - Jai Courtney
Cyclops/Scott Summers - Zachary Gordon
Author: Warren Ellis
Illustrator(s): Brandon Peterson
Issues: 1-5
Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis: It's time for the coming of Gah Lak Tus! And his arrival could mean the end of all life on this planet! Not even the power of S.H.I.E.L.D or the brilliance of Fantastic Four leader Reed Richards seems able to stop its inexorable march to Earth. What role do the Ultimate X-Men have in this drama? And who on Earth is Misty Knight and how does she know the fate of our world may rest with - Ultimate Silver Surfer? Collecting: Ultimate Extinction 1-5
Favourite character: Misty Knight
Least favourite character: Nick Fury probably
Mini-review: I thought this was okay. I wished that the actual Silver Surfer had been included and not just his evil doppelgangers, but it is what it is. At least he'll be in future issues of Ultimate Fantastic Four. I liked Misty Knight, and I wasn't expecting her to be in this so that was a fun surprise. I'm glad that Black Widow wasn't in it and Iron Man was barely there, but I do wish that they had included a few more X-Men because I love my mutant children.
Fan Cast:
Falcon/Sam Wilson - Anthony Mackie
Misty Knight - Yaya DaCosta
Nick Fury - Samuel L. Jackson
Mister Fantastic/Reed Richards - Ryan Potter
Invisible Woman/Sue Storm - Grace Victoria Cox
Captain America/Steve Rogers - Chris Evans
Professor X/Charles Xavier - Giancarlo Esposito
Marvel Girl/Jean Grey - Annalise Basso
Moondragon/Heather Douglas - Kristen Stewart
Captain Marvel/Mahr Vehl/Philip Lawson - Jonathan Bennett
Iron Man/Tony Stark - Robert Downey Jr.
Vision - Stefanie Martini
Captain Jeanne DeWolfe - Sharon Leal
Carol Danvers - Brie Larson
Storm/Ororo Munroe - Ryan Destiny
Colossus/Piotr Rasputin - Robbie Amell
Wolverine/James "Logan" Howlett - Jai Courtney
Cyclops/Scott Summers - Zachary Gordon
September 24, 2018
The first issue has the heroes come together to see a 3D animation of just how Galactus destroys the world. Weren't they on a tight shedule? They have time for a movie now? The artist hasn't learned how to draw shadows without using a score of parallel lines that ruin the rest of his effort. It looks like when you stand too close to an old color TV set and start to see the pixels. The effect is similar to using a 640x480 resolution on a modern LCD screen. Damn annoying. Then again, his Silver Surfer and the explosions are pretty cool. The ending is impressive, but there are too many things that prevent a higher rating from me.
How is Misty Knight in this? She is an ex-cop gone into the private investigation field. Her latest case has her investigating a cult leader who turns out to be silver-skinned and who has wings. He gets shot at by a bald woman sniper who gives Misty the slip.
Galactus is really an army of robots - a hive mind - that are getting closer to Earth. Charles Xavier is tasked with amplifying Cerebro to attempt to contact Galactus's army. Reed Richards is reluctantly working on a destructive weapon as a last resort.
How is Misty Knight in this? She is an ex-cop gone into the private investigation field. Her latest case has her investigating a cult leader who turns out to be silver-skinned and who has wings. He gets shot at by a bald woman sniper who gives Misty the slip.
Galactus is really an army of robots - a hive mind - that are getting closer to Earth. Charles Xavier is tasked with amplifying Cerebro to attempt to contact Galactus's army. Reed Richards is reluctantly working on a destructive weapon as a last resort.
September 1, 2012
It gets a little rushed at the end, which is a shame. I think this could have used even more time, but then people would be griping about it being too long winded (like the rest of the ultimate stuff.) Face it, this isn't the 60s anymore and people need character depth and complex interaction to be entertained.
Back to this particular volume- It had me glued to see what would happen. I liked the Silver Surfer and the cult subplot, but it could have been a little more explored (again, a longer run would have worked well) as well as the weird cult of bald clones. Maybe we will see more from both, so I will reserve my judgement on that loose end until I've finished the whole Ultimate Run.
Looking at this Galactus Trilogy as a whole, you have to see clearly why Marvel wanted to reacquire the film rights for Galactus/Silver Surfer. An incarnation of this story could have made a really amazing and personal Avengers sequel. It's a shame we will never see it... all I can hope is that I'll live to see the day when the MCU includes ALL of Marvel's comic characters.
