Marvel and DC’s Biggest Crossover Yet: Ultimate vs. Absolute

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Superhero giants Marvel and DC Comics have dominated the scene for years, with occasional collaborations up until 2003’s JLA/Avengers. However, that’s all set to change as these two powerhouses announced they would start teaming up again. This news has sent waves of excitement through the superhero community due to the distinctly different ways Marvel and DC portray their heroes, creating a unique blend of styles that fans eagerly anticipate. With both publishers brimming with fresh ideas, a crossover event promises an enticing read for enthusiasts.

Currently, Marvel and DC comics have been competing fiercely on sales charts with their comparable secondary series: Marvel’s Ultimate line and DC’s Absolute line. Initially, Marvel launched the Ultimate line, which is its secondary collection of books, but DC’s Absolute line has garnered more popularity in several aspects, as all three of its titles consistently rank among the top ten, while only “Ultimate Spider-Man” remains a consistent top ten contender. Given their early stages and shared characteristics, these two series offer an excellent opportunity for Marvel and DC to collaborate on multiple levels.

Absolute DC and Ultimate Marvel are the Pinnacle of Superheroes Right Now

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In late 2023, Marvel introduced its second Ultimate line with “Ultimate Spider-Man,” “Ultimate X-Men,” and “Ultimate Black Panther.” These comics reinvented the characters by giving Spider-Man a stable family life instead of his usual struggles, turning “Ultimate X-Men” into a chilling manga-style book about mutant Japanese schoolgirls, and delving deeper into the mystical aspects of Black Panther’s Wakandan society while pushing back on the typical advanced technology. The following year brought “The Ultimates,” featuring a fresh take on the Avengers challenging the established order, and 2025 saw “Ultimate Wolverine” blend elements of the Winter Soldier into its portrayal of Wolverine.

In this new iteration of the Universe, known as the Ultimate Universe, has surpassed the previous one primarily due to its unique nature. This latest version of Earth was crafted by Reed Richards, a character from the old Ultimate Universe, to be a world devoid of superheroes and under his absolute rule. The fresh state of affairs in this universe offers countless opportunities and for numerous fans, it represents Marvel Comics at its finest in recent times. In response, DC Comics opted for a similar approach, unveiling the Absolute DC Universe in 2024. This new universe was introduced in the comic book series “DC All-In” #1, where Darkseid assumed a role akin to that of The Maker, creating an Earth where he held sway over its development, resulting in significantly different heroes compared to their original counterparts.

The “Absolute” versions of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman present unique takes on characters we’re familiar with, similar to what the Ultimate Universe offers. Batman is a penniless character, Superman arrived on Earth later in life from Krypton, and Wonder Woman was nurtured in a realm other than Earth (often referred to as Hell). These alterations have resulted in distinct storylines, and the lineup is expanding with titles like “Absolute Green Lantern,” “Absolute Martian Manhunter,” and “Absolute Flash.” The Ultimate and Absolute universes can be thought of as malleable material, making their fusion even more enticing.

One issue with combining Marvel and DC universes is that creators often must address years of backstory, either incorporating it or ignoring it. However, the Ultimate and Absolute universes offer a fresh, unburdened approach because they’re new and innovative. These alternate realities make it intriguing to imagine a strange multiverse crossover, given their villain-originated origins. The tone of these comics shares some similarities, but fans don’t have the same preconceived notions about the characters as they would for the original Marvel and DC counterparts. Additionally, editors might face fewer issues allowing one side to triumph over the other in a crossover event, since these aren’t the traditional versions of the characters, so there’s less pressure to preserve them.

Absolute DC and Ultimate Marvel Fit Together Perfectly for a Crossover

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Regardless of which versions of characters are featured, a fusion of the DC and Marvel universes is expected to be popular among fans who dream of their beloved superheroes and villains clashing. These enthusiasts will undoubtedly express their interest through purchases. However, many previous crossovers have fallen flat due to an overprotective attitude towards characters from both sides. The comic book series JLA/Avengers, however, stands out as the epitome of intercompany crossovers because it allowed writer Kurt Busiek and artist George Perez to tell their story without interference, resulting in a masterful tale. Achieving this level of creative freedom in today’s environment may prove challenging, particularly due to the current owners of Marvel and DC. The most effective method to make this work might be by incorporating the freshest, most successful iterations of both universes.

In a remarkable turn of events, a fusion between the Ultimate and Absolute universes is not only possible but could be recorded in their respective histories – a rarity among major superhero crossovers. This monumental event can occur solely if the Ultimate and Absolute universes serve as the setting for this crossover. Imagine The Maker battling Darkseid, or an affluent Spider-Man interacting with a streetwise Batman from humble origins, or a socially conscious Superman locking horns with a mind-controlled Ultimate Wolverine. Or perhaps Wonder Woman and Black Panther sharing tales of their encounters with divine entities, or the X-Men students socializing with the Ultimates. These scenarios are far more intriguing than just the occasional meeting between Superman and Spider-Man, which holds little significance beyond a limited comic book series.

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2025-03-01 21:40