Jonathan Hickman Set to Transform Surprise’s Cosmic Universe with a Bold New Event Featuring Hulks, Black Panther, Nova, and Others

Jonathan Hickman, the mastermind behind the new Final Universe, is making his way back to the mainstream Marvel Universe with an innovative new four-part event series titled Imperial. Marvel promises that this series will “transform Marvel’s cosmic lore” and “set the stage for an entirely new realm of interconnected space-themed narratives.”

Hickman is collaborating with artists Federico Vicenti and Iban Coello for Imperial. This limited series throws the broader cosmic civilizations of the Marvel Universe into turmoil as numerous key figures from various empires are taken down.

The ensuing disorder will involve several characters, including the Hulks—most notably Bruce Banner, Jennifer Walters, and Skaar—who will all wear Planet Hulk-inspired armor in Imperial, as depicted on Marco Checchetto’s main cover for Imperial #1 as well as Iban Coello’s design sheet for the Hulks, which also showcases panels from Imperial #1.

Also featuring in the storyline will be the Black Panther, the Nova Corps—including Richard Rider, whose helmet appears on Coello’s primary cover, and whose updated look is displayed in a second design sheet. This sheet also reveals new appearances for Star-Lord of the Guardians of the Galaxy and his father (in comic book continuity anyway), J’Son of Spartax.

Here’s a gallery displaying the cover and each design sheet:

“I’m extremely enthusiastic about this endeavor as I’m clearly a big admirer of all things Marvel Cosmic,” stated Hickman in a statement. “The objective here is to create something akin to what we accomplished with the recent Ultimate line for all our cosmic titles, but with the foundational book (IMPERIAL) being more of an event rather than merely a world-building project (like Ultimate Invasion). The art team is doing an outstanding job, and we’re all just very eager for what is unfolding in this unique segment of the Marvel Universe.”

Imperial #1 hits the shelves on June 4.

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