[1] The series is part of the new Ultimate Universe timeline, which puts several Marvel characters in a radically altered sociopolitical status quo, including elements of alternate history, and follows Tony Stark / Iron Lad as he assembles a covert ops network, dubbed the "Ultimates", to fight back against the Maker's Council and take back their world.

At the time of the series announcement, Camp said "The new Ultimates line is the most exciting superhero comics event in years, and it's humbling to be a part of it.

Howard's son, Iron Lad, works with Doctor Doom to form the Ultimates Network, aiming to combat the Maker's Council and restock the world with heroes before The City re-opens.

The Maker's Council then hacks into a Stark satellite, destroying several blocks in Manhattan in a terrorist attack framing Iron Lad as the perpetrator.

The Ultimates, now seen as international fugitives, initially plan to distribute superpower catalysts called "Origin-Machines" to several individuals who were blocked from becoming heroes, and gradually turn the tide against the Council.

Finally, Captain America meets and recruits Charli Ramsey, a Native American who took the bow and arrow meant for Clint Barton as their own, and has been attacking several Roxxon facilities.

[3] The full team assembles for the first time after Tony finds a Damage Control facility supposedly containing prisoners of the Council, which turns out to be a trap.

By the time he does so, Iron Lad has been mortally wounded by Hulk, leading him to be confined to a healing machine while the team deals with the aftermath and reconsiders their approach.

While America refuses to join their efforts to finding other Guardians, Captain Marvel leaves her with a temporal flare to signal them if they need them, while Star-Lord warns Doom that either him or Iron Lad will cause unimaginable suffering to trillions.

Back in the present, Luke leads a takeover of Gordium Correction Facility with fellow inmate Danny Rand, before being moved to another prison to continue his revolution.