RedQueen

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The End of the Ultimate Universe?

I was reading an article over at Newsarama (sorry Comicvine) this morning about the things that they learned from Marvel’s November Solicitations. It is comprised of a top 10 countdown for the things that caught their attention; reveals, creator changes, new titles, e.t.c. Their number one choice was the apparent arrival of Miles Morales into the 616 universe.

Yes, Miles Morales, the “Ultimate” Spider-Man.

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This wasn’t the first time that Newsarama had mentioned their theory that the Ultimate Universe is going to come to an end, and integrate itself into the regular 616 universe at the end/beginning of the upcoming “Cataclysm” event. Ever since Comic-Con in July, and the announcement of Cataclysm, rumour has been spreading through comic news websites like wildfire for what it could mean for the 1610 universe.

Now, if you’re reading this right now, and have no idea about any of this and are outraged/flabbergasted/confused/dismissive/pointing out the many grammar errors than I highly recommend a) reading the aforementioned Newsarama article (sorry, again Comicvine) b) if you don’t want to read anything about Cataclysm then don’t do (a) and continue reading this or c) take pity on me for my lack of writing ability.

If this is the first time you’ve heard anything about this and you are now feeling quite angry, or you’ve had this rage building inside of you since Comic-Con then read on. True believers, don’t worry! Don’t write strongly worded letters to Marvel editors! Or burn those comic books! But, seriously, for the reasons I’m going to point out, I think this could be a good thing.

I’ll get one thing out of the way immediately; I’m a huge fan of the Ultimate Universe. I’ve read pretty much every Ultimate title, albeit not every single issue of those titles… but I have read at least one issue of every title going. I’m currently collecting the Ultimates, Spider-Man, and the X-Men. So, to say the least I’m pretty invested in this line of Marvel’s releases.

I love the Ultimate Universe. A lot. I would be slightly peeved if they stopped it altogether. And this brings me onto my first point.

I don’t think this change is going to be permanent. The Ultimate line of books sells well, not amazingly, brilliantly, record breaking well, but well enough to not warrant effectively cancelling their entire line. We’ve had the looming threat of a fractured multiverse for years now, and with Age of Ultron it’s finally happened. In my opinion, at some point the multiverse has got to fix itself. So yes, lack of permanency if or when this happens.

Point two; I’m a sucker for awesome character moments.

I’ll get to this in a minute, but first I’ll write a mostly conjecture-y piece about how I would like Cataclysm/ it’s tie in books to work. Ok, so the Ultimate universe has spat out all its characters into the 616 universe. The main book, entitled “Cataclysm” will deal with the immediate fall out, and pan into how the characters from both worlds plan to fix it. The book will end with, (for however long the book goes on for) the Ultimate characters eventually being spat back into their own universe. Naturally, they’ll be characters that don’t want to leave, much preferring the not-so-dark-and-edgy world that they now inhabit. Of course, this will allow numerous tie ins and mini events. Like, for instance the sequel to Bendis’ “Spider-Men” featuring Miles and maybe even Peter Parker Spider-Man, but more likely Spock (that’s Otto Spider-Man). Whether Miles will eventually pave the way for the end of Otto Spider-Man I don’t know (because seriously, someone has to be suspicious at the aggressive abrasive personality that Peter now has).

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Back to the "I'm a sucker for awesome character moments point"; I also happen to be a huge Young Avengers fan. Specifically Cassie Lang. Who just so happens to have recently popped up in the Ultimate Universe (Ultimates #17 for those interested). Am I the only person who really wants the Ultimate, older Cassie Lang to bump into the Young Avengers? I can say that I am not. Even though many of you have probably never thought of it until approximately 3 seconds ago. Ta-Da! Another opportunity for a tie-in issue. Now, just think of the greatness that could come from certain characters meeting their counterparts; Young, past Jean Grey meeting hers. Both Kittys. Jessica Drew and Jessica Drew. Wolverine finding out that his died. e.t.c.

Ah, awesomeness.

But now to the main point; There’s no way that this will be permanent because there is simply not enough room to accommodate 2 versions running around of characters. We’ve already had this idea pan out with She-Hulk #21 of Slott’s run. Continuity errors ensue! Mayhem runs rampant! More characters die! Too many Superheroes! Too many Supervillains!

So yes, don't worry, keep calm. It will not be permanent, even if it does happen. Breath and relax.

Disclaimer; I'm also entirely willing to eat my own words if it does become permanent.

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