How The Ultimates Completely Changed the Avengers for Modern Readers

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In 2002, author Mark Millar embarked on a fresh interpretation of the Avengers within the original Ultimate Universe. Following the September 11th attacks the previous year, global sentiment had shifted significantly. With heightened American fears of terrorism, public interest in military matters increased, whether positively or negatively. Millar chose to introduce this team, whom he called The Ultimates, portraying them as a government-controlled anti-terrorism squad, which was a contentious yet groundbreaking representation of the Avengers. This innovative approach has resulted in one of the most hard-hitting and intriguing interpretations of the team to date, with its influence still felt today.

Known for being both admired and criticized, Millar crafted “The Ultimates” as a critique of the excessive militarization prevalent in the U.S. during that period. While it was logical for the U.S. to behave as such at the time, it didn’t take long for the flaws to emerge. He maintained Captain America as the team leader, retaining his familiar traits. Additionally, he filled out the roster with Iron Man, Thor, The Hulk, Giant-Man, and The Wasp, creating a squad that resembled the original Avengers. Millar also redefined Hawkeye and Black Widow as covert assassins for S.H.I.E.L.D., forming a team with distinct differences. Quickly appearing in public eye were Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch. The current series by Deniz Camp features a similar lineup but presents the team in a more positive, functional light.

Not Your Typical Avengers

In this alternate universe, characters from the Avengers team underwent slight adjustments except for Captain America. Cap endured a prolonged freeze and exhibited a touch more gruffness. Despite these changes, he continued to champion the values of those he cared for. Tony Stark, still a wealthy billionaire, was battling a brain tumor that threatened his life, motivating him to use his remaining years to do good, thus becoming Iron Man. Whether or not he truly is the Norse God of Thunder remains debatable, but Thor was revered as a new messiah with a faith built around him. The Hulk struggled to control his transformations and Hawkeye was known for his brashness, while Black Widow remained reserved. Quickly and Scarlet Witch were off pursuing their own paths, best not to dwell on that too much. Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne were already married but had some complications; Hank transformed into Giant-Man, while Janet could shrink due to her mutant powers. Finally, we have Nick Fury, who stayed the same but now bore a resemblance to Samuel L. Jackson, rounding out our main cast.

Each member contributed distinctly, but our team was filled with egos that didn’t mesh harmoniously. There were whispers of a hidden Nazi group wielding alien technology, which became The Ultimates’ initial challenges. Officially designated by George W. Bush as the U.S.’s top super team, The Ultimates were perfectly suited for the task at hand. Bruce Banner found himself increasingly frustrated because Betty Ross, his love interest and public relations liaison, barely acknowledged him, fueling his anger. Feeling both that they should be together and resenting the taunts from the rest of the team, the first threat emerged within their own ranks, revealing itself as one of their comrades.

Their Greatest Threats Are Themselves

Initially, the Hulk posed the first challenge to the team, who squared off against him in Manhattan. Almost instantly, they gained widespread public acclaim while maintaining Bruce Banner’s secrecy. This victory further fueled the team’s egos as they subdued the Hulk. Unfortunately, one member was arrested for domestic abuse (Giant-Man), and upon learning about this, the rest of the team confronted him. The team’s internal strife intensified when the Nazis launched their attack, with tensions already running high. In the midst of this chaos, the Avengers, along with SHIELD units, fought back against the Nazi assault, and surprisingly, the Hulk joined forces with them in battle. This version of the Avengers was constantly at odds with one another, mirroring the real world during a time when people were suspicious of their neighbors and on high alert for potential threats. In fact, this story perfectly encapsulates the unease and discord that characterized everyday life during that period.

The Ultimates series brought a more realistic and human portrayal of the Avengers, something that was less evident before. This approach has persisted in mainstream Avengers stories, and we’ve even seen more “ultimate” versions of the team thanks to the new Ultimate Universe, which has been quite successful. Just like the original, a major crossover event is on the horizon, and we can’t wait to see it unfold. Although the current team dynamics are strong, the original The Ultimates stands as a masterpiece and a snapshot of the world in the aftermath of a massive terrorist attack on American soil – much like 9/11, the impact of The Ultimates continues to resonate with Marvel’s heroes today.

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2025-07-09 03:40