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Ultimate Universe: One Year In #1 by writers Deniz Camp and Chris Condo. Artis by Jonas Scharf and Alessandro Cappuccio. Colors by Mattia Iacono and Bryan Valenza
Ultimate Invasion
Back in June of 2023, Marvel Comics released the Ultimate Invasion mini-series. Fans were over the moon with the announcement of the return of the Ultimate Universe. However, this series did not bring back the famous Earth-1610 that gave birth to the likes of Miles Morales Spider-Man. In fact, this ended being an entire new Ultimate Universe.
The New Ultimate Universe
Enter the Reed Richards of Earth-1610. Also known as The Maker. The once former Mr. Fantastic was held captive by the Illuminati. The secret group hoped to rehabilitate the villain that once tried to destroy them. Unfortunately, The Maker broke out of his captivity. Furthermore, he escaped to an alternate universe where the heroes could not follow. Once he established himself in this new universe, the Maker took it upon himself to rewrite the history of this new world with the help of the Immortus Engine. Ultimately, the Maker molded the new world to his liking. One without heroes that he could rule over.
The Maker’s Council
Of course, The Maker needed help watching over this new world. So, he handpicked a select few to form The Maker’s Council. The group members were: The Hulk, Sunfire, Colossus, Captain Brittain, Emmanuel da Costa, Ra & Konshu, Magik, Omega Red, Viper and the Silver Samurai. Or at least, this world’s version of the characters. Each member of the council was given oversight of different regions of the world. With this group of subordinates, The Maker could focus on other important matters. Such as stopping rebellions coming from unpredictable angles. Like for example, rebellions from the future.
Iron Man vs The Maker
Long story short, The Maker pulled the curtain and laid out the truth of the world for Howard Stark the Iron Man. Hoping the Iron Man would join the Maker’s Council. Instead, Howard Stark secretly rejected everything The Maker had to offer. For this reason, Iron Man conspired with Doom to take down the Maker. Basically, the Maker’s only weakness was attacks from the future. So, to counter this problem he lifted time shields to stop any further attacks from the future.
Locked in!
Doom and Iron Man’s rebellion brought an epic clash of giants. Once they dismantle the temporal shields Khan the Conqueror arrived from the future with legion of heroes to take on The Maker and his council. Unfortunately, Iron Man fell in battle. However, Doom managed to escape after locking the city behind. As much as they paid the price to execute this plan, it was only a temporary fix. The City’s shields were set to come down eventually. The Maker’s Council estimated this would take about 24 moths, more or less. Currently the Ultimate Universe is 12 months in. Or One Year later, if you will.
Get fully caught on The Ultimate Universe’s beginnings
Heroes Rising
The Ultimates
Since the events of Ultimate Invasion took place, Earth-6160 has been busy all over. First, Doom teamed up with Iron Lad to undo the changes done by The Maker. For this, they used their own Immortus Engine to time travel. Using a page from The Maker’s own playbook. They returned to key moments in time to address key people. Specifically, the ones robbed of their hero lives. For example, Steve Rogers, Thor, Hank Pym, Janet Van Dyne and Peter Parker. By gathering strength in numbers, they have assemble the Ultimates.
Ultimate Spider-man
Iron Lad reached to Peter and explained he was Spider-man. Or ate least he was supposed to be. But because of the Maker’s interference, it didn’t happen. Iron Lad gave Peter and many others the opportunity to change that. Of course Mr. Parker decided to take Tony Stark’s offer and let the radioactive spider bite him. Along with this, there are other major developments. For instance, Stark Industries was absorbed by Obscorp. Paving the way for Harry Osborne to become Earth-6160’s Green Gobblin.
Ultimate X-Men
In Japan, urban legends have sprung to life and brought some unusual new powers with them. Ultimate X-Men by Peach Momoko follows the story of Hisako Ichiki aka Armor in the Land of Fire or Hi No Kuni. Mutant kind have been living in secrecy. Until now that Hisako and company uncovered the Cult of Mutants called the Children of the Atom. As any other cult, this religion has it’s own charismatic leader in Maester. Unbeknownst to most members of the religion, Maester works directly for Sunfire. One of the Maker’s Council memebers. Besides teachings and sermongs about mutandhood, there’s also evil brewing behind the curtains.
