In 2025, Marvel is set to launch one of its most ambitious comic book projects yet with "Imperial," spearheaded by the visionary writer Jonathan Hickman, known for transformative works like House of X and the new Ultimate Universe. This series promises to redefine the landscape for Marvel's cosmic heroes, including Nova and the Guardians of the Galaxy, much like Hickman's previous projects reshaped their respective universes.
To delve deeper into how "Imperial" will shake up the cosmic realm, IGN had the opportunity to interview Hickman via email. Before diving into the details, take a look at an exclusive preview in the slideshow gallery below.
Marvel's Imperial #1 Preview Gallery
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When asked about the origins of "Imperial," Hickman explained that the timing felt right for a fresh take on Marvel's cosmic universe. "I think it was simply time to revisit this corner of the Marvel Universe," he told IGN. "That I was available and interested, and that it’s been of ongoing interest to the company, and that the model of launching something like this had just been done with the Ultimate line, all added up to it feeling like this was an opportunity to do Imperial. It’s come together well and I think people are going to enjoy it. It’s a fun book."
Drawing parallels between "Imperial" and the successful new Ultimate line, Hickman sees a direct connection in terms of market strategy. "A small, tight line of books that readers can invest in and not feel overwhelmed, and where creators can execute their vision for the individual titles without drowning in external continuity seems to be a pretty solid model of how to launch something like this," he said. However, he noted a key difference: "The big difference, obviously, is that this isn’t set in an alternative Marvel Universe, so we won’t be doing the ‘real time’ aspect of the Ultimate line. Which has its pluses and minuses, but I think most people will be pleased about."
While some might draw comparisons to the 2006 "Annihilation" crossover, which significantly altered the cosmic status quo and paved the way for the modern Guardians of the Galaxy, Hickman dismisses any direct similarities. "No. Simply because that’s an invasion story and this isn’t anything like that," he stated. "The ‘what-you-get’ end results might be similar in that all of a sudden there are a bunch of Marvel cosmic books you care about. But plot/story-wise? No."
"Imperial" builds on elements from Hickman's previous works, such as the "Hunt for Xavier" crossover in the X-Men line, which set the stage for "Imperial" by resurrecting the former Shi’ar Empress Lilandra and reuniting her with Charles Xavier. It also introduces the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda, first teased in 2015's Secret Wars and later featured in Ta-Nehisi Coates' Black Panther series. Despite these connections, Hickman clarified that "Imperial" isn't as tied to his previous works as it might seem. "Well, I’m kind of notorious for mining my own continuity inside of the greater Marvel one, but I’d say well over half of this is more like me picking up pieces from a bunch of extended stories that have been done over the years by other creators than me just picking up plot threads from my previous books," he said. "Sure, there’s some of that in there, but not as much as some people might expect."
The series also pushes the Hulk family back into cosmic territory, with the preview art showing Hulk and She-Hulk returning to the wartorn world of Sakaar, echoing the 2006 "Planet Hulk" storyline. Hickman teased, "All I’ll say there is we’re coming up on the twentieth anniversary of Planet Hulk and Marvel doesn’t usually let those opportunities pass by."
Lastly, Hickman discussed the decision to have two artists, Federico Vicentini and Iban Coello, collaborate on the series. "Both of those guys are crushing it," he praised. "I’ve been very pleased and surprised at how they’ve tackled some of the story beats, character designs, and wild locations this thing has. And with the book having a compressed publishing schedule (we actually moved it forward at the beginning of the year), the only way it could be done was for them to tag team it. The trick there is they have to complement each other and that’s clearly the case here."
"Imperial #1" is slated for release on June 4, 2025.
For more on the world of comics, find out what you should read in this year’s FCBD lineup, and check out our exclusive interview with the writers of TMNT: The Last Ronin II.
