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Ultimate Comics: Doom #1-4
Ultimate Comics: Doomsday
Who is the face of true evil in the Ultimate Universe? What is the biggest secret the world doesn't know? Join the gathered heroes as they embark on an adventure unlike anything seen in Marvel Comics...and that's a promise!!
Collecting: Ultimate Comics Enemy 1-4, Ultimate Comics Mystery 1-4, Ultimate Comics Doom 1-4
Collecting: Ultimate Comics Enemy 1-4, Ultimate Comics Mystery 1-4, Ultimate Comics Doom 1-4
288 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2010
14 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Brian Michael Bendis
4,417 books2,569 followersA comic book writer and erstwhile artist. He has won critical acclaim (including five Eisner Awards) and is one of the most successful writers working in mainstream comics. For over eight years Bendis’s books have consistently sat in the top five best sellers on the nationwide comic and graphic novel sales charts.
Though he started as a writer and artist of independent noir fiction series, he shot to stardom as a writer of Marvel Comics' superhero books, particularly Ultimate Spider-Man.
Bendis first entered the comic world with the "Jinx" line of crime comics in 1995. This line has spawned the graphic novels Goldfish, Fire, Jinx, Torso (with Marc Andreyko), and Total Sell Out. Bendis is writing the film version of Jinx for Universal Pictures with Oscar-winner Charlize Theron attached to star and produce.
Bendis’s other projects include the Harvey, Eisner, and Eagle Award-nominated Powers (with Michael Avon Oeming) originally from Image Comics, now published by Marvel's new creator-owned imprint Icon Comics, and the Hollywood tell-all Fortune and Glory from Oni Press, both of which received an "A" from Entertainment Weekly.
Bendis is one of the premiere architects of Marvel's "Ultimate" line: comics specifically created for the new generation of comic readers. He has written every issue of Ultimate Spider-Man since its best-selling launch, and has also written for Ultimate Fantastic Four and Ultimate X-Men, as well as every issue of Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, Ultimate Origin and Ultimate Six.
Brian is currently helming a renaissance for Marvel’s AVENGERS franchise by writing both New Avengers and Mighty Avengers along with the successful ‘event’ projects House Of M, Secret War, and this summer’s Secret Invasion.
He has also previously done work on Daredevil, Alias, and The Pulse.
Though he started as a writer and artist of independent noir fiction series, he shot to stardom as a writer of Marvel Comics' superhero books, particularly Ultimate Spider-Man.
Bendis first entered the comic world with the "Jinx" line of crime comics in 1995. This line has spawned the graphic novels Goldfish, Fire, Jinx, Torso (with Marc Andreyko), and Total Sell Out. Bendis is writing the film version of Jinx for Universal Pictures with Oscar-winner Charlize Theron attached to star and produce.
Bendis’s other projects include the Harvey, Eisner, and Eagle Award-nominated Powers (with Michael Avon Oeming) originally from Image Comics, now published by Marvel's new creator-owned imprint Icon Comics, and the Hollywood tell-all Fortune and Glory from Oni Press, both of which received an "A" from Entertainment Weekly.
Bendis is one of the premiere architects of Marvel's "Ultimate" line: comics specifically created for the new generation of comic readers. He has written every issue of Ultimate Spider-Man since its best-selling launch, and has also written for Ultimate Fantastic Four and Ultimate X-Men, as well as every issue of Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, Ultimate Origin and Ultimate Six.
Brian is currently helming a renaissance for Marvel’s AVENGERS franchise by writing both New Avengers and Mighty Avengers along with the successful ‘event’ projects House Of M, Secret War, and this summer’s Secret Invasion.
He has also previously done work on Daredevil, Alias, and The Pulse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 16, 2022
Spoilers Below
But other than finding out the origin of a 616 villain, I'm not that sure this is all that important of a comic, so I don't feel bad about giving the plot away.
I know this isn't technically a Fantastic Four book, but it picks up after Ultimatum: Fantastic Four Requiem. And I've been reading and reading and reading and reading the entire run of Ultimate Fantastic Four until I'm just sick to death of them.
Why?
Because I grew a wild hair and wanted to see when that universe's Reed got the long pointy head and turned into the villain, Maker. And you know how after a while you go past the point of no return, and it makes no sense to stop even though you hate yourself?
