Dive deep into the intricacies of Marvel’s revamped Ultimate Universe and explore the latest lineup of Ultimate Comics with this comprehensive overview. The journey began in 2000 with the launch of Ultimate Spider-Man, marking the inception of Earth-1610—an imaginative reimagining of iconic superheroes tailored for the 21st century. After a rich 15-year history that included titles like Ultimate X-Men, Ultimate Fantastic Four, and The Ultimates, the original Ultimate Marvel Universe faced its demise in Ultimatum.
Ultimatum’s five-issue storyline unfolded cataclysmic events, leading to the demise of many beloved heroes and the emergence of Ultimate Reed Richards as the villainous Maker. In a poignant moment in 2011’s Ultimate Spider-Man #160, a 16-year-old Peter Parker perished in battle against the Green Goblin, making way for Miles Morales to take up the mantle in the relaunched Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man.
The convergence of Earth-1610 with the mainstream Marvel Universe (Earth-616) occurred during Jonathan Hickman’s Secret Wars crossover in 2015. This collision resulted in the integration of Miles Morales into the prime universe and the conclusion of the Ultimate Comics line with the limited series Ultimate End.
Fast forward to 2023, where Hickman’s Ultimate Invasion #1–#4 takes center stage, featuring the Maker’s ambitious quest to reshape reality. Partnering with the lone survivor from his defunct universe—Ultimate Miles Morales—the narrative evolves into the birth of Earth-6160. In this altered reality, the Maker intervenes, preventing many of Earth’s mightiest heroes from acquiring their powers, leading to a drastically different world.
The consequences are vast: the Fantastic Four is no more, Captain America is missing in action, Thor and Stephen Strange are captive, and Peter Parker is inactive. Notably, Howard Stark, not his teenage son Tony, dons the Iron Man suit, while the Hulk assumes a role in the pacifistic cult known as the Children of Eternal Light. The world is now divided into various sovereign bodies, each ruled by different entities.
A riveting conflict unfolds as the Maker engages in a war with the Kang from the distant future, who dons an Iron Man-like armor. Howard Stark becomes a pivotal figure in this struggle, ultimately sacrificing himself to defeat both the Maker and Kang. Following Stark’s demise, Doctor Doom steps in to aid the teenage Tony Stark in building his suit of armor, and together, they discover a frozen Super-Soldier—Captain America.
Transitioning into Ultimate Universe #1 in 2023, a one-shot foundational issue lays the groundwork for the new continuity. Set two weeks after the Maker’s entrapment, a quiet war ensues globally to determine the fate of his kingdom. Doctor Doom, Iron Lad, Thor, and Lady Sif emerge as the new Ultimates, working to restore balance in a reality shaped by the Maker’s interference.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn with the Maker’s council conspiring to seize control of a Stane/Stark satellite, leading to the destruction of Stark Tower in Manhattan. This act is blamed on Tony Stark, resulting in the deaths of Emily and Norman Osborn, May Parker, and the assumed demise of the young Tony Stark himself. Concurrently, reports surface of global infighting and insurgency in various dynastic strongholds, including Wakanda, the isolated nation of the Black Panther.
The epic saga continues with the introduction of Ultimate Spider-Man #1 in January 2024, offering a glimpse into the new Ultimate Universe. Here, readers encounter a middle-aged Peter Parker, now married to Mary Jane Watson-Parker, with two children—Richard and May. The narrative unfolds in a reality where the radioactive spider never bit a teenage Peter, making him an adult when he assumes the Spider-Man mantle. Notably, the Green Goblin takes center stage as New York City’s newest superhero.
To fully immerse yourself in this revitalized Ultimate Universe, follow the recommended reading order: start with Ultimate Invasion #1–#4 (2023), followed by Ultimate Universe #1 (2023), and then delve into subsequent issues of Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate Black Panther, and Ultimate X-Men. Brace yourself for a thrilling journey through this reimagined Marvel landscape filled with intriguing twists and turns.
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Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff, Thor Odinson, Steve Rogers, Bruce Banner