The Ultimate Universe is stronger than ever with multiple hit series, but if you haven’t read Ultimate Invasion you might feel a bit lost. The four-issue series relaunched the new universe, effectively laying the groundwork for a new world order, connecting the 626 universe with The Maker, and giving us a bit of back story on a new take on Tony Stark. Given how good Ultimate X-Men, Ultimate Spider-Man, and Ultimate Black Panther are after this series, there’s no denying Ultimate Invasion is an epic chapter in a larger masterpiece.
This story has a few moving pieces, starting with The Maker. His big plan is to go to another universe and remake it so there are no more heroes. There are still super-powered beings, but most of them are villains agreeing to his world-dominating plan. He can’t lose, but unfortunately, he miscalculates a smidge regarding Howard Stark. He’s the Ultimate Universe Iron Man and is a big reason The Maker doesn’t get his plan exactly right.
Before Howard shows up, this collection reveals how The Maker gets to the new universe and the conflict he encounters among the 616 heroes. Writer Jonathan Hickman has smartly connected the two universes before setting off in this new direction. Instead of the new Ultimate Universe developing brand new, it has origins and connective tissue to the mainline universe.
When reading this in one sitting, it does seem odd Miles Morales is so important in the opening, but it never comes up again. The collection reads like adjustments were made and never fully corrected. The ending also leaves you with big questions that may be unanswered for a long time. There are holes present, and it’s unclear which ones are intentional and which are due to last-minute adjustments.
The Maker serves as a very good villain who does some terrible things with an evil grin on his face. This miniseries also features a lot of war and mayhem. At the halfway point, The Maker had the world’s most powerful heroes help him fight off an army of heroes from the far future. Clearly in a state of shock, Howard Stark buries his friend, Obadiah Stane, as his son, Tony, watches on. Even if you start reading here, readers will note the strange twist in characters right from the start. The Maker has been meddling with this universe and has crafted a scenario where he has ultimate power, and in this issue, we learn how he’s convinced the world’s heroes to enact a kind of peace.
The Maker is very good at being creepy.
Credit: Marvel
I say “a kind of peace” because, as explained here, it’s more manipulation of mass populations. This big idea is what all the other series are grounded on. Ignoring the fact that Bryan Hitch draws The Maker with an evil grin and ulterior motives, the plan makes some sense. Conspiracy theorists will certainly see the logic behind it, and it’s explained well. The first third of this issue explains how heroes like Hulk and Magik participate in theater to make the public think there are good and bad guys. Given The Maker is ultra-smart, it’s interesting to see a geopolitical angle on the supervillain strategy.
At the center of it all is Howard, who wants to ensure the world is still safe for his teenage son but also doesn’t like what The Maker is up to. Hitch’s art supplies a super detailed and grounded feel to everything, be it Howard’s dismayed look or the incredible vehicles at his disposal. Even though much of this book involves characters explaining things to Howard, Hitch keeps your interest up with Dutch angles and incredibly detailed backdrops. The room in which Howard learns the truth of peace and war has flowery crown molding and art frames that seem to crisscross and create a chaotic effect. Given the conspiracy’s dark and complex, the visuals match the truth.
Also supplied here are Hickman’s classic data pages and chapter breaks, giving the comic an extra glint of importance. A map of the world and the centers of power is an intriguing notion that helps convey The Maker truly has taken charge of things. And yet, he needs Howard Stark’s help. The cliffhanger isn’t a game-changer per se, but it does continue to show how far this world has tumbled from the 616 universe. One can guess who it might be under the mask, and Hitch supplies a cool riff on a classic villain.
Closing out the collection is Ultimate Invasion #4 with an extra-sized extravaganza featuring Howard Stark as the central hero in a gambit to stop The Maker, but also make him a time travel device. The issue picks up with Howard and Dr. Doom working together, and some interesting character work is happening here. The two are geniuses, though Howard knows something is wrong with Dr. Doom. Even though this issue builds towards a massive battle of hundreds of characters, it’s best when it’s subtle, forcing you to read between the lines. That’s evident in this scene and how it tiptoes around what happens post-battle.
I won’t spoil it, but Hickman is trying to set up some mysteries for the future while trying to satisfy the conclusion of this mini. It works mostly, although I did find it frustrating to have characters postulate characters may or may not be dead while others who were in the blast aren’t even mentioned. One can easily surmise who Kang is, but it’s never definitively answered and thus open-ended. In comics, you better see a face on a body, or it could be anything.
Ultimate Invasion won’t matter too much while reading the various series like Ultimate Spider-Man and Ultimates this July, but rest assured, the events here will matter greatly at some point. That makes this a must-read if you’re in it for the long haul when reading the Ultimate Universe. The quality of writing, big ideas, and exceptional art combine into something that feels important and a cornerstone of what comes next in the Marvel universe.
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