In terms of raw strength and energy, Captain America is far from the most powerful hero in the Marvel Universe. However, his gift for strategy often enables him to overcome much more powerful opponents. Such is the case in The Ultimates #14 by Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri, where Steve Rogers uncovers a major weakness while fighting a character long associated with the X-Men.
The action of the issue finds a legion of corporate criminals, including Roxxon, Hammer Weapons, and Alchemax, joining forces against The Ultimates. To that end, they seek the assistance of Emma Frost. This Ultimate White Queen is still associated with the Hellfire Club, running a “school for wayward youngsters.” However, her prize pupils in this reality are Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch.
The two siblings are dispatched to confront Captain America and Hawkeye as they raid a Roxxon oil refinery. At first, it seems that the Ultimates are out of their league. However, the Sentinel of Liberty is able to turn the tide after he deduces a major drawback to Quicksilver’s top speeds.
Ultimate Quicksilver can’t hear at high speeds
After knocking out Scarlet Witch and enraging Quicksilver, Captain America calculates just how fast the speedster is. Figuring that Quicksilver can’t hear him when he’s moving faster than sound, he orders Hawkeye to shoot at an oil pipe while he holds Quicksilver’s attention. This results in oil spraying across the field of battle and everyone present.
This turns out to be a bigger problem for Quicksilver than for everyone else. In addition to being unable to hear when moving at top speed, he also generates considerable friction with every move he makes.
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This results in him catching fire and the oxygen around him burning up before he has any clue what is going on. Ultimately, Quicksilver runs himself ragged and passes out, without Captain America having to lay a hand on him.
The Ultimates #14 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
