Is ultimate line unique or just twists on 616

[drwho]

Just been wondering if any new characters have been created that weren't based on previous characters from 616? Also are the storylines similar to 616 storylines or would you say they were inspired by the ultimate writer? From what I have heard and seen it seems to me like all this line does is rehash old characters and stories in new ways, but doesn't ceate new things.

[Captain Morgan]

Well, that is true to a certain extent. I can think up 4 brand new characters, Kong, Geodolf, Night Owl, and Woody. But there are major differences as well, like Thor being a hippie who thinks he is a god, or Green Goblin being a giant monster (while retaining his evil intelligence.) Still, the Ultimate lines are really good, and I think are mostly superior to their 616 counter-parts.

[Exo]

From what I have heard and seen it seems to me like all this line does is rehash old characters and stories in new ways, but doesn't ceate new things.

That was the point. And good things have come out of it.

[The Foreigner]

Yes, there are certain stories in Ultimate Spider-Man and Ultimate X-Men that are based on stories from the original universe, but really are nothing like the original versions. Ultimate Fantastic Four has done a bit of that as well, but Ultimates and Ultimates 2 are both pretty much 100% original.

Often 616 stories are used as a jumping off point, but there's not a single story in the Ultimate universe that is a literal adaption of an existing story. So no, they aren't just a "rehash" of what we've gotten before.

[mandog]

Are most of the books self contained? If I buy all the Ultimates issues at the comic con I'm going to tomorrow and I dont get USM/UFF/ or UXM am I going to be scrathing my head because the books are so interlocked?

[Evil-Spidey]

the ultimate line are unique twists on 616 storys and characters.
the ultimates and the uff are imo way better then the avengers and the 616 ff from the last years.

[The Foreigner]

Are most of the books self contained? If I buy all the Ultimates issues at the comic con I'm going to tomorrow and I dont get USM/UFF/ or UXM am I going to be scrathing my head because the books are so interlocked?

All four books are completely self-contained. The only real "crossover" situation that's going on right now is that Peter Parker/Spidey is dating Kitty Pryde of the X-Men, but you won't have to buy both books to understand what's going on.

[jade_nova]

There is also another crossover between Ultimate X-Men and the Ultimates. If you read the "Return to Weapon X" story it acts as a basis for the Ultimates.

[Doom Hammer]

...like Thor being a hippie who thinks he is a god...

Somebody hasn't been reading their Ultimates...

[Captain Manhatten]

Just been wondering if any new characters have been created that weren't based on previous characters from 616? Also are the storylines similar to 616 storylines or would you say they were inspired by the ultimate writer? From what I have heard and seen it seems to me like all this line does is rehash old characters and stories in new ways, but doesn't ceate new things.

I would say that, in a way, the Ultimates comics are variations on 616. I think the advantage Ultimates has is making the ideas flow together. What I mean is that, in 616, the ideas and stories and villains were created a little at a time. The Ultimate universe writers have the advantage of being able to look at 616 and connect the dots. For instance, they already knew the Green Goblin would emerge as the main villain. They knew there would be a villain called Doctor Octopus and so they could draw a connection between the Goblin and Ock from the start. That's just one example. It is clearly derivitive. But they can take storylines that were separated by years in the main universe and streamline things into one coherent story.

[whassup_bun]

All four books are completely self-contained. The only real "crossover" situation that's going on right now is that Peter Parker/Spidey is dating Kitty Pryde of the X-Men, but you won't have to buy both books to understand what's going on.

That's what I like most about UU, you don't need to buy a bunch of books to understand one full story, don't know if that will last though.

Ultimates and Ultimates 2 are both pretty much 100% original.

I've been thinking, what if all the characters in the Ultimates were brand new, say, we've never heard of Cap or Thor or SHIELD and everything in the book before, do you think it will still be as good as it is now?

[Castaway]

USM... mostly twists and, to me pretty boring,... UFF & Ultimates... both are great when written correctly (BUY THEM NOW!!!) but much weaker when poorly done... (LATER THIS YEAR)...

I wonder how much longer this Ultimate Universe can keep the tight continuity and universe together... it's already beginning to strain at the edges...

[kudlaty_true]

You see, for me, the USM and the Ultimates are winners. Followed by UXM, which now have some kind of worse creative team, and lastly UFF, from which I like only two stories.
As for straining the edges, you're right. The scripters already made few mistakes in continuity.
Heh, and Thor IS a Norse god.

[FieryBalrog]

UXM and UFF are winners, Ultimates is good from the first volume I read and is probably a winner too, never read USM. So they're all winners!

Whats great is that each book has self-contained storylines, but there are occasional big crossover events where a mini is released, like Galactus event now. I love Ultimate War, Ultimate Nightmare and so far Ultimate Extinction. Its like the best of both worlds.

[Jake V]

It does both. Some stories are clearly inspired by classic Marvel Universe stories, while others are completely new ideas.

I like both.

[Harold of the Rocks]

USM... mostly twists and, to me pretty boring,... UFF & Ultimates... both are great when written correctly (BUY THEM NOW!!!) but much weaker when poorly done... (LATER THIS YEAR)...Where did you get your Ultimate crystal ball? ebay? Ultimate ebay?

The Ultimate Zombieverse Fantastic Four are definitely new characters, as are all the denizens of their universe. And by the looks of it, many a fanboy is glad Mark Millar created them, as they got their own mini! I think the Ultimate Universe is a nice little playground for writers, and it's true, they have the advantage of knowing the 616 U's history... that just makes for better toys! They'd be foolish to totally ignore the 616... they have the benefit of what worked, what didn't, and what twists can really mess with our already twisted minds! To answer the question on the thread... it depends on the characterization of a given character. The same writer may only tweak some elements, while totally reinvent others. Ultimate Zombie Martha Stewart would say..."It's a good thing... now pass the carcass!"

[Mister Mets]

It's a mix of both.
It's generally new stories involving new versions of old characters.
By some of the best creators in the business.