Brief Thoughts on the DC Absolute Universe and the Marvel Ultimate Universe

After catching up on a good bit of the Ultimate Universe, I'll say this about the Ultimate Universe vs the Absolute Universe:

The Ultimate Universe has incredible tension surrounding the coming return of The Maker - especially in The Ultimates. However, the Absolute Universe has a lot more mystery surrounding it. I'm sure it'll be revealed in time, but the Ultimate Universe laid out the stakes very clearly in Ultimate Invasion/Ultimate Universe, while the Absolute Universe set up some uncertainty/anticipation of what's to come with the All-In Special.

While I like this mystery of the Absolute Universe and the tension of the Ultimate Universe, the biggest risk of both of these bold initiatives is this: what if they don't pay off? What if the crossing over of the Absolute Universe and main DC Universe is underwhelming? What if The Maker ends up not being the incredible threat he has been laid out to be? Of course, a good initiative will still have enjoyable stories in the interim while waiting for the big payoffs. I personally feel that DC has had stronger individual stories while Marvel has very successfully built up just the most diabolical villain in The Maker - so I'd say Marvel has more to lose with an underwhelming payoff.

Regardless, I'd say from both a popularity perspective and quality perspective, that the DC Absolute Universe and Marvel Ultimate Universe are massive successes.