Ultimate Universe: Finale #1 – Starting Over Again

A new world rises. The Maker has been defeated. Just over a month ago a group of heroes and their supporters called ‘The Ultimates’ fought to free the universe from the Maker’s control. With him gone, who will now chart the path for the universe? The Maker’s Council that he used to assist in controlling the universe is in shambles. In a world of new heroes and maybe even some new villains what does the future hold?

*******Spoilers Ahead: If you haven’t read Ultimate Endgame #5 prior to this review, there will be spoilers******

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Shawn!

Creative Team

Writers: Peach Momoko, Bryan Hill, Chris Condon, Deniz Camp, Jonathan Hickman
Artists: Peach Momoko, Alessandro Cappuccio, Juan Frigeri, Marco Checchetto, Stefano Caseli

Color Artists: Marco Menyz, David Curiel, Bryan Valenza, Federico Blee
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Cover Artist: Phil Noto

Writing

I really love that each writer gets a chance to say farewell to their characters. For Hickman, we get more of what made Ultimate Spider-Man such a really great and enduring contribution to the ultimate universe. We see a glimpse of Peter in this new balance of life, as Spider-Man and a father and it’s endearing. I love getting to see the feistiness of MJ, Richard learning new things, and May adopting a little bit of Peter‘s chaos.

Bryan Hill gives us a glimpse of a future full of hope, redemption, and love in Wakanda. We get a chance to catch up and see what Shuri is up to as well as see the hope that Ororo Monroe has for Wakanda. Hill treats us to beautiful moments between Ororo and T’Challa that felt both fresh and familiar. If Peter Parker and his story is a story about love for his family, Hill shows us that T’Challa’s story is not just about love of family, but his love for his home.

Peach Momoko treats us to a world in which the Secret Society of X-Men not only continues, but works to find new mutants. While she put her own spin on the X-Men during the ultimate universe run, this feels a little bit more like the X-Men everyone has come to know. It also leans heavily into the well utilized plot device of anti-mutant sentiment. In crafting her section of the final story this way, Peach bridges her version of the X-Men with the classic stories of X-Men of yore.

Chris Condon ties up Wolverine’s story with a nice reunion thanks to a surprising method of transportation. At the core it seems like most of the ultimate stories are about some form of love or friendship. This is true with the Wolverine section of this finale. Condon manages to capture a story that feels both hopeful, but honest about the future.

Deniz Camp finishes off his story with one of hope and plans for the future. In framing recovering and rejuvenating as a revolution, Camp paints a world ripe with opportunity, that is free. However, he does not shy away from the fact that challenges, both domestic and international still remain. Camp true to form provides us with also perhaps the biggest twist of this issue.

Art

All of the artist worked so hard on this issue and it shows clearly through their work. You get to see the unique distinct styles from each of the creative teams as they work together throughout this universe to craft their stories. Each art team brought their unique talents, skills and trademarks to their story.

The result was a kaleidoscope of styles and colors that felt like a fitting end to the Marvel ultimate universe. It was one last chance for each artist to remind you why whether it was their lines or their colors you fell in love with their art in this series

Final Thoughts

I loved this recap issue. Camp dropping the twist at the end as well as the final page was an absolute treat that I was so excited to see. I know it’s not likely we will see more anytime soon, but I can’t wait to see what’s in store.

Overall Grade: 10 /10

What did you think of this issue? Let me know in the comments