Well, that's where I am.
Anyway.
This really wasn't bad at all.
Someone mysterious with inside knowledge has destroyed the Baxter Building, attacked Peter Parker's house (but was thwarted by Iceman), killed Reed Richards and his entire family in their home, attempted to kill Nick Fury (who was in deep hiding), and gone after a few other science-y organizations.
Carol Danvers teams up with Fury, Spider-Man, and the remaining Fantastic Three to figure out who this new enemy is and why they were targeted.
PLOT TWIST! It's Reed!
He's gone full mad scientist and slithered right off the deep end.
Naturally, they eventually beat him and he gets tossed into some void to lick his wounds and regroup.
The other big things that happen in this one are Ben figuring out how to use his powers in his new form, and Ben and Sue making it official as an engaged couple.
Now, for those of you like me who are attempting to read the origin story of Maker? I'm sad to report that he does not have the Alienesque headgear to cover his elongated brain in this comic. That must happen somewhere down the road. I think it's in Ultimate Comics Ultimates by Jonathan Hickman, Vol. 1, but I'm not 100% on that.
Guess I'll find out!
But other than finding out the origin of a 616 villain, I'm not that sure this is all that important of a comic, so I don't feel bad about giving the plot away.
I know this isn't technically a Fantastic Four book, but it picks up after Ultimatum: Fantastic Four Requiem. And I've been reading and reading and reading and reading the entire run of Ultimate Fantastic Four until I'm just sick to death of them.
Why?
Because I grew a wild hair and wanted to see when that universe's Reed got the long pointy head and turned into the villain, Maker. And you know how after a while you go past the point of no return, and it makes no sense to stop even though you hate yourself?
Well, that's where I am.
Anyway.
This really wasn't bad at all.
Someone mysterious with inside knowledge has destroyed the Baxter Building, attacked Peter Parker's house (but was thwarted by Iceman), killed Reed Richards and his entire family in their home, attempted to kill Nick Fury (who was in deep hiding), and gone after a few other science-y organizations.
Carol Danvers teams up with Fury, Spider-Man, and the remaining Fantastic Three to figure out who this new enemy is and why they were targeted.
PLOT TWIST! It's Reed!
He's gone full mad scientist and slithered right off the deep end.
Naturally, they eventually beat him and he gets tossed into some void to lick his wounds and regroup.
The other big things that happen in this one are Ben figuring out how to use his powers in his new form, and Ben and Sue making it official as an engaged couple.
Now, for those of you like me who are attempting to read the origin story of Maker? I'm sad to report that he does not have the Alienesque headgear to cover his elongated brain in this comic. That must happen somewhere down the road. I think it's in Ultimate Comics Ultimates by Jonathan Hickman, Vol. 1, but I'm not 100% on that.
Guess I'll find out!
October 27, 2022
In Ultimate Enemy some force, some plan, targets the scientific community of ROXXON, the Baxter Building, Spider-Man and more. Why are they being targeted, and what's to do when they come for you where you live? The Doomsday event begins, but there's far too much shock and awe, and not enough plot; although Ben Grimm's arc is interesting. 7 out of 12. Next-up was Ultimate Mystery, where our under attack parties know they need to solve the mystery of who and why. As Rick Jones and Sue Storm get closer to it, the shocking truth is beginning to emerge. On first reading this blew my mind, on third reading I realise it was such a shock because there were no real foreshadowed pointes, still to much shock and awe. 7 out of 12.
The final piece of this event is Ultimate Doom... essentially if you thought Ultimate Dr Doom was dangerous, here's the final part with EVERYONE and a mainstream villain combining against 'Ultimate Doom', but will that be enough? Love Nova, Sue Storm and Ben Grimm's stories. Fury almost steals the show yet again, such an awesome character. This is one of the biggest Ultimate Universe must-reads! 8 out 12.. but 7 out of 12 overall as it begins very averagely and just gets better as it progresses.
2022 read; 2017 read; 2011 read
The final piece of this event is Ultimate Doom... essentially if you thought Ultimate Dr Doom was dangerous, here's the final part with EVERYONE and a mainstream villain combining against 'Ultimate Doom', but will that be enough? Love Nova, Sue Storm and Ben Grimm's stories. Fury almost steals the show yet again, such an awesome character. This is one of the biggest Ultimate Universe must-reads! 8 out 12.. but 7 out of 12 overall as it begins very averagely and just gets better as it progresses.
