Ultramega vol. 1: Stand With Humanity

After years of making other people’s comics — specifically “Rumble,” and multiple arcs of “B.P.R.D.” — look good, James Harren decided it was time to create his own.  “Ultramega” is the result and the initial impression it gives off is that it’s “Pacific Rim” meets “Ultraman.”  You’ve got your kaiju on one side and your human heroes who can transform into giant warriors capable of fighting them off on the other.  The thing is there are more kaiju awakening each day, triggered by the presence of one of the Ultramega.  It’s a big grind with a lot of sacrifice for them, especially former boxer Jason who’s been carrying a big secret about his ex-wife for years now.  That secret is finally about to come out and the whole world is about to pay the price.

I’d say more, but the story goes off in some weird and unusual directions after its first issue that I think most readers would appreciate to experience themselves.  Assuming that they’re not put off by the story’s tone and gross-out aesthetic.  “Ultramega” is kind of a strange downer of a read as the humans struggle to survive in this kaiju-filled world.  While they’re not without their successes, the feeling that they’re living on borrowed time comes off as more of a grind than anything engaging.  Even when it’s soaring to wacked-out heights the likes of which you only see in Kirby comics, it never comes off as glorious and you’re constantly left with the feeling that humanity is still screwed.

For being screwed, though, it’s looking quite good as this series effectively allows one of the best monster artists in the business to cut loose and go nuts like he never has before.  Harren makes the most of the scale a cross between “Pacific Rim” and “Ultraman” implies and delivers epic-sized battles in every encounter.  Whether they’re being fought by giants, or desperate humans trying to stay alive, each fight offers its own particular set of thrills.  Along with some oddball, quirky dark humor to spice things up (working with writer John Arcudi on “B.P.R.D.” and “Rumble” definitely rubbed off on Harren in the best way).  This results in a first volume which does have a lot of potential, but ultimately comes off feeling like a mixed bag despite its best efforts.