Marvel Universe and Ultimate Universe Coming To An End In Secret Wars!

The Marvel Universes as we know them are coming to an end.

Marvel made the announcement today at the Secret Wars press conference at Midtown Comics in New York City where Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso and Senior Vice President of Publishing Tom Brevoort discussed Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic’s Secret Wars.

“The Marvel Universe as you know it is done. The Ultimate Universe as you know it is done.” – @TomBrevoort #SecretWarsLive

— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) January 20, 2015

In place of the current universes we will have Battleworld which will set up the new Marvel Universe moving forward.

“Battleworld: a melting pot in which the new Marvel Universe will be created, fused into one.” #SecretWarsLive Watch: http://t.co/1D5SQlJC4k

— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) January 20, 2015

Click here to see an interactive Battleworld map from Secret Wars

Behind? Wondering where to start?

Secret Wars #0 will be available on Free Comic Book day (May 2nd) and will be a great primer for Secret Wars. Want to be a bit more familiar with the events leading up to Secret Wars? Check out Avengers: Time Runs Out Volume 1 [HC]

As for the series itself, it’s going to be HUGE!

“While SECRET WARS #1 will be bigger than most comics, #2 will be like a phone book.” – @TomBrevoort #SecretWarsLive http://t.co/1D5SQlJC4k

— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) January 20, 2015

All 8 covers for Secret Wars will be done by the legendary Alex Ross! Here are the covers for #1 and #2:

Watch the entire Secret Wars Live Kickoff:

Marvel promises plenty more announcements in the coming weeks.

What’s your reaction? Excitement? Anger? Could care less? Sound off in the comments below!