In this review of The Ultimates #15, we are introduced to Shen Qui, the Ultimate Universe’s iteration of Shang Chi.
THE ULTIMATES #15
Writer: DENIZ CAMP
Artist: VON RANDAL
Main Cover: DIKE RUAN
Variant Covers: INHYUK LEE, CHRIS ALLEN, JAVIER GARRÓN
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: August 13, 2025
This review contains spoilers
The Ultimates #15 begins in the distant past, as a warrior named Shen Qui, armed with the powers of the Iron Fist, fought glorious battles in the celestial tournament and led the forces of Heaven to victory against the eighth city, saving the world in the process.
What follows is years of peace, as Shen Qui becomes a wandering philosopher, roaming the land and converting people to his cause and healing the common man. Qui incurred the wrath of the gods, however, and after a 1000 day long battle, he was finally killed. With his dying breath, Qui vowed to return one day.
In the modern day, a squad of Ultimates consisting of Iron Lad, She-Hulk, Giant-Man and Danny Rand are trekking through the mountains of Tibet. Rumours circulating on the Ultnet suggest that a young boy with the same abilities as Shen Qui has emerged and is seeking refuge from the Hulk. As the group arrives at the temple, they discover it in ruins as a fight has broken out between Uranium Brother #235 (one of Hulk’s Living Weapons) and the monks protecting the boy. The Ultimates enter the fray, with Stark enabling a gamma dampener to weaken their foe.
The battle is brutal, with Uranium Brother #235 smashing through Iron Lad’s force shields and crippling Hank Pym’s giant foot. Before he can deliver a pounding blow on the boy, Danny Rand rushes to push the kid out of the way. She-Hulk manages to both distract and then defeat the Hulk’s acolyte tearing off his head.
As always, action pacing is superb. Despite being a fill-in, Randal is shot for shot as proficient a draftsman as Juan Frigeri. I appreciate that bringing on an Asian creator to help map and define the history of this alternate-history China within this alternate-Marvel universe for authenticity’s sake in addition to adding diversity to the staff. These character designs still look awesome under his pen, especially Shen Qi (this universe’s iteration of Shang Chi). Fights are as intense as the rest of the series with a few moments getting to OG Ultimates or Preacher levels of brutality. Uranium Brother #235 pulling She-hulk’s heart out only to get his head snapped off is crazy.
It feels good to see the Ultimates finally get some big wins since their defeat by the Hulk all the way back in issue 6. That being said, this issue dips out pretty abruptly. Whereas the rest of the series has been pretty consistent in telling one-and-done episodic stories, this book ends on without a proper denouement or conclusion. You’re telling me I’m going to have to wait at least another month before I learn what Danny Rand and Shen Qui’s destinies are? Or if Hank is going to recover from his wound? Genuinely maddening.
While its abrupt ending may be a deal breaker for some, the rest of The Ultimates #15 is still worth the cover price. I’m shocked Camp has been able to deliver exciting issues consistently month to month. Randal has been such a great addition I wouldn’t mind seeing more of his work on this title (or his own spin off) on a more consistent basis. Just like his inspiration, Shen Qui provides an interesting niche in this Ultimate universe, and I can’t wait for how he and Danny Rand will figure into the supposed big finale that’s planned in the next three months.
