Marvel Comics is reviving the fan-favorite Ultimate Universe imprint at the end of 2023, and we got our first look at these new books at the company's "Next Big Thing" panel at NYCC.
Writer Jonathan Hickman already set the stage for the new Ultimate line in the recent limited series Ultimate Invasion. That book introduces Earth-6160, a world where The Maker (himself a refugee of the original Ultimate Universe) attempted to suppress the emergence of Earth's heroes. The Maker's meddling will lead to a new generation of heroes appearing in unexpected forms, including Spider-Man, Black Panther and the X-Men. As with the original Ultimate Universe, the goal is to provide fresh, contemporary takes on familiar characters without the burden of decades of continuity.
The new Ultimate line officially begins in Ultimate Universe #1, a one-shot special from Hickman and artist Stefano Caselli. From there, Hickman will pen the Ultimate line's flagship monthly series, a new volume of Ultimate Spider-Man. Daredevil's Marco Checchetto will draw the series.
Hickman revealed during the panel that his Spider-Man is inspired by Jake Johnson's Peter B. Parker from the Spider-Verse animated movies. This suggests that the book will focus on an older Peter trying to get his life in order, whereas the original Ultimate Spider-Man comics featured a teenage Peter. Ultimate Invasion showed The Maker "saving" a young Peter from being bitten by the radioactive spider, so apparently his origin story will be very different in this universe.
Writer Bryan Edward Hill (Blade) will team with Caselli for Ultimate Black Panther. In this universe, Black Panther stands as the sole force opposing the union of Khonshu and Ra, who seek to rule all of Africa.
"I was invigorated by this opportunity because in addition to my immense respect for Johnathan Hickman's detailed storytelling, the idea of shepherding this bold new take on Black Panther in this event gives me a platform to do the kind of broad, epic, storytelling I've always wanted to do in comics,” Hill said in a statement. “My influences range from the history of Black Panther comics, to Ryan Coogler's incredible work with the recent films, to Frank Herbert's world-building capacity of Dune. This is something people won't expect, in the best of ways, and full credit to Marvel and editors Wil Moss and Michelle Marchese for bringing this creative possibility to me."
Finally, Peach Momoko (Demon Days: X-Men) will write and draw the new Ultimate X-Men. The series will feature a cast of both new and familiar characters, with Armor serving as the book's main protagonist. The new series will also stand apart from traditional X-books by revealing mutants to be connected to the world of folklore and magic.
“I am very honored to be a part of the new Ultimate Universe,” Momoko said. “I am very careful in delivering the unique X-Men mutant elements while still being true to my vision and voice. I am also very proud (and surprised) that I was given enough freedom from C.B. Cebulski and Jonathan Hickman to create a brand new X-Men character. It might not be the normal portrayal of a super hero… but, just like with my Momoko-verse stories, I am excited to introduce everyone to this new world.”
Ultimate Universe #1 will be released on November 1, 2023, followed by Ultimate Spider-Man #1 in January 2024. You can also check out a new animated trailer for the Ultimate Universe.
Also at Marvel's "Next Big Thing" panel, we learned the current Krakoan Age of the X-Men comics will be ending in 2024. Check out IGN's full breakdown of everything announced at NYCC.
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