Issue number 2 of this 9 issue limited series represents the first time the Supreme Power Universe infiltrates the Ultimate Universe. This is made possible thanks to Squadron Supreme sorceress Arcanna.
The issue is basically one long fight between the Squadron Supreme and the Fantastic Four/Ultimates/X-Men/Spider-Man. You get a sense of just how powerful the Squadron Supreme is when you see them take on pretty much every major player in the Ultimate Universe! After a great deal of confusion; some creatively intended and some unintentional, the Squadron Supreme reveals that they are there to arrest Reed Richards for crimes against their universe.
It's no surprise that Brian Michael Bendis captains this adventure as writer, considering he is all things Ultimate. His dialogue is quick and conversational, but seems to have gaps at points. Whether this is the writer's fault, the artist's fault or both is tough to tell. I think both are to blame with the majority of the blame landing on artist Greg Land's shoulders.
Land's reputation as an artist who merely traces his images from pop culture magazines is highly exposed in this issue. The nonstop action hardly flatters Land's static poses and blatant tracing.
The only thing that saves this story for me is the cool dynamic between the characters fighting. It is like they are fighting versions of themselves and I am waiting excitedly to see who emerges victorious. The issue has a few "keeper" moments but is mostly memorable as being a fairly straight forward story that is pretty confusing thanks to the creative team!