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From Ultimarvel

[edit] Ultimarvel - The source for all events of the Ultimate Marvel Universe

Cover to The Ultimates 2 12, Art by Bryan Hitch

The Ultimate Marvel Universe (Earth 1610) was introduced in 2000 with the publication of Ultimate Spider-Man. It is a project of re-imagining the Marvel Universe by rewriting the existing characters such as Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, The X-Men and many others with a more modern continuity. Brian Michael Bendis kick-started the project by rewriting Spider-Man's origin story as a five issue story arc. In it, he set Peter Parker's age back to fifteen years old and explained his powers as the side-effect of a genetically enhanced spider, not a radioactive one. All of Peter's classmates and family was given fresh appearances and modern takes. May Parker was changed to be a strong willed woman in her forties, who is much more hip than her counterpart from the normal Marvel continuity (Earth 616).

The trend would expand in 2001 when Mark Millar would pen the first issues of Ultimate X-Men and the Ultimates, modern takes on the X-Men and the Avengers. A unifying them was created as well, with many of the super heroes and villains being the products of failed experiments attempting to recreate the Super Solider Serum that made Captain America during World War II. The universe would then expand over the next few years to include and modernize more classic Marvel characters. More writers would come on board bringing high recognition writers to the universe such as Warren Ellis, Orson Scott Card, and Robert Kirkman.

The universe is enjoying immense popularity now and sales are consistently climbing. There is a limited number of ongoing titles which serves to make the universe very connected and more streamlined that its 616 counterpart. Several of the ideas, quotes, and plotlines have started to infiltrate their way into the Marvel feature films showing the popularity of the project.

List of Characters in the Ultimate Marvel Universe