Summary
- Marvel's new Ultimate Universe has a new incarnation of the Illuminati, an evil ruling council called "the Maker's Council."
- The new Ultimate Universe is different from the first incarnation and addresses real-world issues.
- The Maker's Council is more ruthless than Earth-616's Illuminati and will do whatever it takes to hold onto their power.
Warning: contains spoilers for Ultimate Universe #1!
Marvel’s new, all-powerful Illuminati finally have an official code name. The superstar creative team of Jonathan Hickman and Stefano Caselli recently launched a new incarnation of the Ultimate Universe, one once ruled by the evil Maker. Now, the Maker is gone, but as seen in Ultimate Universe #1, the ruling council he gathered around him is carrying on with his work, and this new and evil incarnation of the Illuminati has a telling name.
Ultimate Universe #1 is written by Hickman and drawn by Caselli. The book regularly features text pieces fleshing the world out further. In this issue, readers are provided with a map of the world made after the Maker’s exile. The map shows which ruling family controls which areas, such as The Society of South America, under the leadership of the Da Costas, and the European Coalition. Together these families are known as “the Maker’s Council.”
The New Ultimate Universe Is Different From the First
The Maker Was Originally Ultimate Reed Richards
Hickman and Caselli’s new Ultimate universe resembles the first incarnation only in spirit. Both incarnations reflect the times in which they were created, and this new version addresses real world issues. The new Ultimate Universe had been ruled by the evil Maker for many years. Assisting the Maker were a council of ruling families. This council included the Rasputinas, the Da Costas as well as an intelligent, “enlightened” version of the Hulk. The Maker’s reign of terror came to an end, temporarily, thanks to Howard Stark, freeing the Earth to try and make a new destiny.
The Maker's Inner Circle Makes the 616 Illuminati Look Tame
The Maker’s Council bears more than a ing resemblance to the Illuminati of Earth-616. Formed shortly after the Kree-Skrull War, this Illuminati was composed of Reed Richards, Professor X, Black Bolt and others. They would meet in secret, making big decisions that impacted all life on Earth. While this version ultimately had good intentions, some of their actions were less than irable. For example, they tried to exile the Hulk from Earth, reasoning that he was too much a menace to stay on the planet. This version of the Illuminati eventually fell apart thanks to the Superhero Civil War, but has since reunited.
Deadpool's Illuminati Are a Genius Idea Marvel Needs to Bring Back
When one hero imagines what Marvel's secretive Illuminati might actually look like, he includes Deadpool and several other absurdist picks.
There is no pretense of good, however, with the Maker’s Council. The name may not be the most creative, but it does point to their loyalties. These ruling families owe their existence to the Maker and his schemes and will do whatever it takes to hold this power. While they are still formidable even without him, the Council has lost something in his absence. The heroes of the new Ultimate Universe must seize this moment if they wish to remake their world into a better place. They must not only prepare for the Maker’s inevitable return, but also deal with his evil Illuminati, who now have an official code name.
Ultimate Universe #1 is on sale now from Marvel Comics!