2022 read; 2017 read; 2011 read
May 16, 2022
I know very little about the Ultimates universe. It is a relatively close version of the standard Marvel universe I am familiar with. I would normally have taken a pass but I saw it was written by Bendis and I tend to like his works.
A unknown entity is striking out at NYC. Many high-tech Corporations from Roxxon to the baxter Building and Stark's building all get demolished. At the same time the homes of heroes are attacked, resulting in the death of Reed Richards. As the Fantastic Four, Spiderman and Spiderwoman, along with SHIELD, try to figure out who is causing this catastrophe. No more spoilers.
The artwork is quite good. Bendis' story is a good, but not great, one. Perhaps it's all the differences that make me not like it as much. From whatever Ben Grimm transforms into, to what exactly Nick Fury's status is in SHIELD, there are many Ultimates universe things that threw me off. Someone more familiar with the lore may not be as confused. The story has some twists and some of Bendis' trademark humor.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read but not one worth raving about. I am glad I added it to my colection but I tend to like Bendis' comics.
A unknown entity is striking out at NYC. Many high-tech Corporations from Roxxon to the baxter Building and Stark's building all get demolished. At the same time the homes of heroes are attacked, resulting in the death of Reed Richards. As the Fantastic Four, Spiderman and Spiderwoman, along with SHIELD, try to figure out who is causing this catastrophe. No more spoilers.
The artwork is quite good. Bendis' story is a good, but not great, one. Perhaps it's all the differences that make me not like it as much. From whatever Ben Grimm transforms into, to what exactly Nick Fury's status is in SHIELD, there are many Ultimates universe things that threw me off. Someone more familiar with the lore may not be as confused. The story has some twists and some of Bendis' trademark humor.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read but not one worth raving about. I am glad I added it to my colection but I tend to like Bendis' comics.
September 7, 2016
Interesting. I thought I read this back in August 2012. But I just read it the last two weeks or so, and nothing was familiar about it.
So, a brand new review for the second time, 12 issues of adventure in the Marvel Ultimate Universe, bound together in one glorious hardback for your reading enjoyment:
(Ultimate) Spider-woman Jessica Drew is investigating Roxxon Corporation, the evil company responsible for her creation, when half the building is engulfed in a mutant tentacle-blob. Nick Fury (disguised, presumed dead, and deep undercover) is attacked by an armored alien. Spiderman is attacked, and Reed Richards, his home, and his family are all destroyed by an unknown assailant. Thus begins twisty, multidimensional search across the Ultimate Marvel universe(s) for the source of the attacks on the world's most brilliant minds, and a way to end the threat.
A good tale, but you need to be familiar with the Marvel Ultimate universe in order to get the most enjoyment out of it. Cute little "cameo" by the original Nick Fury.
So, a brand new review for the second time, 12 issues of adventure in the Marvel Ultimate Universe, bound together in one glorious hardback for your reading enjoyment:
(Ultimate) Spider-woman Jessica Drew is investigating Roxxon Corporation, the evil company responsible for her creation, when half the building is engulfed in a mutant tentacle-blob. Nick Fury (disguised, presumed dead, and deep undercover) is attacked by an armored alien. Spiderman is attacked, and Reed Richards, his home, and his family are all destroyed by an unknown assailant. Thus begins twisty, multidimensional search across the Ultimate Marvel universe(s) for the source of the attacks on the world's most brilliant minds, and a way to end the threat.
A good tale, but you need to be familiar with the Marvel Ultimate universe in order to get the most enjoyment out of it. Cute little "cameo" by the original Nick Fury.
June 20, 2011
Wish I liked it more than I did, but the story is just too hectic and fast-paced. Drawings aren't always easy to make out. I got tired of how the old Ultimate Fantastic Four revolved around stories where every bad thing that happened was the result of some stupid thing Reed Richards had done. Well, I guess this kind of takes that idea to its extreme. It was kind of nice to see Ben Grimm evolve beyond his "rock" self into something new, and for him and Sue Storm to fall in love. Otherwise, this was just a case of too much bombast and too little real substance.
