Ultimate Avengers 2 - Rise of The Panther

Picking up where the Ultimate Avengers left off, the Rise of the Panther tells the story of the Black Panther’s urgent plea to Captain America as his secluded, and rather shy, village is attacked by the aliens that nearly defeated the Avengers in the previous installment.

This is a definite improvement over the last feature. The character development is starting to pay off. The story is tighter as it begins to grow into its own direction. The 2-D animation remains a nostalgic element that reinforces the historic tradition of the series’ title.

Sadly though, the Hulk gets sidelined this time around. His presentation was one of the most accomplished innovations of the first feature. It’s a shame to see him reduced to little more than a subplot.

But at least we get to see Iron Man upgrade to War Machine.

This movie manages to overcome the short-comings of the first. The story reinforces and further develops almost everything that began in Ultimate Avengers. It actually made me reconsider my aversion to the first film, which is the sign of a good sequel.

It reminded me of every Marvel title I’ve ever read. The characters are genuinely emotional and familiar in their flaws. The stories have a patience that reminds me of Scheherazade from the Book of One Thousand and One Nights. The action is superb.

Once again I find myself wondering why the live action adaptations get all the attention that should be going to their animated counterparts.

Best Bonus Feature: “What Avenger are you?” game. A series of questions that ultimately reveals which Avenger you’re similar to. I am the Vision (always knew that guy had potential).

Who should own: Everyone that has a copy of Ultimate Avengers 1.