A Contest of Champions?

*Cover for* ***“The End 2099” #2*** (Published January 28th, 2026) written by Steve Orlando, art by Ibraim Roberson, and colors by Andrew Dalhouse.
Cover art by David Marquez and Federico Blee

Issue #2 of The End 2099 pits the Champions of the 2099 Universe against the Abyssal Warriors—beings from across the rest of the Marvel Multiverse, all of whom have been embedded with a Knull Seed. Abyssus and Mephisto watch on in this cosmic game of annihilation as neither side backs down. I’ll be breaking down this issue from top to bottom and then giving my thoughts afterward. Strap yourself in, gang!!

Warning: This article will contain spoilers for “The End 2099” #2.

The Battle Officially Begins

The battle between the heroes of the 2099 universe and the Abyssal Warriors from across the multiverse begins in earnest as our issue wastes exactly zero time getting right down to it. When we last left off, Mephisto and Abyssus—the terrifying fusion of Galactus and Knull—agreed to use others to serve as their champions in a high-stakes battle for the whole 2099 universe as we know it. On the battle world of Viadrome, we see an absolutely chaotic melee underway as each side desperately battles for survival.

You know you’re bad when Mephisto looks like a saint in comparison.

Abyssus and Mephisto taunt one another, with the former claiming his forces will grind the 2099 universe to dust, while the latter claims he merely had to ask his champions to fight instead of coercing them. Somehow, Mephisto isn’t the most evil thing in the room, which is saying a lot.

As we turn our attention away from these cosmic deities, we focus on the 2099 universe’s greatest hero, Spider-Man, as he contends with the recently introduced Spider-Man 3099 against an incredible backdrop of multiversal heroes. We see 2099’s Krystalin barely fending off the Undead Sentry as King Gladiator races to her rescue. As King Gladiator crashes into the zombified Golden Guardian of Good, the Sentry horrifically bites and rips off part of the Strontian’s face, breaking through his helmet and face plate. Krystalin can only watch in horror as she resolves to return the favor and rush to King Gladiator’s aid.

Meanwhile, the best there is at what he does goes up against… the best there is at what he does! Nova 2099—a version of Wolverine who has become the last member of the Nova Corps and a lone figure of law and order—contends against the Age of Apocalypse Wolverine. Nova blasts off the hand of his counterpart, only for AoA Wolverine to return the favor as the two trade barbed words in addition to claws.

Abyssus points out how his warriors are fighting with true bloodlust thanks to his embedded Knull seeds, but Mephisto isn’t convinced; he believes his forces will prevail thanks to strategy and the fact that they all share the 2099 universe. Mephisto laments that Abyssus could have been his ally instead of stealing from him: after all, Galactus has long devoured worlds while Mephisto collected souls.

But Abyssus devours both entire worlds and souls, craving sheer destruction, whereas neither Mephisto nor Galactus reveled in such wanton chaos and death. The two continue to debate their philosophical differences as we return to the action at hand.

Still not a fan of Spider-Man 3099’s design, but this fight was pretty cool.

Spider-Man 2099 and 3099 continue their battle, appearing to be evenly matched. Miguel tries to reason with his even more futuristic counterpart, imploring him to stop killing his past to save his present—high stakes if the 3099 web-slinger is wrong.

Spider-Man 3099 isn’t convinced, though, as he believes that should the 2099 universe be destroyed, the timeline would simply correct itself and heal on its own. He tells Miguel that he can’t let his world die, not when it’s just now getting back on its feet; Spider-Man 2099 replies that they finally understand each other, because neither can he let his world die.

The Sorcerer Supreme of 2099, Jeannie Davidson (appropriately named “Strange”), battles against one of the most powerful variants we’ve seen enter the fray: House of M Scarlet Witch! Strange 2099 puts up a strong effort against Wanda as the latter chides her, claiming her cause is a lost one and that the timeline she hails from is thriving and deserves to live more than the 2099 universe.

