Marvel’s Ultimate Universe Promises to Avoid a Surprising Hero, And I’m Seriously Not Okay

[[{“value”:”

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Ultimates #8! Marvel Comics’ new Ultimate Universe is continuing to introduce versions of characters that fans are familiar with from the prime continuity of Earth-616, but it recently made it clear that one particular character won’t be making the cut: Ghost Rider. Upon the introduction of the Ultimate Universe’s Guardians of the Galaxy, a piece of information was shared that all but guarantees Ghost Rider won’t be introduced in Earth-6160 – and I’m seriously not okay.

In The Ultimates #8 by Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri, the Guardians of the Galaxy of the 61st Century travel back in time to rescue a member of their crew that had been previously lost in the timestream: America Chavez. America has since joined the Ultimates in their crusade against the Maker. Even after learning that she was a member of the Guardians, America decided to stay in the present-day and continue her fight. However, before she made that decision, readers were introduced to the other members of the Guardians of the Galaxy, including one in particular: Ultimate Nullifier.

Ultimate Nullifier has a weapon called the N-Gun, which fires Ø-Bullets that can utterly obliterate literally anything from existence. As is revealed upon Ultimate Nullifier’s introduction, the Guardian of the Galaxy used this weapon on Mephisto, shooting the demon king of hell right through his black heart with an Ø-Bullet. When Ultimate Nullifier did this, they didn’t just kill Mephisto, they eliminated the entire concept of suffering (as it relates to the eternal damnation of hell) from the universe – in every time period. Mephisto was retroactively erased from history, as the Ø-Bullet made it as if he never existed.

The Ultimate Universe Erased Mephisto from Existence, Which Means No Ghost Rider

Mephisto Retroactively Never Existed After He was Killed by Ultimate Nullifier

When Ultimate Nullifier shoots someone with their Ø-Bullets, their target doesn’t just die, they cease to exist – past, present, and future. Just as the Ultimate Nullifier of Earth-616 has the power to destroy an entire universe (and even sent Galactus running), Ultimate Nullifier (the person) can utterly obliterate any chosen target, and in the Ultimate Universe, that’s exactly what they did to Mephisto. While it’s cool that Marvel finally found a way to kill Mephisto for good, the part of this that is a major bummer is that this means Ghost Rider can’t exist in the Ultimate Universe.

Mephisto is the sole reason Ghost Rider exists. It is Mephisto who trapped the Spirit of Vengeance in hell, corrupting it/forcing it to become his eternal slave, and it is Mephisto who can bestow that spirit upon willing mortals. In other words, Mephisto is integral to the existence of Ghost Rider, so without Mephisto, there can be no Ghost Rider. Ultimate Nullifier eliminated the chance of any Spirit of Vengeance to exist in Earth-6160, and while the trade-off might be worth it, the fact that fans might not get an ‘Ultimate’ interpretation of Ghost Rider is a huge let-down.

Ghost Rider is One of Marvel’s Most Badass Characters, & Now He Won’t Be in the Ultimate Universe

I Can’t Believe the Ultimate Universe Won’t Be Getting Its Own Ghost Rider

As the Ultimate Universe has continued to expand, one of my favorite parts is seeing which characters I’m familiar with from the original Marvel Universe will get the ‘Ultimate’ treatment. So far, I have not been disappointed. Ultimate Spider-Man is captivating, Ultimate Black Panther is badass, and Ultimate X-Men has subverted my expectations in the best possible way. Plus, with Ultimate Wolverine on the horizon, as well as new characters being brought into The Ultimates continuity practically with every passing issue (including the aforementioned Guardians of the Galaxy), the future is bright for the Ultimate Universe.

But, I have to say, one of my favorite Marvel characters of all time is Ghost Rider. Ever since I was a kid, Ghost Rider always fascinated me. From his badass aesthetic to the heart-pounding storylines involving fighting demons and taking on the forces of hell, I loved everything about Ghost Rider – and still do to this day. So, with the Ultimate Universe rolling out its characters, I have been at the edge of my seat waiting for Ultimate Ghost Rider to make his appearance. But, after reading this latest Ultimates comic, I’ve realized that likely isn’t going to happen.

Of course, there’s always the chance that Ultimate Ghost Rider could have an origin separate from Mephisto, or perhaps a Ghost Rider from another universe will make a home in Earth-6160, meaning I would get my wish and Ghost Rider would be included in the Ultimate Universe. But, while possible, that seems unlikely. With Mephisto gone, I think I’m going to have to just accept that Ghost Rider will not be included in the Ultimate Universe – and I’m seriously not okay.

The Ultimates #8 by Marvel Comics is available now.

“}]] The Ultimate Universe promises to avoid 1 character.  Read More