No One Wants to Believe It, But Marvel’s Ultimate Universe Is Actually Coming to an End
It might sound unbelievable to many fans, but Marvel Comics is truly planning to bring the Ultimate Universe to a close—and it’s happening sooner than you think. Despite widespread skepticism and disbelief throughout online forums and social media, the final chapter for this beloved alternate reality will be written by April 2026 with the release of "Ultimate Endgame."
Here’s where it gets controversial: Marvel’s commitment to ending the Ultimate Universe is not just a random decision but a key part of a deal made years ago. When Jonathan Hickman took over the reins from Donny Cates, he agreed to guide the Ultimate Universe on a defined, finite journey lasting around two and a half years. This was contractually locked in, meaning no endless extensions or the kind of ongoing evolution we’ve seen in other Marvel storylines like Krakoa for the X-Men.
Bleeding Cool was the first to report on this timeline about a month ago, uncovering that the very first issue of "Ultimate Endgame," set for December 31, 2025, would mark the beginning of the end. Just recently, Marvel confirmed this officially at New York Comic Con during Retailer Day—another announcement Bleeding Cool broke exclusively—solidifying that April 2026’s "Ultimate Endgame" will seal the fate of this universe.
Still, fans refuse to accept it. Many expect Marvel will simply reboot or restart the Ultimate Universe shortly after, convinced that such a popular and successful line can’t just be closed down. After all, titles like "Ultimate Spider-Man" consistently outpace other Spider-Man comics in sales. Meanwhile, at DC, Scott Snyder has announced the Absolute Universe will continue growing beyond known benchmarks, raising the question: why isn’t Marvel doing something similar? Shouldn’t they follow suit?
But that’s precisely the point Marvel won’t compromise on. This ending was part of the original plan. It was how Marvel convinced Hickman to take charge: telling a self-contained story in real time with a clear beginning, middle, and end, avoiding endless narrative looping.
Whether you believe it or not, the message from Marvel is firm: the Ultimate Universe’s story arc will conclude. So instead of expecting a sudden revival or continuation, maybe it’s time to savor this final era and appreciate the story while it lasts. Because, as the saying goes, nothing truly valuable lasts forever.
And here’s the part most people miss—ending a beloved universe on your own terms can be controversial. Is it better for a story to conclude with purpose, or should it be kept alive indefinitely for loyal fans? What would you choose if you were in Marvel’s shoes?
Loved this insight? Share it on your social media and join the conversation. Do you agree with Marvel’s decision, or do you think they should keep the Ultimate Universe alive? We want to hear your thoughts in the comments!
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About Rich Johnston:
Rich Johnston is the founder of Bleeding Cool and one of the longest-serving digital news reporters globally since 1992. He is also a comic book author with works like "The Flying Friar," "Holed Up," and "The Avengefuls." Based in South-West London, Rich frequently works from The Union Club and enjoys shopping at iconic comic stores such as Gosh, Piranha, and Forbidden Planet. Outside of comics, he is a father of two, an Amazon affiliate, and a political cartoonist.