July 5, 2019
Love the idea of evil Reed Richards and there was some good stuff in the book but it was just ok. These 4 issue 3 part mini series from the ultimate universe always seem like theres 4-6 issues of story through all 3 parts and the rest is them dragging in out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2021
This was pretty good. Some kind of alien creatures have been attacking key locations. The Baxter Building, Roxxon Corp, Peter Parker’s house etc etc. A bunch of heroes come together to try figure out The Who and the why. Bendis does a good job of building up the mystery and taking us along the journey of our heroes trying to crack that mystery. Crazy once you find out who’s behind it. Loved the art throughout this book and the classic Bendis dialogue. Even tho there were about 97 “SUZIE!!”s in here. 😂
July 9, 2021
While it's a pretty good story overall, the Ultimate universe is clearly going off the rails in a big way, both within the storyline itself and creatively. It's a shame, too, because Ultimate Spider-man and Ultimate Fantastic Four had so much promise and were so good in the early days. This book feels like a last hurrah before the sun sets, but it's just another "event" storyline. I'd been hoping the UU would stay away from those, especially after Ultimatum, but they seem to be ramping up.
April 4, 2024
HEEL. TURN. Well, the turn came in Ultimate Enemy but Reed really leans into his shitbaggery here. Broken little man. How easy it was to burn ALL the bridges to a life of caring.
Now I’m getting more of how he got to be the Maker by the time Hickman started cranking in Ultimate Comics Ultimates. The way we literally leave Reed abandoned, the tantrum that follows will be GLORIOUS.
Aside: I’m reading all these middle-of-the-Ultimate-Universe comics because I enjoy the hell out of Hickman’s Maker (corrupted Ultimate Reed Richards) but I couldn't remember reading the comics that showed us *how* he turned heel. (I thought I skipped most of these at the time because the Ultimate Universe was already in decline, and I focused on reading better comics. My mistake?)
What with Hickman reviving the Ultimate Universe and centering on the Maker, I figure this is my homework to make sure I understand what’s going on in 2024 Hickman comics.
=== Original Review ===
Good. Really good.
My plot note spoilers:
Now I’m getting more of how he got to be the Maker by the time Hickman started cranking in Ultimate Comics Ultimates. The way we literally leave Reed abandoned, the tantrum that follows will be GLORIOUS.
Aside: I’m reading all these middle-of-the-Ultimate-Universe comics because I enjoy the hell out of Hickman’s Maker (corrupted Ultimate Reed Richards) but I couldn't remember reading the comics that showed us *how* he turned heel. (I thought I skipped most of these at the time because the Ultimate Universe was already in decline, and I focused on reading better comics. My mistake?)
What with Hickman reviving the Ultimate Universe and centering on the Maker, I figure this is my homework to make sure I understand what’s going on in 2024 Hickman comics.
=== Original Review ===
Good. Really good.
My plot note spoilers:
December 14, 2020
This was pretty good and I really enjoyed how much past storylines got brought into it. I was especially happy to see the way Rick Jones and Spider-Woman were incorporated into the story. While the Spider-Woman stuff didn't seem like a super important piece of the overall story it did have some cool parts, like the Roxxon scientists (Doctor Octopus came out of nowhere though and I thought that twist was kind of weak).
I loved the twists with the Fantastic Four characters and how they slowly got revealed and developed throughout the story.
It somehow felt both fast paced and like it took its time which is a hard narrative flow to hit. The art was also unique and I thought it had a great balance of dramatic/epic and also cartoonish/vibrant.
Probably like a 3.5 this was very much an Ultimate Fantastic Four/Spider-Man event and it had some really interesting developments that could only be done in the Ultimate universe.
I loved the twists with the Fantastic Four characters and how they slowly got revealed and developed throughout the story.
It somehow felt both fast paced and like it took its time which is a hard narrative flow to hit. The art was also unique and I thought it had a great balance of dramatic/epic and also cartoonish/vibrant.
Probably like a 3.5 this was very much an Ultimate Fantastic Four/Spider-Man event and it had some really interesting developments that could only be done in the Ultimate universe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2022
Best story arc in the Ultimate Universe so far.
The Ultimates sink to a new low as they're using genital mutilation to torture prisoners now.
Reed Richards did nothing wrong. There, I've said it.
The Ultimates sink to a new low as they're using genital mutilation to torture prisoners now.
