The Ultimate Universe is coming to an end this year. It’s been an amazing ride with stories like Peter Parker having a happy life and family, Black Panther and Storm’s relationship making more sense, and the Ultimates fighting battles and motivating the world to rise up against their oppressors.
All of this makes it disappointing that the universe is almost over. However, the following characters should remain once the door closes on Universe-6160.
The X-Men
The Ultimate X-Men are more like the Runaways than Marvel’s Mightiest Mutants, and that is a good thing. Rather than bring in characters we knew and twist them, Peach Momoko made them similar enough to be recognized, but different enough to make them more interesting. It would be great if they stayed to have new adventures and protect young Japanese mutants.
Killmonger
Ultimate Killmonger is everything that was great about the one from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, without the anger. He was still furious with the state of the world and how it treated people of color, but it was directed at the right targets. And when it came time to confront T’Challa for not doing enough, he did so without bloodshed. In the end, they became brothers.
Personally, I think Killmonger is destined to be in Universe-616. T’Challa would be hesitant to trust him because of his past with his Erik Killmonger. Meanwhile, Erik may look at the “newer” T’Challa and be inspired. Eventually, they’d bond, and Black Panther would see this version of Erik as a major asset. Maybe even to the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda. That journey to their friendship would be part of what would make this special.
Inan
It’s no wonder Maker made sure Inaa was locked up. She's one of the most powerful characters in the universe. While Marvel Universe Prime has a Sorcerer Supreme, the universe always needs more powerful magicians. And she’s more than just powerful. Inan is creative, and that may be more important than having a potent magician.
Hulk
You can never have too many villains, so adding another wouldn't be a bad thing. Plus, this version of the Hulk might be the strongest there is. He has all of the strength that Hulk fans know, but he’s calmer, more devious, and knows the martial arts of K'un-Lun. It would be a shame for him to disappear after becoming a force of nature in the Ultimate Universe. He has the potential to be an enemy so vile that he becomes a world-ending threat.
She-Hulk
This isn’t Jennifer Walters, but she's still a hero and a Hulk. Lejori Joena Zakaria has a different, but noble focus. She wants to protect the people affected by the experiment Bruce Banner ran around the Pacific Islands. Later, she started helping the Ultimates because she believed in their goal of a safer world.
Deniz Camp made a character that should be allowed to grow into something even more special than she already is. She may not have the same passion or love for the world outside of home, but she has a lot of heart that could help the Marvel Universe. And if Ultimate Banner leaves, she should too. She owes him a receipt for the horrible things he's done.
Charli Ramsey (Hawkeye)
Representation is an important thing in all genres, but not if it’s forced or bad. Charli Ramsey isn’t just a non-bonary indigenous member of the Oglala Lakota Nation. He’s funny, tough, smart, and motivated. So having him as a representative of the LGBTQ+ and indigenous community would be incredible. Yes, again, another dope character created by Deniz Camp.
Hank Pym
Hank Pym of Universe-616 is old and seemingly retired from action. Because of that, it would be nice for his legacy to continue. Also, Ultimate Hank Pym seems like he has some goals to accomplish. He was destined for greater things, but a head injury ruined that.
This isn’t just a good move for Ultimate Hank Pym. It works for his Universe-616 counterpart, too. It’s an opportunity for the original Ant-Man to mentor someone to not make the same mistakes he did. Ultimate Giant Man could end up being a more interesting version as well. He has all of the insecurities, but is more compassionate, and his flaws make him more relatable.
The Maker
Yes, Ultimate Reed Richards is a deplorable person. In this universe, he’s done things to people that would make the worst of the worst shiver. But isn’t that what makes him a phenomenal antagonist? Not allowing him to return would be a mistake. However, if this is the end, the creative team will make it all worth it. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow to learn his fate, as well as the other characters in the Ultimate Universe.
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