Back to this particular volume- It had me glued to see what would happen. I liked the Silver Surfer and the cult subplot, but it could have been a little more explored (again, a longer run would have worked well) as well as the weird cult of bald clones. Maybe we will see more from both, so I will reserve my judgement on that loose end until I've finished the whole Ultimate Run.
Looking at this Galactus Trilogy as a whole, you have to see clearly why Marvel wanted to reacquire the film rights for Galactus/Silver Surfer. An incarnation of this story could have made a really amazing and personal Avengers sequel. It's a shame we will never see it... all I can hope is that I'll live to see the day when the MCU includes ALL of Marvel's comic characters.
July 11, 2013
Surely the best of the set with a more compelling story than the others and a nice rollup of various elements from the series to date.
April 7, 2014
A satisfying end to the series. Warren Ellis' take on Galactus is every bit as tech-savvy and breathtaking as one would imagine. This storyline definitely lives up to the "Ultimate" in the title.
June 17, 2023
Story was okay, art was so bad it looks like 3D models.
January 21, 2018
Book Info: This collection contains
Ultimate Extinction
issues #1-5.
ABSOLUTE RATING: {4+/5 stars}
STANDARDIZED RATING: <5/5 stars>
From the infiltration of Russia's top-secret military bunker in Tungusta, to the discovery of the extraterrestrial A.I. named "Vision," and – most recently – to the defeat of the Kree space party sent to cripple Earth, it's all been leading up to this: Gah Lak Tus is coming, and his arrival will spell the end of the world. Drawing on the vast data pulled from the Kree spacecraft and from the Vision's memory banks, the FF's Reed Richards and Sue Storm collaborate with Tony Stark, ex-Kree Captain Mahr Vehl, and S.H.I.E.L.D. science consultant Sam Wilson, to formulate a defense strategy within their strict 7-day timetable. Meanwhile, retired cop-turned-PI Misty Knight tracks down a missing woman at the behest of her worried husband, inadvertently uncovering an elaborate conflict between a fast-spreading suicide cult and a bald, tattooed, female mercenary who was previously assumed to be dead. So what’s the connection between these seemingly unrelated events, and what part do they play in the overarching conflict with Gah Lak Tus? Worry not, true believers: all will be revealed...
You know, as great as Ultimate Nightmare was, I recall that it didn't begin captivating me until the second issue. Extinction, on the other hand, does that within the first half of issue #1. And that's not because the other books already did the work of setting Galactus (sorry – just my preferred spelling) up as such an exciting threat. I already knew going in that it was supposed to be this big-shot world-eater who "decreates intelligent life" and whose existence is so unspeakably appalling that it drives mad whoever fully comprehends it. But Ellis manages to reintroduce the entity in a way that doesn't at all depend on the previous books to make it still sound scary and fresh. Furthermore, recognizing that it's high time we had an explanation as to what the fuck a "Gah Lak Tus" even is, Ellis takes about five pages giving Reed the chance to lay it out in horrifying detail – and even then it's just a mere glimpse into Galactus' true nature.
I think the main thing I really love about Ellis' take on the character is that it's actually made to be something to fear. You know how God is commonly referred to as "the creator" of the universe? Well Galactus is called the "uncreator," and is postulated as the sole answer to the Fermi Paradox, so it seems like a reasonable enough approximation to God's polar opposite. It's just so refreshing to see the character finally being given a level of respect worthy of its power, and I wish mainstream Marvel would follow suit. In comparison, Earth-616's Galactus is a joke, and makes far too many insignificant appearances. However, given all the hype leading up to it, the final Galactus reveal was a bit less momentous than I would've hoped for, though I was still blown away by the arc's unexpected and brilliant resolution.
From what I can tell, it seems the biggest problem folks had with this volume was the commotion, and if I'm being totally honest, the story deserved another two issues to further develop the subplots and decompress. I still feel as though everything Ellis included here was extremely interesting, but it was difficult not to feel a little bit dissatisfied with how much material was left untapped by the end. Even still, I think most people are overstating the magnitude of this flaw, and it's not entirely clear what aspect of it made such a detrimental impact. Normally, when *I* describe a book as overplotted, I mean that it's disjointed or cluttered. But here, what that meant is that there were so many possible paths the story could have gone that there was simply no conceivable way for me to predict what would happen next at any given time. Looking back, virtually all the other comics I've read seem like stories set up for just a handful of logical or satisfying plotlines, whereas Extinction's ultimate trajectory felt like one of several equally legitimate alternatives Ellis just as easily could've plucked from his creative raffle hat.
