There's no doubt that The Ultimates takes a more hawkish approach to a government-backed team concept than The Avengers, whose own government ties weren't disclosed until much later in the book's run. Described as a super-human defense initiative, the Ultimates operate under the umbrella of S.H.I.E.L.D.* and work in tandem with the division's forces as well as federal troops--while Tony Stark, happy to lend his expertise to the effort as long as he benefits financially and in a public relations capacity (or so he tells inquiring minds), also brings his new Iron Man armor to the party. Everyone is there to follow orders and go into missions by the numbers, with the Ultimates benefiting from support crews and armed forces backup.
*Taking a leaf from the "Heroes Reborn" reboot of The Avengers, which by contrast saw Fury and the team having a bumpier road in their working relationship and eventually leading to the Avengers declaring their independence.
And so with that in mind, what compels those on this team who bear the same names but have lives very different from their counterparts in the Avengers--Henry Pym, Clint Barton, Steve Rogers, Janet Pym, et al.--to sign on the dotted line of this "task force" we'll come to know as the Ultimates? The double-page cover to its first issue accords this very different group of charter members all due grandeur--but have they a mission statement beyond their patriotic duty, or are they essentially soldiers on call?
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