Some years ago, Marvel It competed with itself by introducing the Ultimate Universe, an editorial line that reimagined its most successful characters with an updated approach and that, with good reason, came to enjoy tremendous popularity among readers. Finally, Marvel merged this Ultimate Universe with its original continuity after the modern version of the Secret Wars, things that happen in the sleepover world of superheroes. Now, almost a decade later, the Ultimate Universe is reborn from its ashesand like its original version, comes with some amazing new ideas.
Spoiler warning: The article contains important details of what happens in Ultimate Universe: One Year In #1, recently published in the United States.
The return of the Ultimate Universe
In 2023, Marvel announced that the Ultimate Universe was ready to return, led by the talents of Jonathan Hickman, one of the publisher’s most acclaimed writers, and artist Bryan Hitch, a veteran of the original Ultimates seriesthe group that replaces The Avengers in the Ultimate Universe. This return was not a simple reboot. In fact, it was presented as a kind of rebirth with new rules, a much more modern narrative and, above all, a clear intention to break expectations.
And boy have they done it. One of the most shocking changes in the new Ultimate Universe is that Nick Fury and SHIELD, until now figures associated with the common good and the defense of the world, have become one of the biggest threats on Earth. In Ultimate Universe: One Year In #1, it is confirmed that Nick Fury, in this new continuity, does not exactly play on the side of the good guys. After the initial events of this revival, he has positioned himself as a true villain, heir to some of the most mystical and oriental ideas of the original daredevil comics. This version of Fury not only has the resources and backing of a shadowy international organization, but he has also been able to operate in the shadows to become a real threat to any hero who tries to challenge his worldview.
SHIELD, the threat that no one saw coming
Of course, the change in Nick Fury has also radically transformed SHIELD. In this new version of the Ultimate Universe, SHIELD has evolved into a virtually unrecognizable entity. The organization is no longer the line of defense against global threats that we knew, but an oppressive and authoritarian force that controls humanity with an iron fist. To do this, it has deployed a completely redesigned Helicarriera gigantic air base that symbolizes its absolute dominance and its capacity for constant surveillance. This monstrous ship is not only a technological marvel, but also a tool of intimidation that makes it clear that no one is beyond SHIELD’s reach.
The spin that Hickman and Hitch have given to SHIELD finds echoes in the best dystopian fiction stories and in some of the most shocking moments in Marvel history. Here, the organization merges with an even darker group, The Hand known in this alternate universe as HAND, which brings a brutal and fanatical component to his regime. This raises a key question that resonates strongly: What happens when those who promise to protect us decide they know what is best for everyone, regardless of the consequences? In this new scenario, SHIELD no longer represents security or justice, but oppression and absolute control, becoming the greatest threat to the freedom of the Ultimate Universe.
A risky, but successful reimagination
This radical change in the role of Fury and SHIELD is, without a doubt, a brave bet on Marvel’s part. Superhero comics often live off their most established myths, but they also They need to be constantly renewed to continue surprising their readers.. Hickman knows this well: he already demonstrated it with his spectacular time in the X-Men, where completely redefined the role of mutants in the traditional Marvel Universe. Now, he’s applying that same innovative vision to the Ultimate Universe.
This new version of SHIELD and Nick Fury not only brings a refreshing perspective to the story, but also raises very interesting questions: how will the heroes react to this threat? ¿How will they face an adversary that has all the resources in the world? at his disposal? What lengths will they be willing to go to stop him? And, most importantly, Is this the real and genuine Nick Fury?
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