I'm also glad to report that the quality of the writing itself is as good as it's ever been for the series; definitely a step up from Thor and his dumb beer jokes in book two. I'm talking razor-sharp dialogue here, which, admittedly, may have tried to be overly clever at times, though still genuine and witty for the most part. I think the style best worked for Misty Knight's character (which I'm just dying to see more of) but both Reed and Fury both had their moments too – especially when they're butting heads. Part of it probably had to do with the subject matter as well, but everybody truly worked very nicely together and were all well-defined, so I was always engaged during any character interaction.
[Oh, what I wouldn't give to be Cap right there... What can I say? Misty's a seriously hot cartoon, and I can't afford to pass up that kind of invitation.]
[Well shit! As bossy and insufferably arrogant as he may be, I actually quite like this version of Reed.]
A lot of the time when I see superheroes staring down impossible odds without even flinching, I fail to be impressed – just because the presentation comes off as too corny or unbelievable. And seeing as though the stakes don't get any higher than certain annihilation, it would logically sound as if this would be a really tough sell for me, doesn't it? But I'll tell you this: No one else out there makes superheroing look so badass. I mean it! NO ONE. When Ellis pits his characters against an insurmountable threat, he makes their composure seem like it's just because they're professionals – not because he's too lazy or stupid to think about what must be going through their heads. Part of this is also the fact that he doesn't completely wall them off from displaying insecurities, and there are times when characters struggle with powerfully complex moral issues or falter in their faith. Still, when it's showtime, they've got on their game faces and put on one hell of a show...
By now I can say that throughout this series, I've seen some really talented pencillers involved in the project. Of particular note were Steve Epting and Marvel "Young Gun" Steve McNiven – both of whom delivered some highly impressive visuals. Never would have guessed this going in, but it turns out Peterson blows Epting out of the water, and even manages to surpass McNiven's exceptional action sequences. Why I haven't been hearing more about the guy I really couldn't say, but his action rivals even J. H. Williams III – and we know that guy's as good as it gets. The only criticism I have is that the illustration can be, at times, inconsistent; when not drawing close-ups or combat, some of the character designs looked kind of like rough sketches, and weren't nearly as detailed. Fortunately, there was an abundance of intricately choreographed and dynamic superhero throwdowns, and I honestly don't remember the last time I've experienced such immense visual delight in a comic book. His use of lighting, shadow, and angling are all years ahead of the competition, and the final effect is something resembling a CGI video game cinematic.
It seems like, even as far back as 2006, Ellis was writing and thinking in such a revolutionary way that the industry *still* hasn't quite caught up with yet – but maybe that's just because stupid sells. (And I swear I wasn't thinking about Mark Millar when I said that; surely he's the *last* person I'd say that about. Plus, that'd just be random. Why Mark Millar of all people? He's like the smartest, most classy comic writer I can think of. Just forget I said anything, then. MASSIVE brainfart there.) With Extinction, Ellis writes the strongest volume yet in the Ultimate Galactus series – and one of the best Ultimate books ever – concluding his epic trilogy with a bang. It's a well-paced, sci-fi thriller that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from cover to cover. Or at least I would have thought so, had I not seen the measly 3.47 user average for this book. Fuckin' haters...
Postscript:
Just one small scientific critique about the ending:
Wait. Fuck! Did I just outthink Warren Ellis? Somebody please tell me I'm wrong... I *can't* have just done that!
<-- Review for Ultimate Galactus, Vol. 2: Secret
ABSOLUTE RATING: {4+/5 stars}
STANDARDIZED RATING: <5/5 stars>
From the infiltration of Russia's top-secret military bunker in Tungusta, to the discovery of the extraterrestrial A.I. named "Vision," and – most recently – to the defeat of the Kree space party sent to cripple Earth, it's all been leading up to this: Gah Lak Tus is coming, and his arrival will spell the end of the world. Drawing on the vast data pulled from the Kree spacecraft and from the Vision's memory banks, the FF's Reed Richards and Sue Storm collaborate with Tony Stark, ex-Kree Captain Mahr Vehl, and S.H.I.E.L.D. science consultant Sam Wilson, to formulate a defense strategy within their strict 7-day timetable. Meanwhile, retired cop-turned-PI Misty Knight tracks down a missing woman at the behest of her worried husband, inadvertently uncovering an elaborate conflict between a fast-spreading suicide cult and a bald, tattooed, female mercenary who was previously assumed to be dead. So what’s the connection between these seemingly unrelated events, and what part do they play in the overarching conflict with Gah Lak Tus? Worry not, true believers: all will be revealed...