Reed Richards did nothing wrong. There, I've said it.
June 19, 2011
First of all: I am *way* behind on most all my comic book reading, what with the working all the time and having a girlfriend and moving (again!) into a new place with aforementioned girlfriend. For instance (and here we come to the back matter for this particular book), I haven't really read any of Ultimatum, from Marvel's Ultimate line, although I'm familiar with the broad outlines of it. Also, I *have* read enough of Marvel's Ultimate line to be largely familiar with most of the backstories of the Ultimate Spider-Man and Ultimate Fantastic Four--which is mainly what you'll need to know if you're going to read this book. (The Ultimates show up for maybe two pages--and there's really no Ultimate X-Men at all except for Iceman.)
Also, I'm very partial to Brian Michael Bendis's work, even if much of it lends itself to pages and pages of various characters saying, "Oh my God!" often and with great volume.
So: this book collects three Ultimate miniseries into one volume, and while it has some parallels with the last "trilogy" of its kind (Warren Ellis's Ultimate Galactus, which is most remarkable for its enormously crappy ending), Bendis is more interested in a complete game changer, which is what this is. And Bendis does here what's he's best at: taking years and years of storylines and making them all pay off in one huge, fell swoop.
I was entertained, which is all I really ask from any of these things. The reason I'm only giving it four stars, though, is really the artwork. I'm not saying the art is totally bad, but it does seem a bit rushed and inconsistent most of the time, often to the point of distraction, at least for this reader.
So by all means, give this a go if you're looking for a nice hour-or-so of widescreen superhero distraction.
Also, I'm very partial to Brian Michael Bendis's work, even if much of it lends itself to pages and pages of various characters saying, "Oh my God!" often and with great volume.
So: this book collects three Ultimate miniseries into one volume, and while it has some parallels with the last "trilogy" of its kind (Warren Ellis's Ultimate Galactus, which is most remarkable for its enormously crappy ending), Bendis is more interested in a complete game changer, which is what this is. And Bendis does here what's he's best at: taking years and years of storylines and making them all pay off in one huge, fell swoop.
I was entertained, which is all I really ask from any of these things. The reason I'm only giving it four stars, though, is really the artwork. I'm not saying the art is totally bad, but it does seem a bit rushed and inconsistent most of the time, often to the point of distraction, at least for this reader.
So by all means, give this a go if you're looking for a nice hour-or-so of widescreen superhero distraction.
October 25, 2016
I read this during the Cataclysm: The Ultimates' Last Stand event. This book was the last big event comic in the Marvel Ultimate Universe before the status quo changing crisis event Ultimate Comics Spider-Man: Death of Spider-Man. It is a very good comic for what it established and at least one precedent from this comic survived Secret Wars.
This storyline spanned across three different mini-series and it detailed the end of the Ultimate Fantastic Four and the rise of the Ultimate Universes version of Roxxon. The one thing that has survived into the current Marvel Comics Universe is that Ultimate Reed Richards turns out to be evil and started going by the name The Maker. The Maker survived the Secret Wars event and is the antagonist in New Avengers: A.I.M. Vol. 1: Everything Is New (New Avengers.
So I can recommend this to the curious for being one of the better reads from the now-defunct Marvel Ultimate Universe.
This storyline spanned across three different mini-series and it detailed the end of the Ultimate Fantastic Four and the rise of the Ultimate Universes version of Roxxon. The one thing that has survived into the current Marvel Comics Universe is that Ultimate Reed Richards turns out to be evil and started going by the name The Maker. The Maker survived the Secret Wars event and is the antagonist in New Avengers: A.I.M. Vol. 1: Everything Is New (New Avengers.
So I can recommend this to the curious for being one of the better reads from the now-defunct Marvel Ultimate Universe.
October 23, 2014
Colour me pleasantly surprised. This came out around the time I gave up on the Ultimate Universe (Spidey aside) - basically after the terrible Ultimatum series. I'd been curious about this though, despite my reservations and the library turned it up. If I had read it at the time I may have stuck with the universe. Possibly.
The return of the Ultimate FF is welcome (I quite liked their ultimate series, short-lived as it was), Bendis succeeds in rounding out some hanging threads and recent character introductions and it was lovely spending some more time with Pete (RIP). The story works well even knowing who the big bad was going in (I think it's a little obvious, albeit still shocking) and the spectacle is handled well (though eventually becomes a little repetitive) balanced nicely with the character work, which is especially strong for a large event.