Strange reveals that the “surgery” Wanda senses from the 2099 universe is actually her own handiwork; she has woven together multiple Earths that share in their heroic ages beginning in 2099. This effectively binds these timelines together, strengthening them against every danger ahead—including that of Abyssus and the Scarlet Witch herself. In an incredible display, Strange 2099 manages to overpower the mutant sorceress who was once responsible for "No more mutants."

Miles from the Insomniac Spider-Man games continuity arrives to defend his world.

Meanwhile, Spider-Man 2099 continues to battle his counterpart from one hundred years in the future, attempting to reason with him by arguing that if they work together, they can stop Abyssus from destroying any of their realities. But a new challenger appears, attacking Miguel immediately after webbing Spider-Man 3099.

Miles Morales from Earth-1048 has arrived! And because I’m nice and don’t want you to pause this review to look it up, I’ll tell you right now: this version of Miles is the very same one from the critically acclaimed Insomniac Spider-Man game series! Standing alongside Spider-Man 3099, Miles declares that 2099 isn’t worth more than the rest of their worlds. Miguel gets to his feet and points out that it's just the Knull Seed talking—Abyssus is forcing his cruelest logic on him.

The Spider-Man of Nueva York swats Miles aside and pounces, clawed hands around his throat, recalling how he’s teamed up with more Spiders from more realities than he can count and how they always rallied to one another. As he strangles the younger hero, the seasoned Spider-Man of the future informs Miles that if he can’t see how Spiders would fight for one another, he’ll show him—and then he willingly releases him.

Miles incredulously states that Miguel could have had him, to which Miguel agrees. He could have slashed his throat, but he didn’t, because he isn’t just fighting for his world—he's fighting for ALL worlds. In a stroke of good luck for the heroes, Spider-Man 3099 has a change of heart and finally agrees to hear Miguel out.

I honestly didn’t know there was a Red Hulk 2099 prior to reading this book.

We see Ross Romero, Earth-2099’s Red Hulk, squaring off against Thunderbolt Ross, Earth-616’s Red Hulk, as the crimson giants trade blows. Romero tells Ross he’s heard all about him and that history reveals Ross goes down as a war criminal. Ross rebuffs the younger man’s claim, stating that the only crime in war is losing.

Ross then gets the upper hand on his counterpart and begins siphoning his energy—more than willing to see another world burn so long as his own survives.

Nova 2099 blasts the Age of Apocalypse Wolvie with reluctance, just as Insomniac-verse Miles opts not to ally himself with Spider-Men 2099 and 3099. Citing that it’s too risky to gamble with his own world, Miles hits the other Spiders with a venom blast. The explosion sends both wall-crawlers crashing into Strange 2099 and House of M Wanda, cutting their magical duel short.

Strange realizes that this chaos is exactly what Abyssus wants and casts a blinding spell that suddenly transports all the 2099 heroes away from the battlefield so they can regroup. Wanda recognizes the spell and vows she won’t rest until Strange and the other 2099 heroes are dead at their feet, rallying the Abyssal Warriors to her side. Mephisto, however, seems unbothered, noting that the champions of 2099 are still very much in the fight.

Strange 2099 bought them time, but only just.

Strange reveals that she merely teleported them to the other side of the planet to buy some time. The other heroes chime in, noting that thanks to their enhanced senses, they’ll be able to detect the Abyssal Warriors when they approach—though, at best, that only gives them minutes to spare. Nova 2099 gruffly remarks that’s just how it is sometimes.

Spider-Man 2099 points out that they were able to escape with Spider-Man 3099 and notes that his futuristic counterpart was actually able to resist the Knull Seed during their battle. He tells him that they need to figure out exactly how he pulled that off and, more importantly, reveal everything he knows about Abyssus.

While this whole contest was the Surfer’s idea, he does not relish in it.

