Acclaimed X-Men writer Jonathan Hickman and original Ultimates artist Bryan Hitch come together to begin a new Ultimate Universe in Ultimate Invasion. The Illuminati, a secret group of the smartest heroes in Marvel, must form once again to stop the Maker (Reed Richards from the original Ultimate universe) from his plans to destroy — or perhaps rebuild — the universe, with Miles Morales at the centre of it all! The Maker plans to make sure Earth’s Mightiest Heroes never become heroes at all. And then he can reshape the universe into exactly what he wants it to be…
The Ultimate Universe was originally a line of comics beginning with 2000’s Ultimate Spider-Man that reinvented Marvel’s top characters for a modern setting. The imprint remained popular for over 10 years but eventually wrapped up in 2015, with its lasting legacy being Miles Morales – who made the jump to the main Marvel Universe after Hickman’s Secret Wars. Whilst it initially appeared that The Maker (who also ended up in the Marvel Universe) was hoping to revive his old universe, especially when he tries to recruit Miles by preying on memories of his old home, it soon becomes apparent he has something different mind.
The Maker’s actions create a new universe where Marvel’s top characters miss out on the events that result in them becoming the heroes they’re supposed to be. Hickman uses this premise to great effect, particularly in setting the stage for the upcoming Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate Black Panther and Ultimate X-Men titles. It helps that the Maker is such a brilliant villain. The idea of Mr Fantastic – the world’s smartest man – using his power for selfish reasons has always been a strong hook and Hickman takes full advantage of his predicament.
Beyond that, the setting give Hickman a unique playground with Howard Stark becoming Iron Man and Tony working under him whilst giving in to all his vices. The heroes that Maker failed to stop creating also take on new dimensions with The Hulk becoming enlightened, Thor serving under Loki; and Colossus and Magik forming a family dynasty with Omega Red. As with Hickman’s previous works, there is plenty of epic storytelling with huge consequences which get amped right up when Kang The Conqueror assembles a group of cloned Avengers to stop The Maker.
As the original artist for The Ultimates back in 2002, Bryan Hitch is the perfect choice to usher in this new take on an Ultimate Universe. He has always had a gift for dynamic artwork on a big scale and he has only gotten better in the intervening years. He is a perfect match for Hickman’s style of storytelling particularly in the more suspenseful moments.
Ultimate Invasion is a truly exciting series that has big consequences for Marvel going forward. This is an essential series no fan should miss.
Ultimate Invasion is out 26 March from Marvel (9780785194736, p/b, £22.99)
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