It shares its name with the earlier Ultimate Marvel imprint that ran from 2000 to 2015, but is not a direct reboot; while Ultimate Marvel started by updating the origins of classic Marvel Universe characters in a more modern but recognizable Earth-1610, the Ultimate Universe (Earth-6160) features new interpretations of Marvel characters set in a radically altered sociopolitical status quo.

The Ultimate Universe gave readers a fresh jumping-on point by creating a new parallel universe that could reinterpret Marvel’s heroes and villains for the 21st century. This showcased familiar but different heroes grounded in some reality. The line was a hit for about 10 years before it began to get crushed under the weight of continuity.