You know, as great as Ultimate Nightmare was, I recall that it didn't begin captivating me until the second issue. Extinction, on the other hand, does that within the first half of issue #1. And that's not because the other books already did the work of setting Galactus (sorry – just my preferred spelling) up as such an exciting threat. I already knew going in that it was supposed to be this big-shot world-eater who "decreates intelligent life" and whose existence is so unspeakably appalling that it drives mad whoever fully comprehends it. But Ellis manages to reintroduce the entity in a way that doesn't at all depend on the previous books to make it still sound scary and fresh. Furthermore, recognizing that it's high time we had an explanation as to what the fuck a "Gah Lak Tus" even is, Ellis takes about five pages giving Reed the chance to lay it out in horrifying detail – and even then it's just a mere glimpse into Galactus' true nature.
I think the main thing I really love about Ellis' take on the character is that it's actually made to be something to fear. You know how God is commonly referred to as "the creator" of the universe? Well Galactus is called the "uncreator," and is postulated as the sole answer to the Fermi Paradox, so it seems like a reasonable enough approximation to God's polar opposite. It's just so refreshing to see the character finally being given a level of respect worthy of its power, and I wish mainstream Marvel would follow suit. In comparison, Earth-616's Galactus is a joke, and makes far too many insignificant appearances. However, given all the hype leading up to it, the final Galactus reveal was a bit less momentous than I would've hoped for, though I was still blown away by the arc's unexpected and brilliant resolution.
From what I can tell, it seems the biggest problem folks had with this volume was the commotion, and if I'm being totally honest, the story deserved another two issues to further develop the subplots and decompress. I still feel as though everything Ellis included here was extremely interesting, but it was difficult not to feel a little bit dissatisfied with how much material was left untapped by the end. Even still, I think most people are overstating the magnitude of this flaw, and it's not entirely clear what aspect of it made such a detrimental impact. Normally, when *I* describe a book as overplotted, I mean that it's disjointed or cluttered. But here, what that meant is that there were so many possible paths the story could have gone that there was simply no conceivable way for me to predict what would happen next at any given time. Looking back, virtually all the other comics I've read seem like stories set up for just a handful of logical or satisfying plotlines, whereas Extinction's ultimate trajectory felt like one of several equally legitimate alternatives Ellis just as easily could've plucked from his creative raffle hat.
I'm also glad to report that the quality of the writing itself is as good as it's ever been for the series; definitely a step up from Thor and his dumb beer jokes in book two. I'm talking razor-sharp dialogue here, which, admittedly, may have tried to be overly clever at times, though still genuine and witty for the most part. I think the style best worked for Misty Knight's character (which I'm just dying to see more of) but both Reed and Fury both had their moments too – especially when they're butting heads. Part of it probably had to do with the subject matter as well, but everybody truly worked very nicely together and were all well-defined, so I was always engaged during any character interaction.
[Oh, what I wouldn't give to be Cap right there... What can I say? Misty's a seriously hot cartoon, and I can't afford to pass up that kind of invitation.]
[Well shit! As bossy and insufferably arrogant as he may be, I actually quite like this version of Reed.]
A lot of the time when I see superheroes staring down impossible odds without even flinching, I fail to be impressed – just because the presentation comes off as too corny or unbelievable. And seeing as though the stakes don't get any higher than certain annihilation, it would logically sound as if this would be a really tough sell for me, doesn't it? But I'll tell you this: No one else out there makes superheroing look so badass. I mean it! NO ONE. When Ellis pits his characters against an insurmountable threat, he makes their composure seem like it's just because they're professionals – not because he's too lazy or stupid to think about what must be going through their heads. Part of this is also the fact that he doesn't completely wall them off from displaying insecurities, and there are times when characters struggle with powerfully complex moral issues or falter in their faith. Still, when it's showtime, they've got on their game faces and put on one hell of a show...
By now I can say that throughout this series, I've seen some really talented pencillers involved in the project. Of particular note were Steve Epting and Marvel "Young Gun" Steve McNiven – both of whom delivered some highly impressive visuals. Never would have guessed this going in, but it turns out Peterson blows Epting out of the water, and even manages to surpass McNiven's exceptional action sequences. Why I haven't been hearing more about the guy I really couldn't say, but his action rivals even J. H. Williams III – and we know that guy's as good as it gets. The only criticism I have is that the illustration can be, at times, inconsistent; when not drawing close-ups or combat, some of the character designs looked kind of like rough sketches, and weren't nearly as detailed. Fortunately, there was an abundance of intricately choreographed and dynamic superhero throwdowns, and I honestly don't remember the last time I've experienced such immense visual delight in a comic book. His use of lighting, shadow, and angling are all years ahead of the competition, and the final effect is something resembling a CGI video game cinematic.