So, yeah...not bad and it feels more like a turning point for the Ultimate Universe than Ultimatum did. For me, it feels like some closure for the time I (mostly happily) spent in the Ultimate Universe.
If you gave up after Ultimatum consider giving this a shot.
The return of the Ultimate FF is welcome (I quite liked their ultimate series, short-lived as it was), Bendis succeeds in rounding out some hanging threads and recent character introductions and it was lovely spending some more time with Pete (RIP). The story works well even knowing who the big bad was going in (I think it's a little obvious, albeit still shocking) and the spectacle is handled well (though eventually becomes a little repetitive) balanced nicely with the character work, which is especially strong for a large event.
So, yeah...not bad and it feels more like a turning point for the Ultimate Universe than Ultimatum did. For me, it feels like some closure for the time I (mostly happily) spent in the Ultimate Universe.
If you gave up after Ultimatum consider giving this a shot.
October 13, 2016
This book is my entire heart and soul. I read it about twice a year and love it every time.
It /does/ require quite a bit of prior knowledge of the Ultimate Universe, as it is a massive crossover event that makes use of previous continuity from Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate Fantastic Four, Ultimatum, Ultimate Power, and possibly other series. But that makes it all the more rewarding and engaging for the reader who /is/ neck-deep in the Ultimate Universe.
For a plot-thick event, the characters are given stellar attention and internality, particularly Sue Storm. The whole of the Ultimate Fantastic Four are made far more interesting than they ever were in their own series (save for Johnny Storm, forgivably, as he's gotten considerable spotlight in Ultimate Spider-Man).
Sandoval's art is dynamic and lovely. Characters' long hair is always flowing nonsensically like a solid mass in a nonexistent wind, but I happen to love the effect. The colors are rich and beautiful.
All around, one of my favorite crossover events of all time.
It /does/ require quite a bit of prior knowledge of the Ultimate Universe, as it is a massive crossover event that makes use of previous continuity from Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate Fantastic Four, Ultimatum, Ultimate Power, and possibly other series. But that makes it all the more rewarding and engaging for the reader who /is/ neck-deep in the Ultimate Universe.
For a plot-thick event, the characters are given stellar attention and internality, particularly Sue Storm. The whole of the Ultimate Fantastic Four are made far more interesting than they ever were in their own series (save for Johnny Storm, forgivably, as he's gotten considerable spotlight in Ultimate Spider-Man).
Sandoval's art is dynamic and lovely. Characters' long hair is always flowing nonsensically like a solid mass in a nonexistent wind, but I happen to love the effect. The colors are rich and beautiful.
All around, one of my favorite crossover events of all time.
March 16, 2014
Holy fucking shit wow!! After that atrocious story line we all know as Ultimatum I swore never to read an Ultimate comic again (except for X-Men). But I took a leap of fate and decided to resume "Operation ULTIMATE!" with the Doomsday story line. Reed Richards, seriously, fuck you! Why the fuck didn't you just leave this leave this fucking dimension and go live in another one...? -_- But noooooooo, instead you decide to destroy this one just to prove how messed things are here? This just proves that you don't give broken people powerful minds, they will eventually snap and destroy stuff. That's the way of the world, sadly.
This is a good comeback for the Ultimate Marvel team after Ultimatum and I liked it a lot! And although I approve of the Ben-Sue pairing, did they really have to get MARRIED??!
Anyway, five stars, bitches! They deserve it! *thumbs up*
This is a good comeback for the Ultimate Marvel team after Ultimatum and I liked it a lot! And although I approve of the Ben-Sue pairing, did they really have to get MARRIED??!
Anyway, five stars, bitches! They deserve it! *thumbs up*
July 20, 2014
Terrific art, good story, uneven dialogue. I cannot provide more specifics without giving away the ending. The conclusion is interesting, but the motive is not fully explained. Was there a prior arc that set up the cause(s) for the villain's behavior?
Furthermore, random heroes appear out of nowhere without set-up or explanation. Perhaps it's a literary technique, I don't know. The timeline of disasters portion of the book was nice, though.
If you are an arc-lover like me, then definitely check this work.
