With Marvel Comics’ new Ultimate Universe taking the world by storm, fans old and new have been lining up to see which of their favorite characters will be reimagined next. While many Marvel icons like Iron Man and Doctor Doom have undergone drastic changes, other fan-favorites like Spider-Man or the Black Panther have struck close to home with more immediately recognizable iterations on decades-old characters.
Either way, the heroes of Earth-6160 have proven themselves to be incredibly malleable, especially in this imaginative new version of the Ultimate Universe, which launched in 2024 with Ultimate Spider-Man. There are countless choices for who might join this radical new take on the Marvel Universe next. But while there are many characters that fans absolutely need to see revamped for this new initiative, there are a few that readers can do without.
15
Skip: Deadpool
First Appearance: The New Mutants #98 by Rob Liefeld, Fabian Nicieza, Steve Buccellato, Ifansyah Noor, and Joe Rosen
Deadpool is one of Marvel’s most popular characters – and that popularity justifies why he needs to avoid an appearance on Earth-6160. Going from fan-favorite ’90s icon to international blockbuster material has more than improved Wade Wilson’s cache, but now that Deadpool is everywhere, he’s arguably lost some of what made him so entertaining in the first place.
These days, Deadpool is already teetering on the edge of being overused, and seeing how the original Ultimate Universe’s Deadpool variant wasn’t very well received, yet another alternate Deadpool probably wouldn’t be the best for the motor-mouthed mercenary’s overall brand.
14
Reboot: Whisperer Rick Jones
First Appearance: The Incredible Hulk #1 by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Paul Reinman, Stan Goldberg, and Artie Simek
Rick Jones has been a Marvel Comics mainstay for the better part of a century, and like many Marvel icons, Rick deserves a fresh coat of paint for this new Ultimate experiment. As a perennial sidekick of Captain America, the Hulk, and the original Avengers, Jones’ Ultimate debut would be a worthy inclusion in one of the House of Ideas’ most outstanding legacies.
On Earth-616, Rick has even served as the whistleblowing hero known as the Whisperer. And considering this new timeline’s focus on disinformation campaigns as a major plot point and thematic element, Rick’s status as a hacker and leaker in this heavily altered continuity would be a boon to the Ultimates in particular.
13
Reboot: The Eternals
First Appearance: The Eternals Series by Jack Kirby
As some of Marvel’s longest-lived power players, the Eternals have occupied a singular role within the Marvel Universe since their inception – a role that would likely be drastically altered on Earth-6160. Tasked by the Celestial to guard humanity against deviation, the heroes of Olympia may usually steer clear of mortal concerns, but their reaction to this history’s altered trajectory would be utterly fascinating.
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Considering the power levels at the Eternals’ disposal, there’s no chance that the Maker hasn’t kept tabs on the likes of Ikaris, Sersi, and the rest. But just how these Earth-born gods feel about Reed Richards’ machinations is a story that needs telling.
12
Skip: The Punisher
First Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #129 by Gerry Conway, Ross Andru, Frank Giacoia, Dave Hunt, and John Costanza
Frank Castle’s existence within the history of Earth-6160 has already been confirmed, but the original Punisher vigilante himself shouldn’t make another appearance in the timeline’s current stories. The Punisher character has long been controversial, and the last few years have seen Marvel do what they can to address this controversy-– even going so far as to replace Frank as the Punisher of Earth-616 altogether.
Earth-6160 provides creators with the opportunity to tackle this controversy in a totally unique way, and the inclusion of Frank’s Punisher disciples does just that. Ultimately, the vigilante group he inspired could prove to be more interesting in this new universe than Frank himself.
11
Reboot: Wonder Man
First Appearance: The Avengers #9 by Stan Lee, Don Heck, Dick Ayers, Stan Goldberg, and Artie Simek
Simon Williams is a classic Avenger and a fan-favorite hero dying to be reintroduced within Marvel’s new Earth-6160 continuity. From Master of Evil, to one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, to Hollywood actor, to superhuman pacifist, Williams has played more than a few roles throughout his costumed career, and such versatility would be right at home in the Ultimate Universe.
With his original background, Wonder Man could be anything from a public relations-focused, Maker’s Council-sponsored “hero” opposing Iron Lad, Captain America, and company to one of the Ultimates’ greatest heroes. Either way, Ultimate Simon Williams’ debut would be undoubtedly wonderful.
