Two (thousand) years have passed in the Ultimate Universe, but inside the City, the Maker has had thousands of years to prepare for his return! With the barrier around the City finally gone, heroes all across the Ultimate Universe must mobilize to defeat the Maker before it’s game over. For everyone. Meanwhile, the rest of the world wages World War III… Ultimate Endgame #1 kicks off the beginning of the end to the Ultimate Universe.

For some time now, Marvel has been setting up the end to the Ultimate Universe. The announcement came as a surprise to many as the comics have seemed to be a hit. Now, it’s possible this is the end to this current iteration and after Ultimate Endgame is done, we’ll get a new world, but no matter, this series will be a game changer.

Written by Deniz Camp, Ultimate Endgame #1 drops readers right into the action. The people have risen up against the Maker and his rulers and the Ultimates are prepared to take on the Maker in his bubble. It’s an interesting debut that skips the catch up portion instead giving us glimpses around the globe through Iron Lad who is observing what’s going on.

With this being the finale, it feels like Ultimate Endgame #1 just accepts those reading it are likely already fans of the Ultimate line and don’t need much background or information. That helps and hurts as there’s some odd moments like Ultimate Spider-Man being recruited while his series has been relatively siloed from the Ultimates. There’s the lack of Ultimate Wolverine, Ultimate X-Men, and Ultimate Black Panther are nowhere to be seen. It highlights the rather disjointed universe that has been playing out for about two years now. The reason for Spider-Man’s inclusion isn’t really given and against such a foe as the Maker, a bit of a headscratcher.

Still, we’ve had the countdown to the Maker’s return playing out for some time and it’s here at last and what is revealed is… intriguing. While not the jaw dropping surprise one might expect, the reveal is more mystery and odd sci-fi than superhero battle. Within lies some Ultimate debuts including one obscure character who is sure to cause some web searches and for those that know, and fun addition to a world that’s part of the multiverse.

There’s also at least one moment that’s truly shocking as the Maker’s forces counterattack that takes the wind out of the revolution and throws things up in the air.

The art by Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson as well as Jonas Scharf is good. There’s a lot to pack in and it feels like quick glimpses without a ton of detail at times. What’s revealed when we enter the Maker’s dome is strange and weird, defying expectations as it should. The Maker has had thousands of years to evolve and plan and under the dome awaits sci-fi mysteries. When the art does get to focus in more subdued moments, it tells a story with the small details. But, there’s so much to get through, that feels the exception than the rule. The color by Federico Blee and Edgar Delgado and lettering by Cory Petit all come together to bring together a rather muted comic visually instead of one that opops, there’s a slight worn feel to it.

While I’m not convinced this is really the end of the Ultimate Universe, Ultimate Endgame #1 does have a climactic feel to it. It feels like that world ending big picture popcorn blockbuster where the sets, visuals, and chaos are the draw. There’s still quite a while to go and a lot of pieces of the puzzle to put together, but as far as event debuts, this is an intriguing one in both positive and frustrating ways.

Story: Deniz Camp Art: Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson, Jonas Scharf
Color: Federico Blee, Edgar Delgado Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Comix Experience – Zeus Comics – Kindle