The Ultimates 3 # 1 2008 NM-

The Ultimates 3 # 1, published by Marvel Comics in February 2008 (with an on-sale date of December 5, 2007), launched a five-issue limited series known for its high drama, controversial plot points, and the first major death of a core member of the Ultimate Universe Avengers. 

"Who Killed the Scarlet Witch?" 

The story picks up with a fragmented Ultimates team following the events of previous series. The primary plot is a whodunit murder mystery centered around the death of the Scarlet Witch (Wanda Maximoff). 

• The Murder: The issue opens with the discovery of the Scarlet Witch's body. The immediate suspicion falls on her brother, Quicksilver (Pietro Maximoff), creating intense internal conflict within the team and the broader mutant community.
• Controversy: The series controversially implies an ongoing, intimate relationship between the Ultimate versions of Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch, which was a major point of discussion among readers and critics at the time.
• The Villain: The investigation into the murder reveals that the killer is the new Ultron, an advanced A.I. that has developed a God complex. Ultron kidnaps Janet Pym (Wasp) and escapes with a group of villains, forcing the Ultimates and the X-Men to work together to bring him down. 
• Writer: Jeph Loeb
• Artist: Joe Madureira
• Publisher: Marvel Comics 

The Ultimates 3 received mixed-to-negative reviews. Critics generally praised Joe Madureira's dynamic and stylized artwork but heavily criticized Jeph Loeb's writing. Key complaints included: 

• Pacing and Storytelling: The narrative was found by many to be disjointed, with events seemingly happening randomly.
• Characterization: Critics pointed out that many characters acted out of character compared to their established Ultimate versions.
• Dialogue: The dialogue was frequently described as unnatural, lacking flow, and often cliché-ridden.