Writer: Mark Schultz Artist: Doug Mahnke(p), Tom Nguyen(i) Publisher: DC
Plot: Poor reader.
When a giant robot burns through the cosmic nebula only one man can stop him. Science Patrol officer Hayata raises his beta capsule to the air to become the hero Ultra Man.
Unlike most Ultra Man adventures, the antagonist is articulate with a strong motivation. Personally, I think giving monsters reasons for their behavior cheapens their characters. Monsters wreak havoc. It's what they do. They need no personal agenda.
The monster is well designed by Doug Mahnke, but for some reason his Ultra Man resembles Superman. Ultra Man is a silver and red masked individual. He doesn't look human. His face is robotic with almond glowing eyes, and a fin stretches from his brow to the base of his skull. He also doesn't wear a cape. I don't know at what Mr. Mahnke was playing.
Mark Schultz also makes Ultra Man far too loquacious. Ultra Man only broke his silent tradition for one episode to assuage the spirits of children who create a monster. Generally, speaking Ultra Man only releases a "Hyah!" when launching into kung fu against his opponents or blasting them with his energy ray. For some reason, Ultra Man in Man of Steel talks about Metropolis and some of the events going on in the Superman titles. It's almost as if Mark Schultz is trying to write for Superman and not Ultra Man.
Mr. Schultz makes Ultra Man too powerful. As anybody will tell you, Ultra Man has to be quick and decisive. He runs out of power fast--designated by a warning light which strangely appears to be missing and replaced by a Red S emblazoned across his chest. Mr. Schultz also gives Ultra Man the extra baggage of a super Ultra Man form called Torquasm Rao. While that may work for Voltron, this just seems silly for Ultra Man and belies the name.
Mr. Schultz replaces the Science Patrol regulars with a new group. There's Professor Emil Hamilton who while fitting the stereotype kindly scientist also bears an ugly out of proportion metal battle arm that just reeks of Power Ranger influences. We also see a clunky Gigantor-styled robot called STRIPE and Natasha the female cast member who is a poor excuse for the cute, effective Arashi.
