John Dodge is an MTV Writer for CBR who specializes in movies, television, comics, and pop culture. He has a deep knowledge of franchises like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel, and DC Comics, along with a passion for indie and horror titles. An expert on obscure productions from the ’80s and ’90s, John is known for his encyclopedic recall of cult classics like Beetleborgs.
Marvel Comics has finally announced the day that the entire Ultimate Universe as fans know it today will come to an end.
Per a press release from Marvel Comics, the release date for the grand finale to the Ultimate Universe saga has officially been announced, and it is sooner than many fans might have expected. Currently, Ultimate Endgame #5 by writer Deniz Camp and artists Terry Dodson and Jonas Scharf is slated to go on sale on April 22, bringing about a close to one of the most epic comic book stories of the decade.
Marvel Comics also unveiled the full slate of covers for the upcoming Ultimate Endgame #2, as well as interior pages from the issue. To top things off, Marvel Comics has revealed the main cover art for Ultimate Endgame #5 by artist Mark Brooks, all of which readers can see for themselves in the gallery below.
The official solicit synopsis for Ultimate Endgame #2 by Marvel Comics reads, "THE END HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN! The heroes of the Ultimate Universe — including Spider-Man, America Chavez, Killmonger and Doom — desperately search for a way to stop the Maker. Plus, Iron Lad makes a stunning and heartbreaking discovery that could change the fate of the entire Ultimate Universe forever. Don't miss this pivotal chapter that will leave you reeling!"
The current Ultimate Universe, the reality of Earth-6160, was first introduced in the pages of 2023's Ultimate Invasion #1 by writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Bryan Hitch, and would have likely turned out much the same as the primary Marvel Universe if not for the malevolent machinations of the Maker. This twisted variant of Reed Richards not only uncovered the reality of Earth-6160, but used his knowledge and powers to effectively rewrite its modern history in his own image.
What Happens In Marvel's Ultimate Universe?
Image via MarvelBy preventing the rise of many of Earth's Mightiest Heroes and turning others into members of his personal council of purportedly independent world leaders, the Maker cemented his reign over the entire world. At least, that was until the likes of Howard Stark and his young son Tony decided to fight for the world they should have known, leaving the Maker trapped, albeit for only a span of two years.
In that time, Tony, now under the alias of Iron Lad, has led an effort to foment resistance forces and rebellions across the entire globe. With the help of the Reed Richards of his world, Tony has managed to cultivate an Ultimates Network that might just be able to take the Maker down, even if the villainous Reed Richards does encompass an entire city unto himself at this point.
While fans might be understandably sad to see the latest iterations of their favorite Marvel heroes and villains go, the end of the Ultimate Universe has been touted as a proper finish to the overarching narrative at play. Back in October 2025, Head of Marvel Comics and Franchise Dan Buckley said of the Ultimate Universe line of comics as a whole, "You'll be able to take this journey—the beginning, middle, and end—and digest it for years to come and pass it on to others."
Ultimate Endgame #5 goes on sale April 22 from Marvel Comics.
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