Furthermore, random heroes appear out of nowhere without set-up or explanation. Perhaps it's a literary technique, I don't know. The timeline of disasters portion of the book was nice, though.
If you are an arc-lover like me, then definitely check this work.
August 9, 2023
Someone is targeting all the science centers and think tanks. They even killed Reed Ruchards. Except, and I'm just going to say this because it's the one thing this book is famous for, the person behind this was Reed himself. And now the rest of the Fantastic Four have to team up with some of the worst supervillains of the ultimate universe to stop him: people like Hawkeye, Nick Fury, and Doc Ock.
The 1610 universe is terrible. I don't mean the comics. They are terrible more often than not, to be honest, but they're sometimes a delight. No, I mean the world they have to live in. It was pitched as a more realistic sort of universe, a world more like the one we live in, but instead, it's the one a certain subset of Americans thought we lived in shortly after 911. It's a neoliberal-facistic police state in which any tactic, any violation of liberty, is justified due to the inherent righteousness of the USA and the danger of their enemies. A world that has seen a dozen 911s in a year and has seen countless atrocities committed by their own government on American soil. It's enough to drive a young, good-hearted man mad. And it does. The 1610 universe failed Reed Richards.
But he also had to be stopped. He failed them as well. They deserve better than him if things are ever going to get better. Better than the Ultimates, Nick Fury or Carol Danvers. Better than all these arrogant psychopaths who think they know best.
The Ultimate Universe doesn't need to reform its systems. It needs to end them. Abolish the Ultimates and Avengers, shut down shield, shut down Roxxon and Baxter and every other organization trying to find out better ways to kill people and spread misery.
Because Reed was right but he was also wrong. The people who we need the most, whose world view is most likely to make the world better are not Reed Richards or Nick Fury. No, they're people like Susan who never stops trying to make a difference, Ben who never gives up on his friends, or Peter who saves everyone no matter what they've done. The Future lies not in cynicism but in solidarity, in kindness, self-sacrifice, and love.
Oh, did I mention that this book is really fun? This is how you make an event.
The 1610 universe is terrible. I don't mean the comics. They are terrible more often than not, to be honest, but they're sometimes a delight. No, I mean the world they have to live in. It was pitched as a more realistic sort of universe, a world more like the one we live in, but instead, it's the one a certain subset of Americans thought we lived in shortly after 911. It's a neoliberal-facistic police state in which any tactic, any violation of liberty, is justified due to the inherent righteousness of the USA and the danger of their enemies. A world that has seen a dozen 911s in a year and has seen countless atrocities committed by their own government on American soil. It's enough to drive a young, good-hearted man mad. And it does. The 1610 universe failed Reed Richards.
But he also had to be stopped. He failed them as well. They deserve better than him if things are ever going to get better. Better than the Ultimates, Nick Fury or Carol Danvers. Better than all these arrogant psychopaths who think they know best.
The Ultimate Universe doesn't need to reform its systems. It needs to end them. Abolish the Ultimates and Avengers, shut down shield, shut down Roxxon and Baxter and every other organization trying to find out better ways to kill people and spread misery.
Because Reed was right but he was also wrong. The people who we need the most, whose world view is most likely to make the world better are not Reed Richards or Nick Fury. No, they're people like Susan who never stops trying to make a difference, Ben who never gives up on his friends, or Peter who saves everyone no matter what they've done. The Future lies not in cynicism but in solidarity, in kindness, self-sacrifice, and love.
Oh, did I mention that this book is really fun? This is how you make an event.
October 3, 2025
Ultimate Doomsday throws some interesting ideas at the late "Ultimate" universe, but the story doesn't land.
As this miniseries opens, a series of mysterious invaders are launching attacks on superheroes and scientific infrastructure, bringing together the Ultimate Spider-Man crew as well as what remains of the Ultimate Fantastic Four to try to figure out exactly what's going on. We get a surprising death early on, then a deepening mystery as Ultimate Nick Fury resurfaces to try to execute contingency plans.
I like the concepts here, but a villainous turn feels more like a plot necessity than a progression of character. The storytelling, particularly when Nick Fury is involved, is nastier and more bombastic and superficial than it needs to be. I also had a hard time watching the antagonist's schemes crumble in the third act when faced with a "Get him, guys" charge.
