With attention-grabbing, new continuities, it’s an interesting time to be a Marvel or DC Comics fan. Within a year of one another, the Big Two embarked on exciting, new publishing initiatives that revamped their classic heroes for a new age. Marvel’s relaunched Ultimate Universe and DC’s new Absolute Universe have both been crushing it among fans and critics.
And yet, despite the healthy competition, Marvel Comics is ending one of its most well-loved titles, Ultimate Spider-Man, in just a few months. Not only is it a beloved title among fans, it’s doing quite well in sales. So why is Marvel ending a book that rivals similar titles like Absolute Batman or Absolute Wonder Woman?
Marvel and DC Comics Have Captured Fans Everywhere with New Imprints
The Ultimate and Absolute Universes Have Revamped Heroes for a New Age
In 2023, Marvel Comics revealed that it was reviving its Ultimate Universe imprint, beginning with a new four-issue series, Ultimate Invasion. Overseen by architect Jonathan Hickman, this new Ultimate Universe was created by the evil Reed Richards variant, the Maker. Escaping to a world similar to Earth-616, the Maker changed history to prevent Marvel’s heroes from ever rising.
About a year later, DC Comics revealed that it was also creating a new line of comics set in a world created by a villain. The DC All In Special saw Darkseid’s physical body die, and his energy spread to a young, impressionable universe. In this new Absolute Universe, the villains reigned supreme while heroes faced greater difficulties.
Fans immediately took to Marvel and DC’s new imprints, with books like Ultimate Spider-Man, Absolute Batman, The Ultimates, and Absolute Wonder Woman ranking as some of the best-selling comic books. Of course, it’s no wonder readers are gravitating to them, as the simple set-ups of these worlds makes it a pretty easy jumping-on point for new and lapsed readers.
But more than just ease-of-access, fans have taken to the Absolute and Ultimate Universe because of the underdog aspects to these books. Heroes facing a world where the odds are stacked against theme in a world of systematic oppression and greed have made books like Absolute Batman and Ultimate Spider-Man far more relatable than their main universe counterparts.
Two Years In, Marvel is Calling it Quits for Ultimate Spider-Man
But There’s No Sign of Stopping From the Absolute Universe
Ultimate Spider-Man #24 main cover-1
Despite Ultimate Spider-Man still selling very well, Marvel Comics shocked everyone at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con with the news that it was canceling the book with issue #24. The news came around the time of Marvel’s announcement for Ultimate Endgame, a five-issue event that sees the Maker escape his confinement to challenge the Ultimate Universe’s heroes.
To be fair, fans knew there was a ticking clock when it came to the Maker and when he’d be escaping prison. And while there’s no sign that the entire line is canceled, fans are having a tough time accepting that Ultimate Spider-Man, seen by many as one of the best Ultimate (and Spider-Man associated) books.
What makes this news worse is that DC Comics Absolute Universe isn’t slowing down in the slightest. It doubled its line earlier this year, and it’s about to expand with a new Absolute Green Arrow miniseries next spring. Plus, Absolute Batman writer Scott Snyder has mentioned that he wants to keep his book going on as long as possible.
Marvel Comics Shouldn’t Let a Good Thing Go to Waste
Ultimate is a Solid Competitor to DC’s Absolute Line
Peter Parker wears a damaged suit in Ultimate Spider-Man #1 variant cover
Again, there’s no indication that Marvel is throwing out the entire Ultimate Universe line. However, Ultimate Spider-Man is indeed ending (as confirmed by Marvel Comics’ most recent solicitations). But it seems incredibly short-sighted to get rid of a book that not only resonates with readers, but is a solid contender against the distinguished competition.
Of course, this could all be a stunt. Ending Ultimate Spider-Man right around the time of Ultimate Endgame seems a little too coordinated. And as fans know if there’s ever a time for a relaunch, it’s right around the time of a big, line-shaking event (and chances are the Maker’s return will have huge consequences).
But Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto’s time on the book is over and if Marvel really is ending Ultimate Spider-Man, fans have to wonder what Marvel is thinking. Is it a sign of things to come for the larger Ultimate Universe, or all this commotion just for a big relaunch to get eyeballs back on the Ultimate Universe’s shining star?
It’s not unlikely that a relaunch is coming. It’s the only way to make sense of Marvel canceling a book everyone loves. Unfortunately, fans won’t know what the future holds until Ultimate Endgame is here, or possibly even until its over. All they can do is hope that Marvel is wise enough to keep its best DC rival alive.