While the first issue of this series, with its political themes, seemed more like an issue of The Ultimates, this second chapter is very much in keeping with the creepy atmosphere that Brian Michael Bendis has instilled in critical moments in Ultimate Spider-Man. The villains boast an appropriate intensity here that really gets the reader involved in the story. Hairsine's artwork still strikes me as a little on the inconsistent side, but it's appropriately dark and gritty.
As one of the five genetically enhanced criminals imprisoned by S.H.I.E.L.D. gets a hint that his powers aren't nearly as suppressed by his inhibitor collar as his captors believe, another -- Otto Octavius -- decides the time has come to atone for his sins and help with S.H.I.E.L.D. genetic research. Meanwhile, Nick Fury briefs the Ultimates on the prisoners and Hank Pym's study of their powers.
Hairsine is clearly trying to elicit the same kind of realism and power that Bryan Hitch brings to every issue of The Ultimates, but sometimes he shifts out of that Hitch mode. Sometimes, the book looks like it was rendered by Mike (Incredible Hulk) Deodato, and at others, like it's Butch (Ruse) Guice's work. The storytelling here is clear, though, and the appropriate grit and tension is to be found in the visuals. It just seems to me that Hairsine's artwork doesn't really boast its own unique qualities. I want to see his style; I know it's out there. I've seen it on Captain America. Perhaps Miki's inks are overpowering the penciller's work, but I doubt such an oversimplified explanation is the answer in and of itself.
I love how Bendis scripts some key scenes like a stage magician: it's all about misdirection. Octavius's monologue about his theories on his own powers reinforces his nature as a scientist, but his true nature isn't to be found in his words. It's a chilling scene that reinforces the notion that these are not the Silver Age villains whose voices Stan Lee filled with purple prose, that talked about killing but rarely killed.
The most chilling aspect of this whole book, though, is the realization at the end that this story is not about super-villains, a climactic battle or the political ramifications of a world in which super-powers are possible. It's about one man's obsession, about his determination to get exactly what he wants no matter who or what is in his way. Ultimate Six isn't about the Ultimate Universe answer to the Sinister Six, but the third Green Goblin/Spider-Man story arc.