The art by Rafa Sandoval is generally good, working in a Bagley vein that's appropriate for the setting. But while the set-up is compelling, writer Brian Michael Bendis forces the ending.
As this miniseries opens, a series of mysterious invaders are launching attacks on superheroes and scientific infrastructure, bringing together the Ultimate Spider-Man crew as well as what remains of the Ultimate Fantastic Four to try to figure out exactly what's going on. We get a surprising death early on, then a deepening mystery as Ultimate Nick Fury resurfaces to try to execute contingency plans.
I like the concepts here, but a villainous turn feels more like a plot necessity than a progression of character. The storytelling, particularly when Nick Fury is involved, is nastier and more bombastic and superficial than it needs to be. I also had a hard time watching the antagonist's schemes crumble in the third act when faced with a "Get him, guys" charge.
The art by Rafa Sandoval is generally good, working in a Bagley vein that's appropriate for the setting. But while the set-up is compelling, writer Brian Michael Bendis forces the ending.
May 27, 2025
I wanted more context on why the ultimate version of Mr fantastic would turn evil and his transition into the maker so according to a reading guide I could start here.
This was a fun story with some nice surprises, we see the supposed ¨death¨ of Reed and how the other members of the FF react to his transition into villainy. Ben Grimm confessing his love for Sue was also pretty surprising and makes a lot of sense lol it added an extra layer of depth within these characters.
also, it was fun to see Peter´s spidey be a part of this, especially knowing he is doomed to die in this universe soon and be replaced by Miles.
This was a fun story with some nice surprises, we see the supposed ¨death¨ of Reed and how the other members of the FF react to his transition into villainy. Ben Grimm confessing his love for Sue was also pretty surprising and makes a lot of sense lol it added an extra layer of depth within these characters.
also, it was fun to see Peter´s spidey be a part of this, especially knowing he is doomed to die in this universe soon and be replaced by Miles.
July 14, 2024
This book definitely had some pretty dramatic buildup across its three 4-issue arcs because of the effort to keep the reveal a secret for as long as possible. And to be fair, I think Bendis did a pretty good job here and it certainly represented an interesting evolution of what had been established across the various ultimate titles so far. A lot of the stories had sort of languished under the different writers - something I think was especially true for the Ultimate Fantastic Four run. But this book really represents an interesting turn of events and a great set up for future stories.
April 18, 2022
That was great! I read these issues in Marvel Unlimited, so I was hesitant to rate this collection of three connected arcs, lest one be worse than the others and bring down the rating; but this did not disappoint! This is interconnectedness successfully delivered with Spider-Man, mutants, and the FF weaving a compelling story with high stakes and satisfying outcomes.
December 2, 2024
I know this technically isn’t the first “Maker” story, but it is the first story with Ultimate Reed as a villain, so it might as well be. I feel like this would hit a lot harder if I had the context of the entire Ultimate Fantastic Four run, but on its own, it’s still a tragically fun event showing the fall from grace of one of Earth’s greatest heroes.
August 25, 2019
3.5/5.
At this point, the Ultimate universe is so far from the main universe that it's bordering on satire or spoof. But this is still a pretty entertaining book. It really seems like a case of 'since no one is paying attention, just do whatever you want.' It's weird, but I kind of like it.
At this point, the Ultimate universe is so far from the main universe that it's bordering on satire or spoof. But this is still a pretty entertaining book. It really seems like a case of 'since no one is paying attention, just do whatever you want.' It's weird, but I kind of like it.
December 18, 2021
Good diverting popcorn fun. The ending makes no sense and the romance is rushed, but a lot of good character moments, dialogue, and spectacle. Weirdly I’m finding I like Bendis’s crazy Ultimate crossovers more than any of his mainline Avengers stuff.
July 30, 2017
Wanted to give it a higher score but the end was messy and unsatisfying. Good character work and I liked the use of Jessica.
September 30, 2018
What a job did Rafa here!
About the story: I really like what Bendis did with 4F and Richards in the Ultimate Universe.
About the story: I really like what Bendis did with 4F and Richards in the Ultimate Universe.
April 29, 2019
Someone is trying to kill the Fantastic Four, Spider-man and Fury and it leads to a hunt to both survive and catch the culprit.
September 1, 2019
I love the twist.
March 3, 2022
Very underwhelming. Too long and drawn out.
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