Ultimate Black Panther
In the wake of Ultimate Invasion Khonshu and Ra, decided to make their move on Africa. The force known together as Moon Knight, saught to expand their brutal control of the continent of Africa. In response, the isolated nation of Wakanda, will sent forth its champion and king the Black Panther. As part of their attempts to destabilize Wakanda, they have sent spies to sow chaos inside the nation. Beyond the war between the Black Panther and the Moon Knight, there’s was also the discovery of a new element called Anti-Vibranium.
The Heroes of the Ultimate Universe
Halfway there!
It’s been twelve months of exploration, exposition and world development. Earth-6160 is due for an assessment. One year down, one more to go until The Maker is free again. In this issue Deniz Camp flips the narrative on the Ultimate Universe and takes us inside the Maker’s Council. The heroes of the Ultimate Universe aren’t the only ones who have been preparing for the return of the Maker. This unique one-shot sets the tone for the second year of the Ultimate timeline. Also included in this issue, is the debut of two major Marvel characters. Which, was given away in the covers and variant covers for the issue.
*SPOILERS FOR UTIMATE UNIVERSE: ONE YEAR IN*
Nick Fury, head of the H.A.N.D.
Firs thing you need is to forget any image you may have of Nick Fury as a spy. Someone that works for the greater good. This version isn’t like that at all. In Earth-6160 Nick Fury is not the director of S.H.I.E.L.D.. Instead, Fury is the head of the H.A.N.D. (Heroic Anomaly Neutralization Directorate). The H.A.N.D. was established and works directly for The Maker. Not only the H.A.N.D. operates in fascistic ways. But also they actively seek out opposition to The Maker. With the sole purpose of eliminating it. Without any regards for the law or human rights.
However, Nick Fury had a change of heart. After years of oppressing innocent people for what he believed was the greater good. Suddenly, in the abscene of the Maker, Nick Fury found himself working against The Council. While the Council members visited Fury for a briefing, he actively tried to blow up the Beast (6160’s Heli-Carrier) with everyone inside. Himself included. Because Nick Fury saw himself too far gone for redemption. Even unworthy of it. So, ever the good soldier, decide to go out with a bang.
Ultimate Wolverine (Prologue)
After weeks of previews, ads and even a promo video, we finally get to see Ultimate Wolverine in the pages of Marvel Comics. 3 pages worth of storytelling that is. Nonetheless, there’s plenty to disect here. Mostly, this is a tale narrated by a scientist who worked for the Rasputins. Essentially The Maker had established a location for mutants to be concentrated. Against their will of course. Ultimately the Rasputins found ways to exploit their wards for their own benefit. Experimentations and inhumane proceedures were executed. As a result, Directorate X created the perfect weapon. They dubbed this the Winter Solder.
How about the Art?
Main Story: Jonas Scharf and Mattia Iacono managed to draw empathy for Nick Fury. Despite he being a horible person. In contrast to the Maker’s Council, Fury comes across as very redeemable. The art takes Fury from poised and confident, to confused, afraid to hopeless. Thus making the reading experience an emotional rollercoaster.
Ultimate Wolverine (Prologue): All credit to Alessandro Cappuccio and Bryan Valenza for being able to compress their story to a 3 pages montage. This take on Weapon X felt darker than the original. And that’s saying something. The Winter Soldiers looks like is going to be everyone’s problem.
I give this issue a 10 out of 10
The classic story of a hero who comprosmised themselves in the process. Along the way, Fury allowed himself to believed he was one of the good guys. Even after his actions continued to say otherwise. In the end, he tried to do the right thing. Very compelling stuff from Deniz Camp.
It is true, I am a fan of the ultimate universe. Despite my personal bias, I believe there are great stories being told from all corners of this new world. Marvel showcased what good editorial looks like by keeping the universe together. While at the same time allowing creators to do their individual stories.
Then, a year or so later, they added a new wrinkle with this One Year In special. Deniz Camp filled in some of the gaps left by Hickman’s Ultimate Invasion series. Which encapsulates what makes it fun for me. The Ultimate Universe is free from the shackles continuity. So questions can be answered and gaps can be filled with anything or anyone. You never know whats going to happen.