It seems like, even as far back as 2006, Ellis was writing and thinking in such a revolutionary way that the industry *still* hasn't quite caught up with yet – but maybe that's just because stupid sells. (And I swear I wasn't thinking about Mark Millar when I said that; surely he's the *last* person I'd say that about. Plus, that'd just be random. Why Mark Millar of all people? He's like the smartest, most classy comic writer I can think of. Just forget I said anything, then. MASSIVE brainfart there.) With Extinction, Ellis writes the strongest volume yet in the Ultimate Galactus series – and one of the best Ultimate books ever – concluding his epic trilogy with a bang. It's a well-paced, sci-fi thriller that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from cover to cover. Or at least I would have thought so, had I not seen the measly 3.47 user average for this book. Fuckin' haters...
Postscript:
Just one small scientific critique about the ending:
Wait. Fuck! Did I just outthink Warren Ellis? Somebody please tell me I'm wrong... I *can't* have just done that!
<-- Review for Ultimate Galactus, Vol. 2: Secret
June 14, 2024
In the canon of the Marvel Universe, I love Galactus. I love that this world-ending threat was stopped not because of what humans did (powered or otherwise), but he instead decided not to eat Earth because The Watcher convinced him not to. The Earth survived not because they were the strongest but because we were lucky that something took pity on us.
Galactus is great, too, because he doesn’t eat Earth because he feels any animosity towards us. He needed to eat and our planet was there. We weren’t special or unique.
We found ourselves in peril and saved from that peril not by our own doing, but by chance.
Ellis’ run on the Ultimates focuses on Galactus, but deviates from some of the existing canon. Galactus is a swarming hive mind rather than a giant dude. It is repulsed by organic life, not just a hungry space monster, and (importantly) the heroes save the day.
The three together are great, though the pacing is a bit off towards the end. Silver Surfer and Misty Knight are introduced right at the very end and it felt rushed. Otherwise, it was a great story and an interesting twist on the Galactus myth.
Galactus is great, too, because he doesn’t eat Earth because he feels any animosity towards us. He needed to eat and our planet was there. We weren’t special or unique.
We found ourselves in peril and saved from that peril not by our own doing, but by chance.
Ellis’ run on the Ultimates focuses on Galactus, but deviates from some of the existing canon. Galactus is a swarming hive mind rather than a giant dude. It is repulsed by organic life, not just a hungry space monster, and (importantly) the heroes save the day.
The three together are great, though the pacing is a bit off towards the end. Silver Surfer and Misty Knight are introduced right at the very end and it felt rushed. Otherwise, it was a great story and an interesting twist on the Galactus myth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2019
Knowing that there are dozens of volumes of Ultimate comics after this book, you're aware that this isn't really an extinction event. And you don't *want* millions of people to die, even if they're fictional plot devices in a comic book. Still, you'd imagine there would be some massive fallout from a bok with "Extinction" in its title.
But this is kind of a dud. The introduction of Misty Knight is fantastic. The concept behind The Silver Surfer from this universe is interesting, but the execution fails.
And the dual solution to battling Gah (sigh) Lak Tus is some Wrinkle In Time bullshit.
The beginning was good enough, that I kept holding out for a more definitive, well-constructed resolution, even when I was pretty sure it wasn't coming. But it didn't come. I suppose its most important angle is setting up a series of events that's going to see one of the Ultimate heroes become not just a but The Ultimate Villain eventually. Does that make it worth reading? Ehhh. Sort of.
But this is kind of a dud. The introduction of Misty Knight is fantastic. The concept behind The Silver Surfer from this universe is interesting, but the execution fails.
And the dual solution to battling Gah (sigh) Lak Tus is some Wrinkle In Time bullshit.
The beginning was good enough, that I kept holding out for a more definitive, well-constructed resolution, even when I was pretty sure it wasn't coming. But it didn't come. I suppose its most important angle is setting up a series of events that's going to see one of the Ultimate heroes become not just a but The Ultimate Villain eventually. Does that make it worth reading? Ehhh. Sort of.
January 23, 2022
This is the fatal flaw with comic book mega-baddies. The more impossibly huge and unbeatable you make them, the more you're writing yourself into a corner. They either can't be beaten, or the eventual solution to beating them feels contrived. This has absolutely applied to Galactus in the past and, I'm afraid applies here too.
