Marvel has been publishing Ultimate Universe comics since 2000. The point of the Ultimates line was to reintroduce traditional superheroes with complex, canonical storylines that go back decades in a new, modern setting for new readers. Comic book storylines can go back decades. So, the editorial mindset was to make it easier for newer and younger readers to get into comics. This was a mind-blowing gamble in 2000, but it paid off. The best Ultimate comics now span over 25 years, and they are as popular as ever.
The Best Ultimate Comics
In a modern world featuring superhero fatigue and multiverses of madness, I must stress that back in 2000, comic book geek culture was not this ubiquitously celebrated. The internet age has just begun. Marvel barely escaped bankruptcy in the 1990s. Most people don’t truly appreciate that Marvel Comics came very close to being just as obsolete as Fawcett Comics.
The traditional Marvel Universe, Earth-616, was left alone to cater to traditional comic book fans. The Ultimate Universe, Earth-1610, was made to attract new fans. The original Ultimate Earth 1610 would last from 2000 to 2011. In 2024, a new Ultimates universe, Earth-6160, made its debut.
Fans have been reading Ultimate Comics for over 25 years. Here are the seven best ones you must read now.
1. Ultimate X-Men (Peach Momoko)
Peach Momoko is a Japanese artist with a unique visual aesthetic. Momoko draws her characters in an anime, manga, and Japanese folklore-like aesthetic with bright, watercolor hues. She first made a name for herself at Marvel with 2021’s Demon Days, a story where various Marvel characters are reimagined as samurai-era fantasy characters.
2024’s Ultimate X-Men continues Momoko’s artistic trend. The X-Men of this Ultimate universe are teens in Japan. Their powers are manifesting via Japanese folklore and urban legends springing to life.
Ultimate X-Men By Peach Momoko Vol. 1: Fears And Hates is a 160-page paperback that collects the first six issues of the series. Buy it now at Amazon for $17. I highly recommend this series. Momoko’s storytelling skills are legendary.
2. Ultimate Spider-Man (2000)
If you’re looking for the best Ultimate comics, then you can probably start at the beginning. 2000s Ultimate Spider-Man was the first Ultimate comic ever. In 2000, Marvel wanted to reimagine the Marvel Universe for the new millennium and a new generation of comic book readers.
This new Ultimates Universe is Earth-1610. So, the world of Peter Parker was retold in a modern, 2000-era setting for modern readers. This legendary comic, written by Brian Michael Bendis and drawn by Mark Bagley, was published continuously from 2000 to 2011.
Buy the 1,000-page hardcover, Ultimate Spider-Man Omnibus Vol. 1, for $70 now at Amazon. Or, buy the Kindle version for $40.
3. Ultimate Invasion (2024)
In 2012, the 1610 Ultimate universe was destroyed in the “Ultimatum” event. You can read it for $0 with a Kindle membership. It was a polarizing event that critics saw as an unceremonious end to the original 1610 Ultimates Universe. The Maker, an evil version of Mr. Fantastic, escapes the 1610 universe.
The Maker then uses technology to manipulate time to delay the natural ascension of superheroes in the 6160 Ultimate universe. This event comic heralds the arrival of the new Ultimates universe for 2024 and 2025.
Ultimate Invasion is a 192-page paperback that collects all four issues of the event. Buy it now for $19 at Amazon.
4. Ultimate Spider-Man (2024)
Many comic book fans and critics consider this the best Ultimate comic of the modern era. It reimagines Spider-Man for the modern era with an interesting narrative hook. Peter Parker and Mary Jane are middle-aged and have two kids. Also, Peter becomes Spider-Man as an older adult, not as a teenager.
The Maker, the evil version of Mr. Fantastic from the now dead 1610 Ultimate Universe, nefariously alters the 6160 Ultimate universe to prevent superheroes from emerging. So, Spider-Man debuts about 20 years later than he should have in a world that needed his help long ago.
Ultimate Spider-Man By Jonathan Hickman Vol. 1: Married With Children is a 168-page paperback that collects the first six issues of the series. Jonathan Hickman is a legendary writer, and artist Marco Checchetto’s art is a fan favorite. Get it now for $8.19 at Amazon.
5. The Ultimates (2024)
In the 6160 Ultimates universe, which many fans consider to be the best Ultimates comics ever, The Maker delays the rise of superheroes. The Iron Man of this universe learns of The Maker’s plans and initiates a strategy to encourage an older, grown adult Peter Parker to become Spider-Man.
Realizing that the world needs more defenders, Iron Man bands with other heroes to launch the Ultimates, an Avengers-like team of this alternate universe.
Ultimates By Deniz Camp Vol. 1: Fix The World is a 208-page paperback that collects the first six issues of the series. Buy it now for $19 at Amazon.
6. Ultimate Black Panther (2024)
The aftermath of Ultimate Invasion soon begins to affect the hermit nation of Wakanda in the 6160 Universe. The living embodiments of Khonshu and Ra, the African deities that power Moon Knight, decide to wage war on Wakanda. T’Challa, who wants to continue an isolationist policy with the world, must now act to protect Wakanda. Meanwhile, T’Challa discovers a traitor in his country.
Ultimate Black Panther By Bryan Hill Vol. 1: Peace And War is a 152-page paperback that collects the first four issues of the series. Get it now for $19 at Amazon.
7. The Ultimates (2002)
This Earth-1610 version of the Avengers is known as one of the best Ultimates comics ever made. Imagine a 2000s era world where the Avengers first come together. The Hulk is a savage and cannibalistic monster. Iron Man was the subject of technological and genetic manipulation while in utero and is more transhuman than human.
Captain America is less optimistic about using righteous means to win. Samuel L. Jackson was the aesthetic inspiration for Nick Fury in this comic. Jackson was cast in the MCU because of this series. A cynical Nick Fury knows that the world needs the Ultimates for the new threats to come.
Buy the first volume of this legendary series for $10 at Amazon now.
The Best Ultimates Comics Are Yet to Come
The Ultimates comics line shows no signs of letting up. However, that does not mean that they last forever. The 2000s era Ultimates line, Earth-610, saw its end in the Ultimatum event. In June 2025, a Marvel employee said that the current Earth-6160 Ultimate universe might end soon.
Whether or not this rumor is true remains to be seen. However, if it is true, it does not mean that we will never see another Ultimate Universe. Marvel has been publishing Ultimates comics for 25 years. I think fans will always have Ultimates comics, and the best may be yet to come.
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