10
Reboot: Cable
First Appearance: The New Mutants #87 by Louise Jones Simonson, Rob Liefeld, Bob Wiacek, Mike Rockwitz, and Joe Rosen
The Ultimate X-Men couldn’t be more different from their mainstream counterparts, but there are more than a handful of mutant icons like Cable that are dying for a new 6160 debut. After all, Nathan Summers is arguably Marvel’s marquee time-traveling hero.
Considering the changes that the Maker has made to the Ultimate Universe’s timeline, as well as the inevitable reappearance of Kang the Conqueror, the Askani Son’s involvement would be perfectly natural.
Considering the changes that the Maker has made to the Ultimate Universe’s timeline, as well as the inevitable reappearance of Kang the Conqueror, the Askani Son’s involvement would be perfectly natural. Cable’s identity would likely need a pivot away from the Summers’ bloodline, but, considering that the last Ultimate Cable was the future Wolverine, it wouldn’t be the first time such a change was made to his character.
9
Skip: Scarlet Spider
First Appearance: Web of Spider-Man #118 by Terry Kavanagh, Steven Butler, Randy Emberlin, Kevin Tinsley, and Steve Dutro
Ultimate Spider-Man has been a breath of fresh air for many Spider-Fans, introducing new twists on the characters’ iconic lore, but the title has so far avoided the topic of clones like Ben Reilly – and that’s a good thing. Although many fans love the most iconic Scarlet Spider and one-time Sensational Spider-Man, few consider Spider-Man’s infamous “Clone Saga” to be one of Marvel Comics’ high points.
Considering it is still early days for Earth-6160’s Amazing Arachnid, fans likely won’t see a Clone Saga redux anytime soon, and, in the end, that’s for the best. Because everyone – especially Spider-Man himself – is sick of Spider-Clones.
8
Reboot: Black Widow
First Appearance: Tales of Suspense #52 by Stan Lee, Don Rico, Don Heck, and Sam Rosen
One of the biggest Avengers icons still missing from Earth-6160, the Black Widow seems like a character tailor-made for this morally gray new Ultimate Universe. A shadowy espionage agent with a checkered past, Natalia would fit right in on either side of the Ultimates’ fight against the Maker and his Council, potentially with an agenda all her own.
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Given her history, Black Widow has the potential to be one of the Ultimates Network’s most efficient operatives – or one of H.A.N.D.’s deadliest agents. But there’s no way that fans can go too much longer without feeling the Ultimate Black Widow’s bite.
7
Reboot: Emma Frost
First Appearance: The X-Men #129 by Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Terry Austin, Bob Sharen, and Tom Orzechowski
This X-Men icon has long been one of mutantkind’s most multifaceted role models, with a layered complexity that would be right at home in the gray morality of Earth-6160. And with the unique geopolitical positioning of mutantkind in this new world, the White Queen’s perspective is one worth exploring.
Considering her dedication to advancing the mutant cause with hard and soft power, it’s more surprising she hasn’t appeared already. After all, a shadowy Council of global power players, mutant leaders, and business elite is perfect for the White Queen; it’s practically made for a politically-minded character like Emma Frost.
6
Skip: Silver Surfer
First Appearance: Fantastic Four #48 by Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, Joe Sinnott, and Sam Rosen
The Silver Surfer is one of Marvel’s most far-out figureheads, and that’s just why he needs to stay far away from the Ultimate Universe for the time being. While Earth-6160 isn’t necessarily more realistic than its mainstream counterpart, the stakes of this younger universe feel that much higher, and a major component of that is the heroes’ ongoing status as underdogs and aberrations.
As the Surfer, Norrin Radd is one of the most powerful beings in the cosmos, and should his Ultimate iteration fall upon the side of the angels as in Earth-616, he would simply make things too safe for these scrappier, more radical variants of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
5
Reboot: Ms. Marvel Kamala Khan
First Appearance: Captain Marvel #14 by Kelly Sue DeConnick, Scott Hepburn, Gerardo Sandoval, Andy Troy, and Joe Caramagna
Kamala Khan is a fan-favorite hero and one of Marvel’s breakout stars of the 21st century. Naturally, that popularity would make her an ideal candidate for a new Ultimate debut, but the reasons why she should be added involve far more story potential than simple popularity. Despite starting out from the very beginning as a solo hero, Kamala’s journey to heroism was still greatly inspired by her role model, Captain Marvel Carol Danvers.
