Marvel’s Ultimates #10: A Shocking Betrayal of the Punisher and Comic Book Heroes!

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To put it simply, I haven’t read comics for quite some time now. When I do take notice, it’s usually through video reviews from YouTube creators who are passionate about the medium. In my view, the comic book industry is like a top-notch steak prepared by a master chef (Billie McKay), but it has been tainted by an overzealous server (an activist) adding an unwelcome and inappropriate element (political discussions) to the experience.

You can certainly nibble around the large portion, but you’ll still be consuming a meal tainted with waste. Eventually, you’re bound to encounter that chunk of waste and face a dilemma. This is essentially what transpired for Youtuber Wes Daugherity of Thinking Critical when he perused Ultimates #10.

If you’re looking for insightful commentary on comics, especially those with a mix of good and not-so-good elements, then “Thinking Critical” is a great channel to check out. However, Deniz Camp’s work in Ultimates #10 was a turning point for him, as he found the contemporary themes it presented to be overly prevalent and problematic within the current American comic scene, causing him to stop following the series.

Given the present political atmosphere, one might expect Marvel Comics to tone down their discourse. However, as Wes highlights, quite the opposite seems to be happening; they are intensifying their stance instead.

Ultimates isn’t focused on how Captain America or Iron Lad, among others, would act in this alternate universe. Instead, it delves into the unusual anxieties and quirks of Deniz Camp concerning contemporary society.

Gabe Hernandez is a frequent guest on the channel and Wes quotes him about Ultimates #10:

As a devoted cinemaphile, I must confess that Ultimates #10 left me feeling utterly dismayed. The author, in an unexpected twist, converts our beloved band of superheroes into a lethal squad, seemingly driven by sentimental and ideological motives rather than the pursuit of justice.

Here’s the main point: Modern authors seem to lack a proper grasp of what it means to be a hero. Following another critique by the Comicbook Club that lauds Ultimates #10 for its portrayal of men joining extremist groups, Wes suggests they might have been referring to MAGA.

…”Out there, there are numerous groups that I perceive as being similar to paramilitaries, setting cities ablaze. None of these groups were associated with MAGA. From what I’ve observed, it wasn’t just ‘anti-fascists,’ but they often get accused of the same actions they claim the opposition is responsible for. This isn’t the reality you see through your window…

Over time, you inevitably encounter a messy situation. The latter part of the Ultimates series seems to revolve around cultural identity, subtle criticisms of free-market systems, and portraying white individuals as villains.

Wes says:

I find it perfectly acceptable to take pride in my identity as a [nationality], whether it’s being White, German, British, Irish, or American, and so on. I believe that celebrating one’s cultural heritage, history, and traditions is a natural human desire, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

I am growing increasingly frustrated by the notion that men, particularly those who are white, should not feel proud of their roots. I am not ashamed of my skin color or my nationality, nor does it make me feel guilty about the history and culture associated with being American.

I encourage everyone to embrace their heritage and take pride in what makes them unique.

Comic books should not aim to evoke a sense of shame regarding one’s nation, history, or cultural heritage; however, that seems to be a tactic often employed by communists. They have a tendency to actively deconstruct and diminish anything that may elicit pride from the past, as well as undermining beloved figures from it.

Additionally, Wes agrees with Captain America’s character from the comics as he reflects nostalgically on battles against Nazis during his past service. In discussing this with Deniz Camp, he expresses his honest perspective as a fellow combat veteran.

…”Indeed, I played a significant role in numerous missions, strategizing and executing them, uncovering various happenings on the battlefield. It’s not a pleasurable sensation and I don’t imagine Captain America would ever look back on those times with such joy due to the Nazis he eliminated. War is extremely traumatic. It’s far from enjoyable…

Wes finishes with:

…”Captain America wouldn’t act like that, but Deniz Camp seems oblivious because he lacks courage and strength. He wouldn’t dare put himself in harm’s way for others, which is ironic since he’s supposed to teach me about heroism. However, I can’t stomach this any longer. I’m abandoning the series. I’ve had enough…”

This version maintains the original sentiment while being more respectful and easier to read.

And I couldn’t agree more. As a vet who didn’t go near the frontlines, I still had bad moments from seeing the things necessary to go after terrorists. Somethings you just can’t unsee. And I am no hero but I recognize true heroism when I see it. I read Ultimates #10, and these are not heroes. These are super-powered psychopaths who relish killing people because they are “Nazis”.

Instead of Cap’s approach to rehabilitate or communicate with these alleged “Nazis,” who were presumably brainwashed young men, these supposed heroes indiscriminately kill everyone they encounter. This scenario appears to be an expression of Deniz Camp’s imagined violence against those he disagrees with, and a warped interpretation of the contemporary world.

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve tasted victory in numerous cinematic battles, but make no mistake – the grand cultural struggle is far from over. This ongoing conflict won’t be resolved within the next four years; it requires unwavering commitment and vigilance to root out misguided ideologies like the ones that have been undermining iconic characters such as The Punisher, as seen in Ultimates #10. John Del Arroz offers a compelling perspective on how this legacy is being systematically eroded.

Note the name of the Camp…

…And the red skull symbol of all the radicals, including John Walker of course because…white guy.

In simpler terms, the ongoing cultural conflict is moving into a more intense period of persuasion, which requires us to adapt our strategies or risk losing our footing. The influence of communist ideologies on our culture isn’t likely to diminish.

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This version retains the original’s informal tone while making the instructions clearer and more engaging for the reader.

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2025-03-10 22:16