WWLA: MARVEL's ULTIMATE UNIVERSE PANEL
by Albert Ching, special to Newsarama

The last major comics panel of WizardWorld: LA took place on getaway Sunday afternoon, focusing on Marvel’s Ultimate Universe. Losing a little of its news steam by Marvel.com’s Friday reveal of the Ultimate Power limited series crossover and the full revelation of this year’s Ultimate Annuals creative teams, writer Jeph Loeb and editor Nick Lowe mostly held court to answer fan questions before everyone headed for the exits for the weekend.

Here are some brief highlights…

  • The Ultimate Spider-Man Annual by Brian Bendis and Mark Brooks will guest-star the Punisher, and the Ultimates Annual by Charlie Huston, Mike Deodato Jr., and Ryan Sook will take place between Ultimates 2 #12 and Loeb and Joe Madureira’s Ultimates 3 #1.

  • There is a mystery female character that will play a big role in the remainder of the Ultimate Hulk vs. Wolverine limited series, though it was not revealed if this character is someone with a familiar “616” counterpart.

  • Artists Ben Oliver and Tom Raney will alternate three-issue story arcs on Ultimate X-Men, which will be written by Robert Kirkman for the foreseeable future.

  • Talking in more detail about Ultimate Power, Loeb stressed that there will be long-term ramifications for both the Ultimate Universe and Squadron Supreme characters as a result of the series/storyline.

    Loeb recalled working in the original “Age of Apocalypse” series and how at the time he wanted the series to have more lasting impact and ramifications for the Marvel Universe proper, so he’s very conscious of this series having long-term effects for both sides.

    “When this is over, there will be changes that stick,” he said.

    Loeb and Lowe did not reveal who the artist of the series will be, but Loeb hinted it will be a major name. “It will blow you away,” he said.

  • The panelists again confirmed the Bryan Singer-written Ultimate X-Men limited series is still being worked on, and will happen soon.

  • Asked by the fan about the current state of the Universe, and the fact that it was originally was supposed to be more reflective of the “real world”, and not feature as many science fiction/fantastical elements as there has been of late, Loeb simply explained that things grow and evolve after five years, with Lowe adding that most of those elements are found within Ultimate Fantastic Four and not the other titles.

  • There are no plans for the Exiles to cross over to the Ultimate Universe.

  • Loeb said there are plans for Ultimate War Machine in Ultimates 3.

  • There is some interest in Ultimate Cloak & Dagger around Marvel, but no plans as of yet.

  • There are no plans for an Ultimate Punisher solo series.

  • Loeb did not reveal too much information about his plans for Ultimates 3, though he said it was going to be a little less political than Mark Millar’s version and more action-oriented featuring superheroes vs. supervillains. He added there will be a notable time gap between Millar and Hitch’s last issue and his and Madureira’s first, story-wise.

    Asked about their status, Loeb added he’ll be dealing with the Ultimate Defenders right outta the gate in his series.

    He also praised Madureira’s artwork, saying his worked in the videogame industry has had a positive influence.

  • Finally, Loeb said fans will eventually see an Ultimate Hulk and Ultimate Thing match-up when asked by a fan.

    And with that, another convention came to a close…

    Albert Ching’s report courtesy of Newsarama partner Comics Buyer’s Guide

    MORE WIZARDWORLD: LA COVERAGE:

    Sunday

  • JMS & Bendis Talk Ultmate Power

    Saturday

  • Marvel Civil War Panel

  • DC Universe: One Year Greater Panel

  • Matt Fraction on His Punisher: War Journal Ongoing Series

  • Robert Kirkman Talks New Ant-Man ongoing series

  • X-Men Changes Panel

  • Garth Ennis on his Wildstorm Midnigther series

  • David Hine On X-Men: Civil War

    Friday

  • DC Nation Tour Panel

  • Joe Quesada's Cup 'O Joe Panel

  • Ultimate Universe - JMS' Squadron Supreme Crossover in Ultimate Power

  • J. Scott Campbell Signs Marvel Exlusive/To Do Spider-Man With Jeph Loeb

  • Marvel to Publish OGN Based on HALO Videogame

  • Mondo Marvel Panel

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