It’s been the source of speculation for months since Mark Millar strongly suggested (but stopped short of announcing) it in January’s Wizard Magazine. Marvel fueled that speculation at last month’s Wizardworld LA by theatrically refusing to respond to questions on the subject. And now Diamond Comics Distributors has fanned the flames in regards to a potential first crossover between the Ultimate Universe and Marvel Universe proper (called the “616” universe in some circles).
In a “Splash Page” feature on Diamond’s newly updated Previews website (for products on-sale in July), the distributor has SEEMINGLY gone an extra yard by suggesting the crossover may indeed be occurring.
The 3-issue story arc heralding the return of new regular writer Mark Millar to the series (along with new regular penciler Greg Land) begins in July’s Ultimate Fantastic Four #21, part of Marvel’s annual “Ultimate Starts” month, inviting new readers to jump on new series and new story arcs throughout the Ultimate line.
Marvel’s own solicitation for the issue remains consistently suggestive but non-committal. It reads:
”Even in their short careers, the Ultimate FF have seen a lot of amazing things – but nothing will prepare them for the world they’re about to enter! Reed Richards has used his scientific genius to contact an Earth in a surprisingly familiar parallel dimension – and he’s ready to visit!”
Diamond, however, apparently goes a step further…
"Put in place five years ago as a way to bring in new readers and update characters for the 21st century, Marvel's Ultimate Universe has revamped dozens of characters and has formed a continuity all its own,” reads Diamond’s story. “In its short 5-year run, many fans have speculated what would happen if the Ultimate Universe were to come into contact with the long-standing Marvel Universe.
"Now the wait is over.
"Ultimate Fantastic Four #21 begins a story arc that has the two biggest brains in the biz going head-to-head. The story acts as fuel to the fire, though, because it may bring up more questions than answers!”
Marvel and/or Diamond also couldn’t help taking a familiar jab at Marvel’s “Distinguished Competition”.
"The two creators help put a new spin on the ‘how’ and ‘why’ Reed Richards is a certifiable genius with an unmatched scientific intellect,” continues the Splash article. “Reed has not only stumbled across the N-Zone, but he has also been able to make contact with the Earth located in a parallel dimension! And he has begun sending objects and messages through this rift in the cosmos.
"Not only has he made contact, he's been having extensive conversations with someone nobody could have imagined: himself! That's right, a Reed Richards of another universe! Talk about an identity crisis!”
According to the distributor the storyline also sends “ripples” throughout the entire Ultimate Universe and promises “long-term ramifications”, suggesting if there is more than one Reed, could there be others?
Readers should take care to note Marvel’s own solicitation, the fact they are not quoted directly in the Diamond piece, and that the publisher has still not officially confirmed a crossover. Newsarama is on the case and looking to get commentary from Mark Millar and Joe Quesada regarding this new development.
Developing…
