Back in 2023, Marvel Comics brought back the Ultimate Universe in Ultimate Invasion, but with a twist: Instead of Universe 1610 returning as it was, something else was created by the Maker. Ultimate Reed Richards used a combination of science and magic to build a machine to go back in time and mold Universe Prime (Earth-616) into what he wanted. This Ultimate timeline was numbered Earth-6160.
In order to stay in power, the Maker did things like stopping Peter Parker from becoming Spider-Man, putting Loki on the throne of Asgard, and sabotaging the original Reed’s mission that turned him and his friends became the Fantastic Four. But, like most universes, there was opposition. In this case, there was Kang. The problem is, the identity of Kang hasn’t been revealed. Thankfully, I’m here to tell you who I think it is.
Is it Tony Stark?
In Marvel Comics, Kang the Conqueror is an enemy of the Avengers and Fantastic Four, and the master of time. During Ultimate Invasion, he was still a time traveler, except his focus was on killing the Maker rather than conquering. Kang did so with a device called the Immortus Engine. That invention is a clue to who Kang may be.
The Immortus Engine is a time machine created by Howard Stark and Doom (this universe’s Reed Richards). Sadly, towards the end of the final battle (Ultimate Invasion No. 4), Kang dies. Howard Stark takes Kang’s mask off, and the look on Howard's face after seeing who it was can only be described as sorrow. The one person Howard would react like that to is his son, Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Lad.
While Howard is trapped in the City, Doom (Reed) takes the Immortus Engine and a final letter to Tony. After building his Iron Lad armor, Tony puts the Immortus Engine in the armor's chest. And, this is the part that sold me. Iron Lad’s armor looks like Kang’s, just with a different color scheme.
Another thing to look at is how dedicated Tony was to using time travel to defeat the Maker and start a revolution. One of the most useful tricks he learned was putting himself in multiple places at once. A strategy that Kang uses, but with multiple versions of Captain America, Thor, Giant Man, Wasp, and Vision.
There is a connection to Iron Lad and Kang in Marvel Comics’ prime universe. Kang is the future (and villainous) version of Iron Lad (who debuted in 2005's Young Avengers). It would make sense that the Ultimate Universe would keep some ties to Earth-616. There are always links to the main continuity. This one seems to tie it all together.
Or is it Doom?
We can also look at Ultimates No. 8 when Doom was having a conversation with a Star-Lord from the future Guardians of the Galaxy. Star-Lord said he recognizes the man in the Iron Mask (Doom) and the Man in the Iron Lung (Tony Stark, who was almost killed by the Hulk). Apparently, one of them is the cause of untold suffering and the deaths of trillions. But the other could “save everything.” The problem is he doesn’t know which one.
Does this mean that Doom stole Iron Lad’s armor, changed the color, and set out for revenge? It would make sense since his vendetta seems personal. How would this explain Howard Stark’s reaction when he took off Kang’s mask? It’s simple. A scarred face would lead him to know that it was Doom. The sadness could be because he helped Doom and set all of this in motion, and he blames himself.
Another theory (that could kill mine) is that the threat is called the Unmaker. If the Maker is the Reed Richards, the Unmaker would be his opposite. In this case, "Doom" Reed Richards.
Lastly, and I’m aware this is a stretch, the title of this series has Endgame in it. Wouldn’t it be perfect if Tony Stark saved the universe in two Endgame titles? After all, he is the savior in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Avengers: Endgame in 2019. Why couldn't he do the same here?
Unfortunately, we'll have to wait for more of Marvel Comics Ultimate Endgame to find out if I'm right. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow to see if I am.