Finally, Avengers Rise to Par with Justice League

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Ultimates #7!

Throughout comic book history, the Avengers and the Justice League have often been viewed as parallel institutions. The Justice League stands as a formidable alliance of the most powerful heroes in the world, responding to crises across the globe and beyond from a superior operational base. In contrast, the Avengers originally formed from heroes who struggled to hold their ground in their solo adventures. However, there’s been a notable shift in this dynamic, culminating in a perception where the Avengers now seem to stand on equal footing with the Justice League.

In The Ultimates #7, crafted by Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri, the Ultimates face a devastating defeat at the hands of the Hulk. Following their ill-fated mission in K’un-Lun to liberate superpowered captives from the Maker, they inadvertently land in Hulk’s territory. As a key member of the Maker’s Council, Hulk has little interest in the Ultimates’ survival. Though he doesn’t eliminate them during their escape, the consequences of their encounter leave the Ultimates grappling with their defeat and resulting disillusionment, prompting them to split up for the time being.

Nevertheless, this disbandment does not mark the end for the Ultimates. Their encounter with Hulk illuminated the realization that the true source of their world’s problems lies with the Maker. Thus, they have opted to tackle their struggles individually, aiming to weaken the Maker’s influence rather than engaging head-on with clearly overpowering opponents. In this spirit, Hawkeye reverts to solo operation, targeting corrupt corporations, Thor and Sif pursue Loki back in Asgard (as the Maker has helped elevate Loki to the throne), and America Chavez takes to the streets, galvanizing people worldwide.

The Avengers Finally Feel Like They’re Collectively Saving the World (Like the Justice League)

The Ultimate Universe’s Avengers Team Feels Bigger than Ever

The Ultimates and the Justice League - split image.

In the DC Universe, each superhero commands their own territory—Superman protects Metropolis, Batman guards Gotham, and Flash looks after Central City, among others. These heroes safeguard their unique domains until an overarching threat necessitates their collective intervention as the Justice League. In contrast, the Marvel Universe has historically portrayed its heroes primarily clustered in New York City, which has inhibited the formation of significant team-ups beyond localized conflicts.

This urban confinement had led to the Avengers giving an impression of being a collection of lesser-known characters, only assembled when their individual narratives faltered. Despite earlier iterations, the perception ranked the Justice League as the go-to premier superhero assembly, towering over the Avengers who at times seemed merely a means to capitalize on existing properties.

However, this narrative has evolved, especially with the recent establishment of Marvel’s new Ultimate Universe. The Ultimates now carve out distinct roles within the broader Marvel landscape, much like their DC counterparts. Each hero is actively contributing to the overarching mission of preserving their collective reality—a refreshing and exciting development.

Even the Ultimates’ New Headquarters is Reminiscent of the Justice League

The Ultimates’ Spy Satellite is Marvel’s Own Watchtower

The Ultimates' satellite orbiting Earth.

A key factor contributing to the sense of internationality surrounding the Justice League has always been their headquarters—the Watchtower. This orbital command center allows for rapid deployment of heroes across various global crises. In contrast, the main Avengers bases have historically been landlocked within Earthly bounds (such as the Avengers Mansion, Tower, or Mountain).

However, the Ultimates have now adopted a space-faring operational hub. Utilizing a covert Stane/Stark Spy Satellite, they can shield their location from the Maker’s surveillance while enabling immediate access to global hotspots. This development represents a significant enhancement for this iteration of the Avengers, positioning them similarly to the Justice League regarding their global operational capacity.

Beyond the technological leap provided by their new headquarters, the Avengers’ transformation into a team that now embodies the spirit of collective heroism has been pivotal. Each member pursues unique battles across the Marvel landscape, working synergistically to defend their world on multiple fronts. This newfound international character instills excitement, as it mirrors the longstanding tradition the Justice League has maintained.

The Ultimates #7 by Marvel Comics is currently available.

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