Danvers has yet to officially appear on Earth-6160, with the implication being that her own powers overwhelmed and killed her. Seeing a young Kamala develop her own heroic identity without Carol’s inspiration could do wonders for the character – and help highlight exactly why she’s one of Marvel’s greatest rising stars.
4
Reboot: Sam Wilson
First Appearance: Captain America #117 by Stan Lee, Gene Colan, Joe Sinnott, and Sam Rosen
Sam Wilson is a staple among the Avengers and within Marvel Comics as a whole, with deep ties to others like Captain America and Black Panther, who have both already been introduced to Earth-6160. Considering his usual affiliations, as well as his pre-existing history as one of Earth-616 Marvel’s more politically outspoken characters, it could be time for the Falcon to take to the skies of the Ultimate Universe.
These days, Sam Wilson is flying high as the Captain America of Earth-616 as well as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And while it may be too early for him to wield Steve’s shield in this burgeoning continuity, that doesn’t mean Wilson can’t reappear as one of the Marvel heroes’ most iconic wingmen.
3
Skip: Phoenix Jean Grey
First Appearance: The X-Men #1 by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Paul Reinman, and Sam Rosen
Jean Grey is one of Marvel’s most enduring heroes, but her status as the Phoenix makes her far too overpowered to appear within the new Ultimate continuity just yet. As with the Silver Surfer, the Phoenix’s very existence fundamentally changes the stakes in any battle in which she partakes.
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Considering the Phoenix’s status as the ultimate manifestation of all mutantkind throughout the Multiverse – including Earth-6160 – her debut would tether this Ultimate Universe to pre-existing continuity in ways that many fans would likely prefer to avoid for the time being. And should Jean appear as anything other than fire and life incarnate, fans will be left wondering just when the other fiery-feathered shoe would drop.
2
Reboot: Daredevil
First Appearance: Daredevil #1 by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Bill Everett, Steve Ditko, Sol Brodsky, Artie Simek, and Sam Rosen
At this point, Daredevil is arguably Marvel’s most iconic, clear-cut “hero” to still be missing from Earth-6160. Sure, fans have seen a Father Murdock make more than one appearance across multiple titles, but a fully fleshed-out Ultimate Daredevil is exactly what readers have been waiting for.
Whether that Daredevil will indeed be Matt Murdock himself, or if Earth-610 will eschew Battlin’ Jack’s son’s time as the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen in favor of his famous former lover and successor, Elektra Natchios, remains to be seen. But every Marvel Universe needs a Daredevil, and so do the readers.
1
Reboot: Magneto
First Apperance: The X-Men #1 by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Paul Reinman, and Sam Rosen
Magneto is arguably the most significant Marvel character yet to appear in the new Earth-6160’s continuity, and his absence is greatly felt. With multiple mutant heads of state mistreating their own genetic kin, there’s no way that the Master of Magnetism could stand silently by without intervening.
The previous Ultimate Universe’s Magneto was essentially the big bad of that entire continuity, so to reignite the Ultimate line without the X-Men icon is a truly bold move.
The previous Ultimate Universe’s Magneto was essentially the big bad of that entire continuity, so to reignite the Ultimate line without the X-Men icon is a truly bold move. But wherever there are mutants, there will be Magneto – and it’s highly likely that Marvel’s Ultimate Universe version of the iconic character will be none too pleased with the Maker’s meddlesome schemes.
Ultimate Marvel
Created in 2000, the Ultimate Marvel imprint redesigned the entire Marvel Comics universe with a new set of origin stories and relationships. The reboot reinterpreted Marvel continuity from scratch in an attempt to simplify and update the company’s 60-year history for modern audiences. With famous comic book writers such as Brian Michael Bendis, Warren Ellis, and Mark Millar at the helm, the Ultimate universe (named Earth-1610 within the Marvel multiverse) lasted 15 years and provided plenty of inspiration for the MCU.
Summary
Created in 2000, the Ultimate Marvel imprint redesigned the entire Marvel Comics universe with a new set of origin stories and relationships. The reboot reinterpreted Marvel continuity from scratch in an attempt to simplify and update the company’s 60-year history for modern audiences. With famous comic book writers such as Brian Michael Bendis, Warren Ellis, and Mark Millar at the helm, the Ultimate universe (named Earth-1610 within the Marvel multiverse) lasted 15 years and provided plenty of inspiration for the MCU.
