Starting with 2023’s Ultimate Invasion by Jonathan Hickman and Bryan Hitch, a new Marvel Ultimate Universe (or Ultimate 2niverse as I’ve coined) was born! Not a reboot, not a reset, the new Ultimate Universe is instead Hickman’s vision of a new alternate reality controlled by The Maker, the villainous Reed Richards from the original Ultimate Universe, attempting to shape a Universe of his own making without those pesky superheroes. It’s a world that begins without Fantastic Four, Avengers (or Ultimates), a Spider-Man, and much more, although obviously it wouldn’t be much of a Marvel verse if those facts weren’t subject to change!
Previously: The original Marvel Ultimate Universe
Previously: What to read before Ultimate Invasion?
Below you’ll find the reading order for the New Ultimate Universe that began in 2023, now runs through 2024, and beyond. The reading order is broken out by collected editions or by single issue release order, depending on the experience you want. Personally, I’d recommend you follow the trade reading order through the first volume of collected editions as listed below. It’s easier, and there’s very little crossover or overlap between issues of other series so far. Nonetheless, if you want to experience what it’s been like to read these issues as they’re released (which is quite fun – check out a local comic shop to get on board), that’s listed here last.
Enjoy the comics!
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The New Ultimate Universe Trade Reading Order
Collects: Ultimate Invasion #1 to #4
Jonathan Hickman and Bryan Hitch (artist of the original Ultimates series in the early aughts) set up the template for this new Marvel Universe, bringing in a heaping dose of Earth 1610 (the original Ultimate U via The Maker) and Earth-616 (the OG Marvel Universe via The Illuminati) before naturally segueing into an entirely new vision for Marvel Comics of the 2020s.
I had my issues with the set-up as an individual story, but as a template for a new Marvel Universe it’s outstanding and required reading for this era.
Ultimates Vol. 1: Fix the World
Collecting: Ultimate Universe (2023) #1, The Ultimates #1 to #6
The big trick with reading the first volume of The Ultimates by Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri, with colors by Federico Blee, is that the collection includes the set-up issue of the Hickman written Ultimate Universe (2023) #1 (with art by Ultimate Black Panther‘s Stefano Caselli). This one issue should be read immediately after you finish Ultimate Invasion, as it drives the set-up across Ultimate Spider-Man and Ultimate Black Panther. Apart from that, though, The Ultimates is actually the last of the four launch series to be released. Personally, I’d stick with this release order, reading Ultimate Universe (2023) #1 now, then reading Spider-Man, Black Panther, and X-Men, before returning to Camp and Frigeri on The Ultimates. This isn’t necessary per say but it will give you a feel for the state of the new Ultimate Universe and what’s developing before coming back to the core action in The Ultimates.
What’s not at all tricky is recommending The Ultimates. Within the first volume it became my favorite Marvel Comic book the publisher offers today. No series is bringing more of the full potential of comics to Marvel.
Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1: Married with Children
Collects: Ultimate Spider-Man #1 to #6
It’s no surprise Ultimate Spider-Man is a runaway hit considering it’s a dream come true for so many kinds of Marvel Comics fans. First off, you have Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto aligning as superstar creators on Hickman’s first ever Spider-Man run (sure he’s written 616 Pete in FF and Avengers, but it’s not the same thing!). Then you have the post Spider-Verse, post “One More Day” hangover fan favorite vision of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson actually married with little spider kids!
Add in a heaping dose of Alan Moore, Gary Leach, and John Totleben’s Miracleman, and you have yourselves the most thoroughly enjoyable Spider-Man run since… oh boy… J. Michael Straczynski and John Romita Jr.?
Ultimate Black Panther Vol. 1: Peace and War
Collects: Ultimate Black Panther #1 to #6
(As of September 2024 – 1 month prior to release – Marvel’s product listings for Ultimate Black Panther and Ultimate X-Men only say they collect issues one to four. There is no way in Wakanda this is accurate, as both stories clearly build a more traditional six issue arc. I’m just assuming the listing is in error, and those responsible for sacking those who made the error have been sacked.)
Ultimate Black Panther is the least exceptional new Ultimate Universe launch. That said, when three of the four books in your line are varying shades of exceptional, that’s a high bar! Bryan Edward Hill and Stefano Caselli are delivering a very solid, MCU-infused new vision for Black Panther and Wakanda in The Maker’s Universe, reshaping the likes of Moon Knight, Storm, Killmonger, and Shuri along the way.
Ultimate X-Men Vol. 1: Fears and Hates
Collects: Ultimate X-Men #1 to #6
Let’s just start here: This is Ultimate X-Men but don’t come looking for Cyclops, Jean, Wolvy and Storm (she’s in Black Panther!). And honestly, maybe don’t even come looking for Professor X, Magneto, or Rogue and Gambit! This is Peach Momoko’s vision for a new kind of X-Men, and it isn’t interested in serving up all the old faves in new forms.
This fact alone makes Momoko and co-writer Zack Davisson’s Ultimate X-Men unlike anything else in the line, as does Momoko’s inimitably gorgeous watercolor-infused storytelling. While there are known characters in this work – Momoko centers the narrative around Hisako (Armor) and freshman girls in Japan like Nico Minoru and Surge – Ultimate X-Men puts a completely unique emphasis on the NEW in new Marvel Ultimate Universe. Personally, I’ve found this very exciting, and a breath of fresh air, while the rest of the line plays in more familiar Marvel Universe spaces.
New Ultimate Universe Issue by Issue Reading Order
Ultimate Invasion #1 to #4
Ultimate Universe (2023) #1
Ultimate Spider-Man #1
Ultimate Black Panther #1
Ultimate Spider-Man #2
Ultimate X-Men #1
Ultimate Black Panther #2
Ultimate Spider-Man #3
Ultimate X-Men #2
Ultimate Black Panther #3
Ultimate Spider-Man #4
Ultimate X-Men #3
Ultimate Black Panther #4
Ultimate Spider-Man #5
Free Comic Book Day 2024: Ultimate Universe/Spider-Man #1
The Ultimate story by Camp and Frigeri is 2nd in the FCBD special, in between a Spider-Man and Venom story you don’t need to read here.
The Ultimates #1
Ultimate X-Men #4
Ultimate Spider-Man #6
Ultimate Black Panther #5
The Ultimates #2
Ultimate X-Men #5
Ultimate Black Panther #6
Ultimate Spider-Man #7
Ultimate Black Panther #7
The Ultimates #3
Ultimate Spider-Man #8
Ultimate X-Men #6
The Ultimates #4
Ultimate Black Panther #8
Ultimate X-Men #7
Ultimate Spider-Man #9
Ultimate Black Panther #9
The Ultimates #5
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As someone one whose comics reading has dipped recently and hasn’t kept up with this , thanks for putting the order together .
I’ve only read Ultimate Invasion recently and it really gave some old “Planetary” vibes with an evil Reed sabotaging every possible opponent and a group of people trying to bring him down, so I’m looking forward to (eventually) exploring the new Ultimate Universe.