Manipulated by the villain known as the Maker, the new Ultimate Universe is a twisted take on the classic Earth-616. Most heroes and heroic organizations never came to exist here. Those that do were twisted into dark parodies of themselves. This is the case for Nick Fury and SHIELD, who are revealed in the opening of Ultimate Universe: One Year In #1.
Written by Deniz Camp, with art by Jonas Scharf, Ultimate Universe: One Year In introduces us to the sinister group called HAND. An acronym for Heroic Anomaly Neutralization Directive, HAND strikes against potential rebels to the Maker’s designs. They do this with the same efficiency and technology as SHIELD under the watchful eye of Director Nick Fury.
The main cover and first four pages of Ultimate Universe: One Year In #1 may be viewed below.
Ultimate Universe: One Year In serves as entry point for new readers
Crafting a new line for an established publisher like Marvel is an interesting challenge. The new setting has to be accessible to new readers, some of whom might not be regular comic readers. At the same time, the new comics have to offer established fans a reason to read beyond simple novelty. However, the new Ultimate line has met this challenge, with the monthly books set in it being high sellers.
One Year In #1 is meant to continue that success, with Camp listing three goals for the special: “Create an entryway for new readers into the Ultimate Universe. Reward longtime readers, especially those who have wanted more connective tissue between the Ultimate books. And set the stage for the next year of stories, as we build towards the return of the Maker.”
Ultimate Universe: One Year In #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on December 11, 2025.
