IG: Ultimatum is here! You’ve been building this foundation with others over the past year. We know you are super pumped, but why should all of Atomic’s customers be psyched as well? Sell it baby!

JL: Well, it’s only the biggest story that Marvel’s done in years. Bigger than CIVIL WAR, bigger than SECRET INVASION and it’s only FIVE issues! (laughs)

Actually, I know there’s hype on everything, but this really is the book that will change the Ultimate Universe. Everyone on every team will be touched by it.

I wanted to tell a story where you could see how all these characters are connected the way that 9/11 and the Northridge Earthquake reminded us to put away whatever differences we have and work together.

Only this disaster is Magneto made…

IG: A book this big surely necessitates several variant covers! If you could make the call, how many variant covers would you produce for Ultimatum #1?

JL: As long as they are great covers -- in this case Finch, McGuinness and Silvestri -- I personally think it’s exciting. The thing about variants is that they are not for everyone, but if you into them, give the reader something that’s awesome. And since I know some retailers get a little bump for the variants, it’s good for everyone -- if they are well done. That’s our game.

IG: What’s up with Hulk #7? However, since I know you’re a genius (seriously, you are) this book has to be a cog in some kind of long term operation. I mean, why does Mr. Fix-It show up out of nowehere? Does Bruce turn grey when he’s near slot machines and show girls?

JL: You mean the best book of the month? We wanted to give the fans a smile and since Joe Fixit was tied to Las Vegas I felt like it would be wrong to ignore him. And don’t worry, things go green next issue. But, c’mon, how G.O.gorgoeus is that Arthur Adams artwork! There’s genius!

And I’m sure, Malve, that you’ve taken home that Frank Cho She-Hulk artwork -- as well as his RED HULK -- and framed it for the bedside table!

IG: Back to Ultimatum: with storylines from over a dozen talented folks written over several months to synthesize, how do you wrangle it down to a kick ass story that has your unique stamp on it?

JL: I do what I always do. I tell the best story I can and hope folks like it. Given the success of The Ultimates and HULK, I’m wishing for the same kind of reaction.

IG: You revealed the secret origin of Ultimate Black Panther in the Captain America annual. Which I just read on the can and man did that rock…the comic was not that bad either. Are we going to see him return anytime soon?

JL: The Panther and Cap will play big roles in Ultimatum. Who knows if they'll survive. After all, one Cap died already. Since Cap was the Panther for a while, who knows if T'Challa becomes... I've said too much!

IG: How much of the Ultimatum book’s concept and ideas are yours? Millar’s & Bendis’? Is it true that if the book is a smash, you’ll take all of the credit, but if it flops it’ll all be Bendis’ fault?

JL: A project this gi-normous only improves by getting inspiration from others. I was lucky enough to share my ideas with Bendis, Millar, Damon Lindelof, Allan Heinberg and of course, Joe Quesada and Dan Buckley. Quite the pedigree. We had a mini-summit in Hollywood and hammered out some great stuff. From there it was mine to f-up. You take it from here, Malve. IF it doesn’t sell, it’s YOUR fault.

IG: If you and Malve were to go base jumping, what exotic locale would you choose? Would you let him pack your chute?

JL: What’s “base jumping” Malve? You back on the crank again?

IG: Bendis likes to bring c-list characters into the spotlight – how about you? Do you have love for the c-listers? When are fans getting an Ultimate Brother Voodoo book? Seriously.

JL: Well, you know of my love for Valkerie and Valkyrie, Thundra’s come to play … and you may be be closer to Brother Voodoo than you know.

IG: What comic book project from your illustrious career is the one you can look back at with the most pride and why? How about non comic book project?

JL: That has to be Superman/Batman #26. To find all those creators pull together to honor my son was more than amazing. And I’m extremely proud of the back up story “SAM’S STORY” that Tim Sale and I did. Tim drew it perfectly.

And non comic book? I’m totally proud of all of it. I mean, how did I get so lucky to have SMALLVILLE, LOST, and HEROES as well as TEEN WOLF and COMMANDO be where I live?

IG: You worked on Lost not too far back. Was there any key reveal or storyline that you’re responsible for? Can you say, “I killed Charlie”?

JL: Like what's the island really? Sure. Ask again when I'm dead, okay?

IG: Rate these artists in terms of the experience working with them. Drop a funny anecdote or several about your working relationships: Finch, McGuiness, J Scott Campbell, Tim Sale, Joe Mad.

JL: They are all super talented madmen who draw the @#$% out of everything we do. Just the best. It shows in the work and it shows in the synergy with my scripts. All that AND they can meet a deadline -- which we all know is too rare… ;)