In 2025, Marvel is set to launch one of its most ambitious and expansive comic book projects yet with *Imperial*, masterminded by the acclaimed Jonathan Hickman. Known for revolutionizing Marvel's storylines with works such as *House of X* and the revitalization of the *Ultimate Universe*, Hickman is poised to redefine the cosmic landscape for Marvel's beloved characters, including Nova and the Guardians of the Galaxy.
To delve deeper into how *Imperial* will reshape the cosmic narrative, IGN conducted an exclusive email interview with Hickman. Below, you can explore a sneak peek of the series through our slideshow gallery, and then continue reading for more insights.
Marvel's Imperial #1 Preview Gallery
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Curious about the inception of *Imperial*, we asked Hickman if this was a story he was eager to tell or if Marvel approached him to recreate the success of *Krakoa* and *Ultimate Invasion*. Hickman shared that 2025 presented the perfect moment to reimagine Marvel's cosmic realm.
"I think it was simply time to revisit this corner of the Marvel Universe," Hickman told IGN. "With my availability and interest, coupled with the company's ongoing focus on this area and the recent success of the Ultimate line, it felt like the right opportunity to launch *Imperial*. It's shaping up well, and I believe fans will find it engaging. It's a fun book."
The success of the new Ultimate line over the past two years provides a compelling comparison to *Imperial*, which serves as a foundation for a new line of cosmic books. We asked Hickman about the similarities between the two initiatives and any lessons from launching the Ultimate Universe that he's applying to *Imperial*.
"You can draw a direct line between the two in terms of market viability," Hickman explained. "A concise, focused line of books allows readers to invest without feeling overwhelmed, enabling creators to execute their vision without being bogged down by external continuity. It's a proven model for launching such a series."
He added, "The main difference is that *Imperial* isn't set in an alternative Marvel Universe, so we won't be using the 'real time' aspect of the Ultimate line. This has its advantages and drawbacks, but I think fans will appreciate the approach."
The 2006 *Annihilation* crossover, which significantly altered the status quo for Marvel's cosmic heroes and shifted the balance of power, came to mind when discussing *Imperial*. We asked Hickman if he sees any parallels between the two.
"No," Hickman responded. "That was an invasion story, whereas *Imperial* is fundamentally different. The end results might feel similar, with a renewed interest in Marvel's cosmic books, but in terms of plot and story, there's no comparison."
*Imperial* also builds on Hickman's previous work at Marvel. For instance, the "Hunt for Xavier" crossover in the X-Men line addressed unresolved elements from the Krakoan era, setting the stage for *Imperial* by bringing back the former Shi'ar Empress Lilandra and reuniting her with Charles Xavier to rescue their daughter Xandra. Additionally, *Imperial* introduces the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda, an idea initially hinted at during 2015's *Secret Wars* and later expanded in Ta-Nehisi Coates' *Black Panther* series.
Despite these connections, Hickman clarified that *Imperial* isn't as closely tied to his past works as it may seem.
"I'm known for weaving my own continuity into the larger Marvel narrative, but more than half of *Imperial* draws from various extended stories crafted by other creators over the years, rather than just picking up threads from my previous books," Hickman said. "There are some connections, but not as many as one might expect."
*Imperial* also steers the Hulk family back into cosmic territory, with preview art revealing Hulk and She-Hulk's return to the war-torn world of Sakaar, echoing the iconic *Planet Hulk* storyline from 2006. Hickman confirmed this was intentional, hinting at the significance of revisiting Sakaar in 2025.
"We're approaching the twentieth anniversary of *Planet Hulk*, and Marvel rarely lets such milestones slip by," Hickman teased.
Lastly, we discussed the decision to split the series between artists Federico Vicentini and Iban Coello, and how the creative team is leveraging this dual-artist approach.
"Both artists are doing exceptional work," Hickman noted. "I've been thrilled with how they've handled the story beats, character designs, and the exotic locations featured in the series. Given the compressed publishing schedule, having them tag team was essential. The key was ensuring their styles complement each other, which they've achieved seamlessly."
*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.
