Published Feb 11, 2026, 11:01 AM EST
Annie Banks is a Rotten Tomatoes–approved critic, and CBR editor and writer specializing in anime, comics, and superheroes. Her work has also appeared in Collider and The Mary Sue, where she covered pop culture, fandoms, and entertainment trends. A lifelong fan whose love for storytelling began with Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Annie blends critical insight with genuine passion for geek culture, from sci-fi to K-pop.
Marvel Comics has presented a fair share of major events across the pages of its published work, yet the Ultimate Universe's ultimate ending may not arrive as soon as fans have hoped.
Per Bleeding Cool, "The Ultimates #24 is solicited for the 1st of April. Ultimate Wolverine #16 is solicited for the 15th of April. Ultimate Endgame #5 was solicited for the 22nd of April, and Ultimate Universe: Finale #1 for the 29th of April. And a 616 impact comic, is scheduled for May. And then that's it. Except, of course, it isn't quite. Because The Ultimates #24 has now been delayed to the 20th of May. Ultimate Endgame #5 has now been delayed until the 3rd of June 2026. And if that's the case, one might expect the Finale and Impact to also be delayed. And readers of Ultimate Wolverine #16, if that stays on time, to wait six weeks rather than seven days for the conclusion of that story..."
While unconfirmed, some are speculating that Marvel's Ultimate Universe may be subject to reprints, it's unclear as to when the hypothetical re-release may hit comic book store shelves due to Marvel Comics already suffering delays. It's unconfirmed as to why Marvel Comics has needed to offset the initial release dates of their upcoming issues, though it's still a touch concerning from a fan's perspective that Marvel has needed to shift release dates to such a significant degree. In comparison to their competitors, it's expected that Marvel shouldn't be stumbling when keeping up with other publishers.
What To Expect From Ultimate Endgame #5
Image via Marvel ComicsMarvel's official solicit for the now-postponed Ultimate Endgame #5 reads "THE END OF THE LINE! The universe hangs by a thread as our weary heroes face their final, crushing challenge: the ultimate, cataclysmic showdown with The Maker! Everything they have fought for, everything they believe in, will be tested in this pulse-pounding, oversized final issue. There are no more retreats, no more second chances."
Comic book readers across the internet have been quick to comment on the decision to delay Ultimate Endgame #5.
"[Ultimate Universe] has kind of been running out of steam for a while," Reddit user javierm885778 wrote in a dedicated subreddit for comic books, "I feel the deadline, and the monthly structure was interesting as a concept, but in practice it's led to more issues than anything. The stories can't just naturally develop how the writers would want if they are restrained like that."
User Environmental-Day862 agreed, writing that they "hope [Marvel] sticks the landing, story-wise. Many folks have invested 2+ years of their lives in this story." While it's understandably disappointing that Marvel has chosen to delay an issue with such cumulative value, there's still hope that the decision to do so will result in something great for the series after all.
Ultimate Endgame #5 is now set to release on June 3, 2026.
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