When alternative timelines are introduced into any comic book universe, they tend to inspire the same reaction – who cares? Does not matter. Why should we spend our energy on what is not really going on? I felt that way at the end of Age of Ultron issue #7. Then Bendis pulled out his writing wizardry in the opening scene of issue #8, and made me care about the characters in the alternative timeline, and therefore made me care about the story.

Issue 8 was, if anything, refreshing. Tony Stark is a technological mess, permanently situated in his suit, and more a part of his computers than ever before. He is a veteran of a horrible war that occurred between magic, and technology. At the forefront of the enemy army is Morgana Le Fay. Did the heroes win? No. Le Fay has half the world under her control. If it weren't for Dr. Strange and his powerful magic, Le Fay would take the whole world today . . . more to follow.

Stark is busy sorting out the memory downloads of Wolverine, and Sue Storm. He is trying to convince himself that their memories – identical, and precise – are the work of Le Fay. Some kind of ruse to undermine “The Defenders,” who are featured in the illustration above. With deepening suspicion, Stark actually attempts to kill Wolverine and Sue later on, even though Xavier and Frost are right there, telling Stark their memories all real.

Stark confronts the real Wolverine in an attempt to figure him out, and his paranoia deepens. He replays the murder of Pym. He tries to reason with Wolverine, asking him about alternatives; could he have just convinced Pym to install a virus which would render Ultron useless should he attempt to achieve his ultimate objective. Finally, he makes Wolverine to face the full consequences of what he's done.

“And now you think yourself the selfless hero. The man who saved the world. You think this world is a better place? You absolute fool.”

Every moment we feel the reality, and gravity of the alternative timeline. We find ourselves sucked into the story. These heroes are bruised, battered, with depth of character, and preternaturally on edge. You, the reader, want to know what happens.

Just as Tony is about to ace Sue Storm, all hell breaks loose. Morgana appears in the sky with her vast reserves, and the battle is on. Heading in Dr. Strange says something that stills your heart.

“This is it.”

You can feel the end coming. And you care.

This series has been surreal, and not always in a good way. Sometimes I have felt like my time was wasted. Other times I felt as though the series was worth reading. At the end of the last book, I was sure Bendis could not dig himself out of the alternative future theme. He shot out of that grave, and built a hill beneath him. Technically we are no longer in the Age of Ultron, because Ultron never was – which begs the question . . . what's next? Morgana is about to destroy The Defenders, the Helicarrier is molten scrap, Wolverine is out of the game, Sue Storm is probably going to die in the fight, and Tony Stark is in deathly peril. The next chapter promises to deliver, and with Bendis at the helm it just might. Stay tuned.