NYCC 2023: Marvel Comics Reveals a New Ultimate Universe

The invasion is over and the Ultimate Universe is assembling!

Spinning out of Jonathan Hickman’s ULTIMATE UNIVERSE #1 next month, learn more about Hickman and Marco Checchetto's ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN, Bryan Hill and Stefano Caselli's ULTIMATE BLACK PANTHER, and Peach Momoko's ULTIMATE X-MEN, three new series launching next year as part of Marvel’s new Ultimate line!

At today’s Marvel’s Next Big Thing Panel at New York Comic Con, fans witnessed the birth of the all-new Ultimate Universe. Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski and writer Jonathan Hickman laid out Hickman’s ultimate vision for a revolutionary new era of Marvel Comics, including announcements for ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN, ULTIMATE BLACK PANTHER, and ULTIMATE X-MEN. 

All launching early next year, these represent the initial sagas set in an all-new Ultimate realm, marking the perfect place for new fans and longtime comic readers to jump in at the ground level of the next big chapter of Marvel Comics storytelling.

Fans can get everything they need to know in next month’s ULTIMATE UNIVERSE #1, where Hickman and artist Stefano Caselli team up to unleash the full impact of this new age! Jonathan Hickman and Bryan Hitch’s ULTIMATE INVASION limited series saw the rise of a new pantheon of heroes. Now, see them band together in this special foundational one-shot packed with previews and insights of what’s to come!

[RELATED: New Cover and Interior Artwork from Jonathan Hickman and Stefano Caselli's ‘Ultimate Universe’ #1]

Read on to learn more about what awaits and see the Ultimate Universe come to life in an all-new trailer!

ULTIMATE UNIVERSE #1

ULTIMATE UNIVERSE #1
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN
Art by STEFANO CASELLI
Colors by DAVID CURIEL
Cover by BRYAN HITCH
On Sale November 1

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #1

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #1
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN
Art and Cover by MARCO CHECCHETTO
On Sale January 10

Revolutionary writer Jonathan Hickman and acclaimed artist Marco Checchetto (DAREDEVIL) bring you a bold new take on Spider-Man, with the debut title of the new line of Ultimate Comics! After the events of ULTIMATE INVASION, the world needs a hero… who will rise up to take on that responsibility? Prepare to be entangled in a web of mystery and excitement as the all-new ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN comic redefines the wall-crawler for the 21st Century!

Teasing the series, Hickman said, "ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN is a book I never thought I'd be writing. It's a bit of a Peter B. Parker situation..."

ULTIMATE BLACK PANTHER (2024) #1

ULTIMATE BLACK PANTHER #1
Written by BRYAN HILL
Art and Cover by STEFANO CASELLI
On Sale February 7

In the wake of ULTIMATE INVASION, Khonshu and Ra—the force known together as Moon Knight—are seeking to expand their brutal control of the continent of Africa. In response, the lone bulwark against them, the isolated nation of Wakanda, will send forth its champion…its king…the Black Panther! From the creative minds of Bryan Hill (BLADE, KILLMONGER) and Stefano Caselli (X-MEN RED, AVENGERS) comes a bold new take on the world of Black Panther and Wakanda!

"I was invigorated by this opportunity because in addition to my immense respect for Jonathan Hickman’s detailed storytelling, the idea of shepherding this bold new take on Black Panther in this event gives me a platform to do the kind of broad, epic, storytelling I’ve always wanted to do in comics," Hill said.

“My influences range from the history of BLACK PANTHER comics to Ryan Coogler’s incredible work with the recent films, to Frank Herbert’s worldbuilding capacity of Dune," he added. "This is something people won’t expect, in the best of ways, and full credit to Marvel and editors Wil Moss and Michelle Marchese for bringing this creative possibility to me."

ULTIMATE X-MEN (2024) #1

ULTIMATE X-MEN #1
Written by PEACH MOMOKO
Art and Cover by PEACH MOMOKO
On Sale March 6

Visionary creator Peach Momoko reinvents mutantkind for the Ultimate age! In Japan, when a young student named Hisako Ichiki develops armor powers, she discovers she’s a mutant—and she’s not the only one! Meet a new generation of mutants, filled with original and familiar X-Men characters. Together, they’ll learn what it means to be mutant in the Ultimate Universe as they explore their emerging powers and the startling ways they connect to folklore, legend, and magic!

“I am very honored to be a part of the new Ultimate Universe,” Momoko said. “I am very careful in delivering the unique X-Men mutant elements while still being true to my vision and voice."

"I am also very proud (and surprised) that I was given enough freedom from C.B. Cebulski and Jonathan Hickman to create a brand-new X-Men character," she shared. "It might not be the normal portrayal of a super hero…but I am excited to introduce everyone to a new chapter to my Momoko-verse.”

Check out all three covers now and experience the beginning of Marvel’s new Ultimate line when ULTIMATE UNIVERSE #1 hits stands on November 1.

Grab these comics and more at your local comic book shop! Or redeem then read your digital copy on the Marvel Unlimited app by using the code found in your print comic. Find and support your local comic book shop at ComicShopLocator.com.

To read your Marvel comics digitally, download the Marvel Unlimited app for iOS and Android devices. Gain an expansive catalog of 30,000+ comics spanning Marvel Comics history, plus access your entire digital library including comics redeemed from print. 

Find more schedules and get the latest Marvel news and announcements at New York! New York Comic Con 2023 runs Thursday, October 12 through Sunday, October 15.

For all the latest Marvel news from NYCC 2023, follow along live on Marvel.com, YouTube, Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, TikTok and Twitch.