Marvel’s cosmic universe is about to be redefined, and this is gonna be amazing.

Imperial #1
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artists: Federico Vicentini, Iban Coello
Main cover: Marco Checchetto
Release date: June 4, 2025

Jonathan Hickman is back at it, and we couldn’t be more excited. The man who gave us the Ultimate Universe and who is crafting one of the best Spider-Man story in Ultimate Spider-Man is diving into Marvel’s cosmic landscape with Imperial. This four-issue event series teams him up with super-talented artists Federico Vicentini (Miles Morales: Spider-Man, X Deaths of Wolverine) and Iban Coello (Venom, Fantastic Four), and it already sounds like the kind of high-concept, intricately woven storytelling Hickman does best.

Set against the backdrop of a crumbling galactic order where major leaders have fallen, Imperial is all about power struggles, mysteries, and intergalactic war. And knowing Hickman, it’s the foundation for A LOT more to come. We’re all for Marvel taking big swings like this, especially when the creative team is this strong. The Character Design sheets revealed by Marvel look incredible (especially the Hulks!), and we’re adding them below so you can see them for yourself.

Hickman’s excitement about this project is infectious. His passion for all things Marvel Cosmic is clear, and it sounds like he’s ready to do for the Marvel Universe’s space titles what he’s done for the Ultimate line. This isn’t just a setup book; it’s an event, and we’re so here for it. We might even change our name to the Cosmic Warlocks after that. Who knows.

Marvel’s cosmic side has needed a bold new direction, and if anyone can deliver, it’s Hickman. June can’t come soon enough.