For decades, Marvel has consistently innovated in the world of superhero comics, helping them remain a top seller. In 2000, they boldly launched the ‘Ultimate Marvel Universe,’ a fresh take on their stories set in modern times. While initially a huge success, the original Ultimate Universe eventually ended after fifteen years. In 2023, Marvel attempted a revival with a brand new Ultimate Universe, assembling top talent and planning a two-year story arc. Now that arc has concluded, and it’s been revealed that the new Ultimate Universe will conclude with Ultimate Endgame.
Marvel is making a big move. It’s understandable to be skeptical of the company, given its connection to Disney and past controversies with its leadership. For a while now, Marvel hasn’t felt like a creative powerhouse, but more focused on profits. However, deciding to end the Ultimate Universe is a significant decision that could mark a turning point for the publisher.
The Best Stories Have Endings
The recent Ultimate Universe series has been really enjoyable. Although some readers have pointed out issues with individual books, and it hasn’t maintained quite the same momentum as DC’s similar ‘Absolute’ line, most agree these Ultimate books are Marvel’s best work currently. So, the announcement that Marvel is ending the series upset many fans who were loving it and are sad to see it go.
Marvel is known for constantly rebooting its storylines, and this ‘ending’ could simply mean the current arc involving the Maker is finished. It’s likely we’ll see the Ultimate Universe books relaunched with new first issues, set on a post-Maker Earth-6160. Honestly, I anticipate that’s exactly what will happen. But I believe it would be better for Marvel to allow the Ultimate Universe to conclude with dignity. Good stories need endings, and Marvel needs to stop endlessly exploiting its characters and ideas for financial gain.
While Marvel has consistently sold more comics for many years, it’s debatable whether they consistently produce the best ones. When you look at lists ranking the greatest comics ever, DC titles appear frequently. A key reason for this is DC’s willingness to let stories conclude. Take All-Star Superman, for instance: it’s a fantastic 12-issue run with a definitive ending – no sequels, no reboots, just a complete and satisfying story.
Stories benefit from having clear endings. I really enjoy the interconnected worlds of Marvel and DC, and the idea that these characters will always be around – not just for me, but for my children too. However, when I think about the greatest comic book stories ever told, they all reach a conclusion. They aren’t endless, ongoing narratives; they have a defined start, middle, and finish. After the story ends, you have time to think about it before moving on to the next one. Marvel seems hesitant to create definitive, impactful stories. They tend to focus on continuous series and frequently reboot titles to increase sales. It’s time for that to change, and the conclusion of the Ultimate Universe could be the spark that sets it in motion.
Marvel Should Use the Ultimate Universe as a Blueprint
I really loved the original Ultimate Universe when it first came out – it was huge for a good five or six years. But honestly, it just kept getting worse and worse until it became kind of a joke. Even though it improved a little near the end, it went on way too long. This new Ultimate Universe, though? It’s been surprisingly good! I think Marvel made the right call ending it when they did, and that actually makes me more forgiving of any issues the series had. They should definitely try this approach more often – knowing when to wrap things up!
It’s very possible this whole situation is a distraction. We might find out soon that Marvel is planning a big relaunch of the books, and they’ve misled us again. While some fans will enjoy that and sales might temporarily increase, Marvel really needs to try something different. They haven’t been innovative for a long time, and perhaps it’s time for them to consider telling stories with definitive endings.
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2025-10-28 16:13