Deniz Camp Breaks Down Ultimate Endgame And the Future of the Ultimate Universe (Exclusive)

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Okay, so today’s a big day! The first issue of Ultimate Endgame just dropped, and it’s supposed to wrap up the whole story for this version of the Ultimate Universe. It all started back in 2023 with Ultimate Invasion – that’s when Jonathan Hickman and Bryan Hitch kicked things off – and now we’re finally getting to the ending.

So, I’ve been following Al Ewing’s work on Ultimates, and it’s been amazing to watch him go from a really promising writer to a total superstar. Marvel was cool enough to let me ask some detailed questions about Ultimate Endgame #1 – stuff that would’ve been a spoiler if we’d released it earlier this month. But now, I can finally share what I learned!

This interview, like the previous one, revisits a few questions to help clarify things as we talk. Also, Marvel has revealed four signed sketch covers of Ultimate Endgame #1. These covers were randomly included in Marvel’s Ultimate Endgame #1 Blind Bag collections, and we’ll be sharing them throughout the interview.

Congratulations! I just finished reading Endgame, and I really enjoyed how it continues the ideas from the previous Ultimate books in a surprising way.

Deniz Camp: I’m glad to hear that. That’s the goal.

Whatever you think Endgame #1 is going to be, it’s not, and yet it still is.

Only a few close friends have read it so far, which means a lot to me. I really appreciate their support.

When we first started planning the show, we had a general idea of how far along the story would be when the Maker character came back. Looking back now, after two years of working on it, how close are we to that original plan?

This collection showcases my work on outdoor settings. The book is divided into two parts: scenes outside the city and those within it. The revolution and uprising I’d planned from the beginning, as originally proposed in Ultimates #18, are all included here.

I didn’t realize I’d be working on Endgame when I first started, that developed as I wrote. Ultimate Endgame directly follows Ultimate Invasion and continues the story we began in The Ultimates. It’s essentially an attempt to do both – continue the previous story and set up the next one – simultaneously.

On that note, some more specific Endgame questions. The Richard Parker stuff. Was that John?

That was all me – the idea of the suit and everything. I just wanted to show what I thought a father would do to protect his son, to stop him from taking such a dangerous risk. Most of Endgame came from my ideas. The only thing I borrowed from John was the concept of Immortus.

Writing Endgame with two artists, did you write specifically to Terry and Jonas’s styles?

Definitely. I envisioned the interior needing to be gritty and shadowy, and Jonas is perfect for that kind of work – I really enjoy collaborating with him. I asked the artists what they wanted to illustrate, particularly Terry, who was keen on depicting a conflict between fairies – the Ultimates versus Avalon. I always aim to play to the artists’ skills and what they like to draw, because you get a much better result that way.

As a fan, I’m really noticing how much Jonas is growing with each comic he does. It’s amazing to see how far he’s come – his work on Endgame #1 feels worlds away from his earlier stuff like Year One or Incursion! He’s really hitting his stride.

We have a good working relationship, and he’s really grown as an artist. He and Phil Noto have both become essential figures in this world we’re building.

I was drawn to Jonas’s work right away. He’s incredibly expressive and has a real cartoonist’s eye for detail, especially when it comes to creating interesting layouts and memorable characters.

I created the updated designs for the city, Maker, and Immortus, focusing on what Jonas does best.

That final splash page, Jonas’s dilapidated yet striking design. It was very cool.

He nailed that. It was so important.

As you went along, did any characters take on bigger roles than you intended? Like America?

I was genuinely surprised by all the characters, including Luke. The way the story connects with America feels important for both Endgame and what’s coming next. Doctor Doom really stood out – some might even say he’s as crucial to my storyline as Tony Stark. And I was also pleasantly surprised by Hank and Janet, as well as Jim Hammond, who proved to be more popular with readers than I anticipated – I enjoyed writing him too.

For example, the Jan stuff, was that set from the start?

Much of it resonated with me, though not all of it. Her story is still unfolding. The central theme, which explains a lot, will be revealed with the release of Endgame #1. The most important thing for me is connecting with the characters. I need to genuinely care about them, even when they face difficult or tragic circumstances – and that has to stem from a place of affection.

Speaking of synergy, Juan Frigeri’s evolution from issue #1 to issue #18 is incredible

Yes, I definitely remember issue #6 – the one with the huge fight involving the Hulk. He did a great job with that, likely because of his martial arts training. I often asked him to tackle really challenging requests in issue #8, and he was incredibly reliable, rarely missing a deadline. He was committed to maintaining a consistent storyline for the readers. He consistently created new characters – often quite a few – for each issue, and he never grumbled about it.

Scott Snyder has mentioned that becoming a father influenced his writing. The themes in Ultimates #18, particularly the idea of finding hope even when things are difficult, seem to reflect that. Was creating that sense of hope always a goal for you?

Yes, my wife and I are both activists. When things are difficult, there are always people who step up to inspire others and create a sense of community. This isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a grounded belief in the power of people working together. I wanted the films Ultimates and Endgame to capture both the challenging times and the strength we find in unity.

Nick Fury has a dramatic role in Endgame. How long did you know he’d be big in it?

I’ve been aware of this for some time. He’s instrumental in getting things started, and more of the story will be revealed in the ‘Ultimates’ series. I really enjoy exploring his backstory – he’s a villain in this world, but a sympathetic one. The fact that he’s a Life Model Decoy allows me to take his character to some really interesting and unexpected places. I love combining the original Nick Fury with this fresh interpretation of him.

His design is .

Exactly. Love that reference.

Ultimate Endgame #1 is on sale now!

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2025-12-31 20:58