First Look: IMPERIAL Set To Revolutionize The Cosmic Side Of The Marvel Universe This June

By Chad Burdette

on April 3, 2025

This June, Marvel Comics launches IMPERIAL the new comic series set to revolutionize the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe!

The four-part event series is written by visionary writer Jonathan Hickman, known for his transformative work on Fantastic Four, X-Men, Avengers and Marvel’s new Ultimate line, and drawn by both Vicentini and Coello, two of Marvel’s elite Stormbreaker artists. IMPERIAL lays the foundation for an entire new landscape of interconnected space-set comic series coming later this year, making it the must-read comic book of the summer!

IMPERIAL kicks off with the elimination of several prominent intergalactic leaders. Nature abhors a vacuum, and as empires fall, rulers are overthrown and power is seized, a new galactic order is born! The saga delivers groundbreaking developments for various groups in the Marvel Universe, including HULKS, BLACK PANTHERS, NOVAS, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, and, as revealed last week in X-Manhunt Omega #1, mutants! The finale of the X-Men’s latest milestone crossover, X-Manhunt, saw Professor X depart to the stars to rescue his daughter, Xandra, deposed Majestrix of the Shi’ar Empire.

In an exclusive interview with artists Federico Vicentini and Iban Coello, ComicBook.com shared a first look at IMPERIAL:

Asked about his design process, Vicentini told ComicBook.com,

“When creating the costumes, I wanted to go back a bit to the past, such as bringing back Star-Lord’s helmet, giving Nova an aviator-style jacket, and taking inspiration from classic heroes like Flash Gordon.”

Coello added:

Usually Jonathan Hickman gives me a general idea of the character’s look in the script, and I work based on that. Tying the new look with the personality of the characters and having it make sense in this new era they’re entering. I think that She-Hulk is the one who underwent the biggest change.”

The new IMPERIAL preview below spotlights two main story threads. Coello’s pages depict Hulk, She-Hulk and Brawn returning to the savage planet Sakaar, where Hulk raged and conquered in the epic “Planet Hulk” storyline.

Meanwhile, Vicentini’s pages tease both hope and corruption as Star-Lord recruits Nova to help guard the galaxy against the coming turmoil—while his father J’Son plots how to take advantage of it!

Both sets of pages feature spectacular new characters designs, showcasing the immense amount of creative energy these acclaimed artists are bringing to this all-new era of storytelling!

Check out the new artwork for IMPERIAL #1: