Comic Review: Ultimate Invasion TPB – Laying the Foundations of the New Ultimate Universe

 

Ultimate Invasion is a miniseries that fully defines the new direction of the Ultimate Universe. While for fans of series like Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate X-Men, or Ultimate Black Panther the story may seem familiar, for new readers it is an introduction to a vast, multi-threaded narrative that connects different timelines and universes. Jonathan Hickman, known for his complex and intelligent stories in Avengers, Ultimates, and Secret Wars, demonstrates his skill here in creating a world driven by power, manipulation, and moral ambiguity.

A World After the Reset – Introducing a New Order

The series focuses on The Maker, an antagonistic genius planning to reshape the universe and eliminate most heroes. While superpowered beings still exist, most of them are villains allied with his plan. Hickman masterfully connects Universe 626 with the new Ultimate Universe, introducing elements familiar to mainline Marvel fans while also providing a fresh starting point.

The story doesn’t only focus on grand battles it’s also about manipulation, planning, and the consequences of actions taken by characters with limitless intellect. Howard Stark becomes a key counterbalance to The Maker’s plans. His interventions show that even a genius cannot predict all outcomes, and that heroes’ moral choices still matter.

The Maker – Master of Manipulation

The Maker is one of Marvel’s best-written villains. His actions are cruel yet calculated, always deliberate and aware of their consequences. This miniseries showcases him at his full potential from seizing control to influencing mass populations, creating the illusion of peace, and manipulating other heroes for his own goals.

Hickman allows The Maker not only to act but also to philosophize about his plan, giving him an almost protagonist-like presence in the narrative. While we cannot sympathize with his motives, watching him gradually reshape reality is fascinating and conveys the scale of his genius.

Howard Stark and Superhero Geopolitics

Howard Stark is also central, providing a human perspective on a story of enormous scale. His moral dilemmas and attempts to protect the world for his son bring grounded, relatable stakes to the narrative. Bryan Hitch’s illustrations add realism to these scenes, using Dutch angles, detailed backgrounds, and technological designs to immerse the reader in the chaos and tension.

Particularly intriguing is the depiction of the “illusion of peace,” in which heroes like Hulk and Magik participate in theatrical scenarios to create a perception of conflict for the public. This is a perfect example of how Hickman combines superhero action with geopolitics and mass manipulation, adding a deeper layer to the story.

Visuals

Bryan Hitch, supported by inker Currie and colorist Alex Sinclair, delivers highly detailed, epic-scale art. Every scene from futuristic vehicles to The Maker’s architecture and the characters’ emotions is clear and dynamic. The contrast between The Maker’s world and the “human” world of Howard Stark is particularly effective.

Hickman’s classic touches maps, data pages, and chapter divisions also enhance the reading experience, helping the audience grasp The Maker’s plan and the scope of his threat.

Pacing and Narrative

Ultimate Invasion is not a comic for readers seeking nonstop action. The first part mainly involves conversations, explanations, and planning. At times, the pace feels slow, with characters primarily explaining situations to the reader. However, this is intentional Hickman is setting up the foundation for future Ultimate Universe events and showing the consequences of The Maker’s actions.

The ending leaves several questions and loose threads, which may not be answered immediately. This gives readers a sense that the world has truly been reshaped, and that upcoming series like Ultimate Spider-Man or Ultimate Black Panther will rely heavily on these events.

Conclusion

Ultimate Invasion TPB is an excellent starting point for the new Ultimate Universe. It combines smart writing, a fascinating villain, and epic illustrations into a cohesive whole. While the pacing can be uneven and some plot threads remain unresolved, the story succeeds in setting the stage for future series and establishing a new era for the Ultimate Universe.

Hickman proves he can merge epic-scale storytelling with personal character drama, while Hitch, Sinclair, and Caramagna deliver visuals that make The Maker’s world tangible and menacing. This is a must-read for Marvel fans wanting to understand the foundations of the new universe and its future conflicts.

Pros

+Fascinating and intelligent antagonist – The Maker

+Realistic, detailed visuals by Bryan Hitch and Alex Sinclair

+Expansive world-building connecting Universes 616 and 626

+Human perspective through Howard Stark in a world of global manipulation

+Lays the groundwork for upcoming Ultimate Universe series

Cons

- At times, too much exposition and slow pacing

- Some plot threads remain unresolved or feel underdeveloped

- Requires prior knowledge of the universe for full appreciation

Score: 8/10
Ultimate Invasion TPB is a solid and inspiring story that introduces readers to the new Ultimate Universe. It lays the foundation for future series and demonstrates how to combine epic scale with personal stakes.