In the vast multiverse of DC Comics, Ultraa is one of those characters who may not have the mainstream recognition of Superman or Batman but holds a unique place in DC history. First introduced in the 1970s, Ultraa is the first superhero of Earth-Prime, the version of Earth in DC Comics that represents our reality. Despite not having the same level of fame as other heroes, Ultraa’s story is fascinating, blending elements of alien origin, alternate realities, and deep philosophical questions about the role of superheroes in society.
The Origins of Ultraa
Ultraa first appeared in Justice League of America #153 in 1978. A Superman analogue, Ultraa is born on a distant alien planet and sent to Earth as it looks for a way out, with his world becoming nothing but dust. Yet, when Ultraa landed, he didn’t end up in the great city of Metropolis no. He arrived in a seemingly desolate pocket of the Australian Outback. Raised by Aboriginal Australians, he eventually turned his powers to benefit all mankind.
Ultraa is part of Earth-Prime, a world much like ours but without superheroes—until he arrived. However, upon his first interaction with the Justice League, they accidentally perceive him as a villain. This miscalculation highlights a refrain that weaves through the narrative of Ultraa: competing impulses for power and duty.
Ultraa and Earth-Prime
Ultraa stands out because he is “the only superhero on Earth-Prime,” the version of Earth within DC’s multiverse where superheroes don’t exist. Earth-Prime is seen as the “real-world” in the DC Comics universe, and Ultraa’s presence raises intriguing questions about how super-powered individuals impact ordinary people. Initially, Ultraa believed that Earth-Prime didn’t need superheroes.
He feared that his existence would bring about universe-threatening conflicts and devastation, much like what occurs on Earth-1, where the Justice League operates. In a self-sacrificial move, Ultraa left Earth-Prime to join Earth-1’s heroes, recognizing that his world might be better off without the chaos super-powered beings often bring.
Post-Crisis Reintroduction
The Crisis on Infinite Earths event erased his original story from existence and wiped away much of the previous DC Universe. He would return a year later in Justice League Quarterly #13 (1993). The second Ultraa, native to the planet Almerac and betrothed to Queen Maxima, a powerful warrior queen of that world. It was in this version that Ultraa had a blood-soaked conflict against Captain Atom, which showcased his warrior nature and the nuances of his character.
He was battle-hardened and aggressive, a far cry from the hero who had thought Earth-Prime didn’t need heroes. His tale is illustrative of the evolution in comic book storytelling around that time, as superheroes would often be portrayed with a darker, edgier image.
Powers and Abilities
He has different superhuman powers that make Ultraa a stronger hero. His abilities consist of superhuman strength, speed, and senses. Ultraa possesses incredible speed but does not have the power of flight like Superman. Ultrasonic attacks can easily defeat Ultraa, and his enemies have exploited this weakness more than once.
Post-crisis, creators expanded Ultraa’s powers and reintroduced him as a warrior from the advanced civilization of Almerac. His amazing strength, phenomenal endurance, and considerable combat skills make him a match for many of the DC Universe’s mightiest characters, though his reckless nature sometimes leads to trouble.
The Multiversity and Ultraa’s Return
In 2015, Grant Morrison introduced the world to The Multiversity series, giving Ultraa’s story a new twist. This saw Earth-Prime revisited, with Ultraa’s legacy continuing in a unique form. In this narrative, the concept of heroes was so strong that it manifested through the creation of “Ultra Comics,” a metahuman formed by the collective imagination of comic book readers, despite Earth-Prime being a world without superheroes.
This version of Ultraa was not your typical superhero but a self-aware idea, a representation of how storytelling shapes heroic figures. It skillfully blended themes of heroism, reality, and fiction, probing the delicate boundaries between comic books and the real world.
Why Ultraa Matters
Ultraa, who isn’t exactly a well-known DC hero, and his story are unique. He is the epitome that with great power comes great responsibility and perhaps sometimes no action is the best course of action. For once, the superhero takes a break rather than springing into action; he chooses to vacate Earth-Prime instead of become its savior.
Ultraa’s return in various iterations speaks to the fluidity of comic book storytelling over DC Comics’ existence. Ultraa: A native of Earth-Prime, Ultraa rose to the heightened DC consciousness as an interdimensional warrior in the post-Crisis era.
The Bottom Line
Ultraa’s multiversal journey and his role as Earth-Prime’s first superhero make him an often overlooked, yet profound figure in DC Comics. His story acts as a reflection of the philosophical dilemmas within superhero narratives raising questions about power, responsibility, and the effect of extraordinary individuals on society.
Though he may not possess the widespread influence of Batman or Wonder Woman, Ultraa’s legacy continues across the multiverse, standing as a reminder of the intricate and challenging nature of heroism, particularly in worlds unprepared to embrace it.
