It’s pretty clear that Reed Richards is one of the most brilliant minds in the Marvel Universe. His intellect and dedication to science have made him an iconic figure as Mr. Fantastic, leader of the Fantastic Four.
However, in an alternate universe, this same intelligence turned Reed into a villain. This version of Reed, known as The Maker, is a stark contrast to the hero he once was. Let’s take a look at his transformation from the beloved Mr. Fantastic to the twisted Maker.
Reed Richards’ Downfall In The Ultimate Universe Was A Huge Turning Point
The story of The Maker begins in ‘Ultimate Fantastic Four #1‘. Much like his Earth-616 counterpart, Reed Richards of the ‘Ultimate Universe’ gained his powers after a failed experiment with his friends. However, unlike the original Fantastic Four, the Ultimate Team faced much more tragic circumstances.
Moreover, the fracture point for Reed Richards came during the “Ultimatum” event. During Ultimatum, Magneto unleashed a powerful tidal wave upon New York City. This caused mass destruction and killed many heroes, including Franklin Storm, the father of Sue and Johnny Storm.
At Franklin’s funeral, Reed proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Sue Storm, but she rejected him. Her rejection can also be looked at as a turning point. Moreover, the Fantastic Four disbanded, and Reed retreated back to his family home. However, things took a dark turn when his family home mysteriously exploded six months later, killing his parents.
The world believed Reed was dead, but in truth, he had faked his own death and orchestrated the explosion, sacrificing his family in a calculated emotionless move. This marked the beginning of his descent. With nothing left to lose and fueled by bitterness, Reed embarked on a path of villainy.
When the remaining members of the Fantastic Four tried to stop him, the ensuing confrontation left Reed disfigured and presumed dead once again. However, he wasn’t done. Trapped in the Negative Zone, Reed’s mind twisted further as he planned his rebirth, not as Mr. Fantastic, but as The Maker.
As The Maker, Reed Wanted To Create A “Perfect World”
The Maker’s vision for the world was entirely different. Instead of wanting to protect it, he wanted to reshape it entirely. He elongated his brain to expand his mental capacity and emerged from the Negative Zone with a new identity and purpose. The Maker was born with the goal of building a “perfect” world, no matter the cost.
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Moreover, he spent a thousand years in a self-imposed exile, creating the “Children of Tomorrow.” This genetically-engineered race was designed to serve as his army against the Ultimates. Reed had become a godlike figure, molding life and reality itself to fit his warped vision.
Moreover, when the Ultimate Universe was destroyed during Secret Wars by Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribić, the Maker managed to survive. Now, he had a new world to conquer, a world that contained a Reed Richards he despised. In the current Marvel world, his ambitions have only grown.
He is determined to restore the Ultimate Universe, but not to bring it back as it was. Instead, he wants to create a “perfect” version of it, free from what he sees as flaws and weaknesses. This goal has turned him into an even greater threat.
