The cosmic side of theMarvel Universeis facing a massive overhaul as Jonathan Hickman’s highly anticipatedImperialseries gets an official update that sets up its role in reshaping the cosmos. First teased last year,Imperialnow has an official cover - as well as stunning character designs and preview art - that lays the groundwork for a series that is ready to revamp the multiverse.
Marvel Comicshas just unveiled a first look atImperial, a four issue miniseries written by acclaimed author Jonathan Hickman with art by Federico Vincentini and Iban Coello. The series will span the entire cosmos as major changes shake the universe to its core, setting the stage for more interstellar stories to come in the future.
Marco Checchetto’s cover art for the series' first issue features Hulks, Black Panther, Star-Lord, and the discarded helmet ofRichard Rider’s Nova. The Marvel Universe is in for a wild ride this summer as Hickman, Vincentini, and Coello kick off a new era of cosmic order on June 4th, 2025.
Hickman, Vincentini, and Coello Are Reshaping Marvel’s Cosmos
The official synopsis forImperial#1 reads as follows:
IMPERIAL finds the galaxies of the Marvel Universe on the brink of major upheaval, following the elimination of several of its most prominent leaders. Nature abhors a vacuum, and empires fall, rulers are overthrown and power is seized in a saga of intrigue, mysteries and war, all taking place against the backdrop of the formation of new galactic order in the Marvel Universe.
With groundbreaking developments for HULKS, BLACK PANTHERS, NOVAS, GUARDIANS and COSMIC KINGS and QUEENS, IMPERIAL lays the foundation for an entire new landscape of interconnected space-set stories, making it the must-read comic book of the summer!
This sprawling space epic will incorporate a variety of characters from across the stars, with Coello and Vincentini’s character designs hinting at the key players who will participate in this blockbuster event. Coello has designed new takes on the Hulks, all of whom are dressed in theirPlanet Hulkgarb to befit the cosmic setting they’re about to be participants in. Meanwhile, Vincentini offers new takes onNova and Star-Lord. These two heroes were involved in Marvel’s 2000s cosmic renaissance, and they’re returning to set up the next stage of universal storytelling.
Halting Nova’s TV Show Wasn’t Enough, Now Marvel Is Nerfing Hero’s God-Tier Powers
Nova was once one of Marvel’s greatest cosmic superheroes, but now that his MCU debut has been canceled, he’s about to undergo a massive downgrade.
In addition to the characters featured in the above previews, the synopsis teases the inclusion of “cosmic kings and queens”, increasing the scale of this event beyond the standard heroes readers have followed. Furthermore, Black Panther is pictured on the cover in addition to being mentioned in Marvel’s solicitation. TheIntergalactic Empire of Wakandacould therefore be vital to the events ofImperial. There are endless possibilities for a cosmic story on this impressive scale, and Hickman is prepared to shake things up for the Marvel Universe in ways that no one will see coming.
Imperial Will Set Up the Future of the Marvel Universe’s Cosmic Side
This Universal Epic Will Change Everything for Marvel Lore
Currently, Marvel’s cosmos has found itself in a state of disarray, as the Shi’ar have recently sparked conflict withJean Grey’s Phoenix. The Imperial Guard will likely play an integral role in Hickman’s series, as they’re the protectors of the Shi’ar Empire and could ignite a galactic war that draws in Marvel’s space-faring superheroes.Hickman’s inspired directionfor the multiverse, in collaboration with Vincentini and Coello, will be vital to establishing a bold new era within the Marvel Universe as conflicts arise and mysteries are unraveled.Marvel’s cosmic hierarchy will never be the same onceImperialhits shelves this summer.
