1) I've read and been a fan of both Marvel and DC but after browsing the racks I have very little interest in the stuff Marvel is putting out these days. It seems like they took what was already a segmented universe and made it even more convoluted by re-vamping series with the 'Ultimate' lines while still maintaining some semblence of original continuity. On the other hand the DCU seems to be the place to go for good reads.
2) The impending release of the 'Ultimate Avengers' direct to DVD animated film sounded like a good idea when I heard about it but the clip here: Ultimate Avengers clip on SHH just looks like the same old cruddy animation that Marvel Productions has been cranking out since the late 80s! Wow they added some motion blur but why can't they add some different layout artists or *gasp* someone who knows perspective?!?!