Marvel's Ultimate Universe Unveils the Fantastic Force: A Shocking Evolution

Forget the traditional Fantastic Four as you know them! In Marvel's Ultimate Universe, Doctor Doom has unleashed an entire army of super-powered heroes known as the Fantastic Force, and they're here to fight for the future.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Marvel's New Force

• The Ultimate Universe's take on the Fantastic Four has evolved into the "Fantastic Force," an army of superhumans created by Doctor Doom.
• These new heroes wield powers derived from the fundamental forces of nature and are trained to combine their abilities for maximum impact.
• The Fantastic Force represents the Ultimates' last, best hope against the villainous Maker as the entire Ultimate Universe line races towards its dramatic `Ultimate Endgame`.

Meet the Ultimate Fantastic Force: Doctor Doom's Radical Roster of Heroes

We've all been buzzing about what the Ultimate Universe's version of the Fantastic Four would look like, but Marvel just pulled the rug out from under us with something way more epic: the Fantastic Force! Revealed in the latest issue, Ultimates #17, what we thought would be a familiar quartet has instead become an entire army of super-powered individuals, all orchestrated by none other than Doctor Doom.

It turns out that the Ultimate Doom, who was originally Reed Richards of Earth-6160, was destined to lead his own Fantastic Four. But the villainous Maker meddled with his fate, kidnapping and torturing Reed until only Doom remained. Now, Doom isn't just trying to recreate his lost destiny; he's building something bigger. His "Project 4" has finally come to fruition, as he's mastered cosmic radiation to create an army of new superhumans.

These aren't just random recruits; Doom is meticulously training them, breaking them into smaller quartet teams, each designed to be as effective as a small army. He's not just focused on individual power, but on how their unique abilities can combine to form an unstoppable force. We've seen a few members so far, including Gravity Girl, Magma (who controls magnetism), and the fiery Plasma. There are also others wielding radiation, plant-life manipulation, and hydrokinesis, hinting at a truly diverse and powerful team.

The Maker's Menace and Why an Army is Absolutely Necessary

So, why such a dramatic shift from a Fantastic Four to a Fantastic Force? The stakes in the Ultimate Universe couldn't be higher. For nearly two years, the Ultimates have been bracing for the return of the Maker – a mad genius responsible for breaking their entire reality. They've been tirelessly working to dismantle his resources, defeat his servants, and gather allies from every corner of the globe.

However, the fight hasn't been easy. The Ultimates recently faced a major roadblock when they clashed with the Hulk and his gamma-empowered henchmen, a battle that nearly cost them some key members. Despite all their meticulous planning and hard work, it became painfully clear: they just didn't have the sheer numbers, the raw power, to match the Maker's seemingly endless resources and vast network.

With only a month left until the Maker makes his grand return, Doom's Fantastic Force offers the Ultimates a crucial fighting chance. They're not alone in this monumental struggle; other heroes are mobilizing as well:

• Thor and Sif are battling to free Asgard.
• Captain America and America Chavez are busy gathering a civilian army.
• The Guardians of the Galaxy are scouring time and space for additional help.

It's clear that this isn't just a skirmish; it's an all-out war for the fate of reality itself. The Fantastic Force is a huge piece of the puzzle, giving the good guys a legitimate shot against the Maker's overwhelming might.

The Ultimate Universe Draws to a Stunning Close with the Impending Endgame

This massive escalation comes as the Ultimate Universe line itself is heading towards its epic conclusion. Marvel revealed at New York Comic Con that the entire line will be wrapping up over the next seven months, culminating in the highly anticipated `Ultimate Endgame`. While titles like `Ultimate Spider-Man` will conclude in December, the story threads from across the entire Ultimate Universe are converging for one final, explosive event.

Deniz Camp, the writer for The Ultimates and a co-architect of the Ultimate Universe, shared his thoughts on this monumental closing chapter:

"It's hard to talk about it without getting emotional. It really is the culmination of everything Jonathan began. Everything from my book and everyone else's book are all converging. It's gonna be definitive, it's going to be big. It's going to be emotional, there's going to be death... It's just wild."

— Deniz Camp, The Ultimates writer and Ultimate Universe co-architect

This quote perfectly encapsulates the high stakes and emotional weight hanging over these characters. The introduction of the Fantastic Force isn't just a new team; it's a testament to how far these heroes are willing to go, and the radical measures they must take, to secure their future against an existential threat.

Our Take on Doom's Fantastic Force: A Bold & Unpredictable Evolution

Honestly, the Fantastic Force is a brilliant move that perfectly showcases the incredibly high stakes in the Ultimate Universe. In a reality where the Maker has literally warped time and seized control of nearly everything, holding back is simply not an option. It makes total sense that Doom – a deeply traumatized version of Reed Richards, remember – would go all out to create as many superhumans as possible to secure a victory.

This kind of "big swing" is precisely what makes the Ultimate Universe so exciting. Unlike the main Marvel 616 continuity, where maintaining the status quo is often a priority, the Ultimate line has always been about bold, reimagined stories. It gives creators the freedom to push boundaries, take risks, and deliver truly unexpected twists.

The Maker tried to mentally and physically break Reed Richards out of sheer jealousy. But by creating Doom, he might have inadvertently set his own downfall in motion. It turns out that even without hope, even without family, Reed Richards remains a hero at his core. The Fantastic Force stands as a powerful testament to what the Fantastic Four's leader, in his most desperate and hardened form, can achieve when literally everything is on the line. It's a dark, but incredibly compelling, new chapter for these iconic characters.

So, get ready to dive into Ultimates #17 and witness the debut of this game-changing team! The Ultimate Universe is pulling out all the stops for its grand finale, and you won't want to miss a single moment.

Fantastic Force & Ultimate Universe FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

When can I read Ultimates #17, featuring the Fantastic Force?

Ultimates #17 is set to hit comic book stores on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

What is the Ultimate Universe Endgame?

Ultimate Endgame is the overarching storyline that will conclude the current run of the Ultimate Universe comic line. It represents the culmination of all ongoing plotlines, particularly the massive conflict against the Maker, and will see the entire line wrap up over several months starting in December 2025.

Who is the Maker in the Ultimate Universe?

The Maker is a villainous, alternate version of Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) from a different reality. He's a mad genius who deliberately interfered with and broke the Ultimate Universe's reality, and the Ultimates have been preparing for his inevitable return to confront him.

Is the Fantastic Force a new Marvel movie or a comic book?

The Fantastic Force, as discussed here, is a new team introduced in Marvel Comics' Ultimates #17 within the Ultimate Universe comic book line. While there's an upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film called "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," this comic book development is separate from any film projects.

Sources

• ScreenRant
• Monkeys Fighting Robots
• CBR
• Bleeding Cool
• Comic Book Club