Meanwhile, back on the battlefield, the Silver Surfer of 2099 surveys the destruction wrought by Mephisto and Abyssus’ fighters. Abyssus taunts him, asking the Surfer if he enjoys the results of his machinations, but the Surfer remains unmoved. As he flies past the bodies of the fallen, he laments their deaths, but remarks that the destruction of both body and soul is a fate far worse than death, which is, of course, the fate that lies in store for the 2099 universe should Abyssus win.

King Gladiator—dying and infected from the Undead Sentry’s bite—calls the Surfer over, pleading for mercy. He reveals he was able to save Krystalin and that she fabricated M’Krann Crystal shards powerful enough to defeat the Undead Sentry, but the bite is still fatal. Not wanting to become a monster, he begs the Surfer not to let the disease take him. In an act of nobility reminiscent of the 616 Surfer, Surfer 2099 agrees; using his cosmic hellfire, he incinerates King Gladiator, granting him a final mercy.

This "Viking funeral" of sorts draws only contempt from Bloodwalker, the herald of Abyssus, who once went by the name Dracula. Silver Surfer, wanting no part of what the monstrous vampire has to say, prepares for battle, but Bloodwalker insists he isn’t there for bloodshed. He claims he’s there to appeal to the Surfer’s reason, believing Abyssus’ victory is inevitable. He ominously states he is armed merely with "words and words alone" as we reach the finale of the issue.

House of M Wanda takes point and she’s out for blood.

House of M Wanda leads the charge of the Abyssal Warriors, sensing the traces of the Vishanti that empower Strange with utter disdain. Next to her is a time-displaced Jean Grey—circa right before her first death—who declares she will do whatever is necessary to save her home, but unlike Wanda, she won’t celebrate the slaughter.

Wanda, clearly corrupted by the Knull Seeds, presses Jean, telling her to honor Abyssus and give in to the Seeds so they can save their respective worlds by destroying another. The Abyssal Warriors reach the ruins where the champions of 2099 are currently hiding, though Miles doesn’t seem convinced this is the right spot. Wanda, however, is certain, as they descend on the makeshift hideout.

Our issue reaches a dramatic conclusion as the 2099 heroes detect the impending attack. And sure enough, the Abyssal Warriors descend—only this time, they’ve succumbed completely to the Knull Seeds, effectively infecting them all with symbiotes! The Knullified warriors swarm the champions of 2099 as things take a turn for the absolute worst, bringing us one step closer to The End.

A Definite Improvement Going Forward

Some of these pages are absolutely beautiful, even if you can’t name every single character.

When I first started The End 2099, I admittedly went in with a lot of reservations. My attachment to these characters was mostly limited to Miguel O’Hara, who is my primary point of reference for the whole 2099 setting. Having grown up when the 2099 books were initially released, I’m certainly aware of characters like Doom 2099 and Hulk 2099, but the line never really held my interest beyond Spider-Man—and even then, usually only in crossovers or the odd standalone story. However, Issue #2 leans so hard into the premise and is so action-packed that I can safely say I’m invested in how this ends. Despite the massive roster of characters to keep track of, this issue improves upon the narrative as a whole and builds beautifully off the premise established in the debut.

Whereas Issue #1 had to introduce the principal players and set the stage, Issue #2 hits the ground running, drops us in the middle of an insane battle, and takes off—promising to pick us back up once the party is over like your favorite cool uncle.

There’s a lot to discuss, but the first thing to touch on is the trio of Spider-Men featured on the cover. Miguel remains the closest thing to a main character, which is fitting given his status as the poster boy for the 2099 universe. Joining him is Spider-Man 3099, hailing from an even more distant future where history is "dead," and rounding out the web-heads is Miles Morales from the hit Insomniac video games. While Spidey 3099 is still a mystery, Miles is a familiar face—likely more well-known to the general public than Miguel himself.

