The First Firmament is the original, primordial Multiverse in Marvel Comics, predating the current Multiverse and all its previous iterations. It represents the very first reality, a singular, unchanging cosmos from which all subsequent Multiverses were born. It's a foundational concept in Marvel's cosmology, explaining the cyclical nature of creation and destruction that has shaped existence.
The First Firmament was introduced as part of a retcon in Al Ewing's Ultimates 2 series, establishing a deeper history for the Marvel Multiverse. In this original reality, there was only one cosmic entity: the First Firmament itself, which was sentient. It created its first children, the Aspirants, who were loyal and sought to maintain the singular, perfect cosmos. However, a faction of these children, known as the Celestials, rebelled. They desired change, evolution, and the creation of new, diverse realities. This conflict led to a cosmic war, with the Celestials ultimately shattering the First Firmament into countless fragments, which then coalesced to form the first iteration of the Marvel Multiverse.
Each subsequent Multiverse (including the current 8th Multiverse) has been a cycle of creation, destruction, and rebirth, often orchestrated or influenced by the Celestials. The First Firmament, though shattered, still exists as a dark, vengeful entity in the void between Multiverses, attempting to reclaim its lost dominion and restore its singular, unchanging form. It views the current Multiverse as an abomination and seeks to undo it, using its remaining loyal Aspirants to interfere with cosmic events. Understanding the First Firmament provides crucial context for the grand scale of Marvel's cosmic narratives and the motivations of many powerful cosmic entities.
Pro tip: The First Firmament's story adds a layer of meta-narrative to Marvel, suggesting that even the concept of a "Multiverse" is a relatively recent development in the grand scheme of cosmic history, and that the struggle between stasis and evolution is fundamental to existence itself.
Essential for any Marvel lore enthusiast. These encyclopedic guides provide detailed information on characters, concepts, and cosmic entities, offering a structured way to learn about the universe.
Optional but highly recommended. For a broader understanding of Marvel's cosmic history and entities, this collection compiles many foundational stories that precede and inform the First Firmament's introduction.
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Ask Pyflo anything →