Get ready, Marvel fans! The beloved Ultimate Universe imprint is making a triumphant return at the end of 2023. Introduced at the "Next Big Thing" panel, fans were treated to a preview of what's to come with newly reimagined versions of fan-favourite heroes.


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Jonathan Hickman has been laying the groundwork for the resurrection of the Ultimate line with his recent limited series, Ultimate Invasion. This ground-breaking series introduces Earth-6160, a reality where The Maker, an inhabitant of the original Ultimate Universe, attempts to restrain the evolution of Earth’s iconic defenders. However, his interference only gives rise to a surge of heroes reborn in distinctive forms, with the likes of Spider-Man, Black Panther, and the X-Men making the cut.


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Hickman's mission for the new Ultimate Universe? Deliver a modern, fresh take on these beloved characters without the constraints of decades-long continuity.


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The brand new era officially kicks off with Ultimate Universe #1, a special one-shot creation from Hickman and illustrator Stefano Caselli. Following this, Hickman will helm the monthly flagship series—a reinvigorated Ultimate Spider-Man—rendered by Daredevil's acclaimed artist, Marco Checchetto.


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This novel iteration of the web-slinger is reportedly inspired by Jake Johnson's take of Peter B. Parker from the Spider-Verse animated films. Expect a divergent shift from the teenage crime-fighter we've loved—we’ll now see a mature Peter trying to sort out his life.


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Bryan Edward Hill (Blade) joins Caselli in the creation of Ultimate Black Panther. The storyline positions Black Panther as the sole force opposing the powerful union of Khonshu and Ra, who aim to rule all of Africa. Hill mentions his excitement to deliver an epic, bold, new interpretation of Black Panther with nods to past comics, recent films, and world-building akin to Frank Herbert's Dune.


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Meanwhile, Peach Momoko is writing and illustrating the fresh Ultimate X-Men series. Featuring both new and familiar mutants with Armor as the protagonist, this series diverges by connecting mutants to a world of magic and folklore.


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Watch out for the release of Ultimate Universe #1 on November 1, 2023, and Ultimate Spider-Man #1 in January 2024. An animated trailer for the Ultimate Universe is also anticipated.


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In other Marvel news, the current Krakoan Age of the X-Men series will wrap up in 2024.