I felt Steve Orlando did a fantastic job flipping expectations with Miles and Miguel. In the film Across the Spider-Verse, it was Miguel who was willing to risk lives for the sake of the Multiverse; here, it’s Miguel who is determined to save everyone and their worlds. I can’t say for certain it was intentional, but I want to believe Orlando was very aware of the implications of these two fighting. It honestly made me smile to see a version of Spider-Man 2099 who wasn't willing to trade one life for another.

Did bro just basically say “I do it for the love of the game” to MEPHISTO?!

If the Spider-Men are the most important heroes here, it goes without saying that Mephisto and Abyssus are the most important antagonists. As I said in my review of the first issue, Abyssus is such an absurd, over-the-top concept that you can’t help but enjoy his scenes; he’s just reveling in being the absolute worst.

Mephisto, ever the silver-tongued devil (literally), plays the role of the “lesser” evil surprisingly well here. You find yourself rooting for him, only to be shocked that you’re doing so because Abyssus is just that much worse. I wouldn't be surprised if Mephisto pulls a gambit to somehow become impossibly worse before it’s all said and done, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

The rest of the Abyssal Warriors—pulled from multiple realities, including Earth-616—quickly showcase why Abyssus recruited them in the first place. The Undead Sentry is established as a problem that requires the M’Krann Crystal (i.e., the plot device) to be removed from the equation, but not before he racks up a significant body count.

However, it’s the inclusion of the House of M Scarlet Witch that really sells the stakes. I was satisfied to see her take point as the de facto leader of Abyssus’ forces. Red Hulk also got a brief moment to shine, as did a reluctant, Claremont-era Jean Grey. Seeing them all become “Knullified” was a shocking turning point; I can't even hazard a guess as to what to expect from that mess going forward—and I mean that as a total compliment.

Nova 2099 takes on Age of Apocalypse Wolverine.

While Orlando steers a tight ship with plenty of action and enough character development to keep the plot moving, Ibraim Roberson’s line work—complemented by Andrew Dalhouse on colors—makes said ship look like an absolute beaut. The book has a true "big event" feel thanks to them, providing fantastic set pieces and witnessing these larger-than-life characters at each other’s throats.

With dozens of characters battling simultaneously, it would be easy for the reader to get lost, but the art direction here prevents distractions and commands full attention to every panel. The action is kinetic, the effects are cosmic in every sense of the word, and the characters are expressive and dynamic. I don’t know nearly as much about some of these characters as I would like, but damn if they aren’t f&*king cool-looking.

There’s a lot to like, but my favorite bit of the art is the showdown between Age of Apocalypse Wolverine and Nova 2099. Both Wolverines look as rugged and badass as ever, but the sheer weariness in the eyes of the last Nova tells you everything you need to know about his character. I’d also feel terrible if I didn’t point out the beautiful scene involving Silver Surfer 2099 granting King Gladiator peace by letting him die as a noble warrior rather than an undead monster. Despite being a completely different character, the scene was presented with a sense of quiet nobility and majesty worthy of the original Sentinel of the Spaceways.

Final Thoughts and Review

Spider-Man 2099 remains one of the greatest non-Peter Parker Spider-Men in the whole Marvel multiverse.

I think issue #2 of The End 2099 is a substantial improvement in every sense of the word. Whereas the first issue had to introduce the key players in what is admittedly a bloated cast, this issue lets everyone stretch their legs and just go off the rails in the best way.

The premise remains the same—a bunch of superheroes from across different timelines and worlds fighting for the sake of the universe—but this issue provides enough character work to make the battles feel weighty. It avoids feeling like the narrative equivalent of slamming action figures against one another. However, having so many characters involved inevitably means some exist literally just to die, while others have no speaking roles or purpose other than providing background detail (albeit beautiful detail).

The Silver Surfer of 2099 displays a final act of compassion for the dying King Gladiator.

Final Review: 8/10

The End 2099 #2 starts off strong, offering a proper blend of over-the-top action and enough character development to make up for the uneven first issue. While it suffers from having an absolutely wild number of characters competing for the spotlight, the book compensates with fan-service fights that actually serve a purpose beyond mere spectacle.