I also found this to be the least compelling form of Galactus I've read. I like the more amoral, mechanistic view of Galactus as a devourer. I didn't love the idea that Gah Lak Tus devours worlds because it abhors sentient life.
This issue helped me pinpoint my issues with Ellis, Millar, and much of the Ultimate Universe writing. It lacks heart. There's a lot of bravado, machismo, and quipping, but at the end of the day, there isn't love or tenderness.
I also found this to be the least compelling form of Galactus I've read. I like the more amoral, mechanistic view of Galactus as a devourer. I didn't love the idea that Gah Lak Tus devours worlds because it abhors sentient life.
This issue helped me pinpoint my issues with Ellis, Millar, and much of the Ultimate Universe writing. It lacks heart. There's a lot of bravado, machismo, and quipping, but at the end of the day, there isn't love or tenderness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2022
Well, his one ended up disappointingly.
Massive build up, every effort made for great ending but ending up a dud. Not too sure why Misty Moon wanked around in this story line but maybe everything will be come later in Ultimate line. Nor I do not understand all this pondering about god. That is always annoying effort to make things seem deep and thoughtful.
Also, I disliked the way shadows were done in this one. Looks like a bad tv on a hotel room. Not these fancy flat screen ones, but those old tube ones, where you can see all the lines and can not always make out what is going on.
This was a sad comic.
Massive build up, every effort made for great ending but ending up a dud. Not too sure why Misty Moon wanked around in this story line but maybe everything will be come later in Ultimate line. Nor I do not understand all this pondering about god. That is always annoying effort to make things seem deep and thoughtful.
Also, I disliked the way shadows were done in this one. Looks like a bad tv on a hotel room. Not these fancy flat screen ones, but those old tube ones, where you can see all the lines and can not always make out what is going on.
This was a sad comic.
January 25, 2025
Gah lac tus is in at Jupiter and headed to Earth fast. The Ultimates, X-Men and FF have a week to stop it. Parts of this I really like. At times though, I felt there was too much stuffed into this and it could have been expanded by several issues and done better. I'm still not really sure why Misty Knight was in this. Just seemed like an unnecessary piece of the puzzle that could have devoted more time to other parts of the story. Moondragon gets a real drastic makeover but it makes sense. That story should have probably just been its own story. Brandon Peterson's art is generally very good. Every once in a while though a panel will just look like a 3D model.
September 9, 2020
Decent comic book fun but the Ultimate Universe take on Galactus and Silver Surfer really wasn't my thing. This is probably due to the fact they're two of my favourite characters in Marvel.
The whole Ultimate Galactus series had a decent build up but the twist at the end and the finale felt rushed and left me unsatisfied.
The whole Ultimate Galactus series had a decent build up but the twist at the end and the finale felt rushed and left me unsatisfied.
August 14, 2019
Of all team-ups, this is one I would like to consider average. The build into the conclusion is a bit disjointed, and the dialogue is relatively weak and cheesy. I appreciate the fresh take on Galactus, but it didn't work as well as it could have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2025
Somehow, I missed this at the time I read the first two books. Now I've caught up and it was a suitably epic solution to the Gah Lak Tus problem, though kind of underdeveloped (could have used another issue or two). The artwork is really good throughout.
November 24, 2018
Staring to see more vestiges of evil-Reed here, but overall a big let-down to the trilogy.
April 17, 2019
Galactus is coming and all the heroes tries to find a way to stop him
June 23, 2019
This and other Warren Ellis books reviewed here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com...
August 11, 2019
Very anti-climatic unfortunately... The way they "beat" Galactus was pretty lame.
July 18, 2023
Ultimate Nick Fury is THE WORST
This book's pretty fun, though, even if Ultimate Gah Lak Tus is a little disappointing.
This book's pretty fun, though, even if Ultimate Gah Lak Tus is a little disappointing.
Read
July 18, 2024My Ultimate Year #13
No stars for creepy man. The art is excellent.
Read for part 3 of the Ga Lak Tus trilogy.
No stars for creepy man. The art is excellent.
Read for part 3 of the Ga Lak Tus trilogy.
September 30, 2024
Cool lead-up but kind of a disappointing, rushed climax
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2020
Maybe this was better in the early 2000s but was kinda boring and we didn't even see the planet eater really. Snooze fest for an possibly Earth ending event cause I didn't buy into the stakes. 🤷🏾♀️
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