New IMPERIAL #1 Teaser & Variants Hint At Dramatic Developments Erupting Across The Galaxy

By Chad Burdette

on May 5, 2025

Jonathan Hickman’s sweeping new cosmic epic, IMPERIAL, arrives this June. Known for his influential work on Fantastic Four, Avengers, and X-Men as well as the creation of Marvel’s hit new Ultimate line, the visionary writer will now team up with superstar artists Federico Vicentini and Iban Coello to revolutionize Marvel’s galactic canon in this four-part event series. The series lays the foundation for an entire new landscape of interconnected space-set series, making it the must-read comic book of the summer.

Hickman said about the event:

“I’m very excited about this project as I’m obviously a huge fan of all things Marvel Cosmic. The goal here is to kind of do what we did with the recent Ultimate line for all of our space titles, except having the setup book (IMPERIAL) be more of an event than a world building exercise (like Ultimate Invasion). The art team is killing it and we’re all just very excited for what’s happening in this special corner of the Marvel Universe.”

Two of Marvel’s Stormbreakers, a group of Marvel’s most elite talent, Vicentini (Miles Morales: Spider-Man, Wolverine) and Coello (Venom War, Fantastic Four) have brought their innovative style and creativity to nearly ever corner of the Marvel Universe. Now, these two celebrated artists embark on their boldest venture yet. In addition to their interior artwork, Vicentini and Coello are delivering spectacular new designs for characters, locales and more as they bring a whole new era of storytelling to life within the pages of IMPERIAL and beyond!

Vicentini shared

“Working with Hickman is a great challenge. I love his scripts. He writes really brilliant dialogue and puts incredible attention to details when it comes to the story’s setting. I had only knew Hickman as a reader, so it was incredible to be approached to work with him and Iban, who is a phenomenal artist! I’m working hard to produce my best work, and I’m certainly having a lot of fun!”

Coello added

“Being involved in this project is incredible,” . “Creating all these new characters and costumes is really fun. Working with Hickman is something I never expected to be able to do, and it’s both cool and intimidating at the same time because of the magnitude of what he’s doing in the scripts. I look forward to being able to rise to the challenge and do a great job!”

oday, fans can see all the covers for the debut issue including pieces by acclaimed artists Adi Granov, Peach Momoko, Miguel Mercado, Alessandro Cappuccio, and Skottie Young. Plus, check the first of a four-part connecting cover by Javier Garrón, a new cover in Todd Nauck’s Iconic Variant Cover series, and a Hidden Gem cover by Jim Lee!

The covers feature all the major players involved in the wars to come, including Hulk and She-Hulk, who return to Sakaar to restore order; Nova and Star-Lord, who team up to prevent the galaxy from falling into the worst hands; and the Shi’ar, who will be torn asunder in a battle for the throne!

Alessandro Cappuccio Variant Cover

Adi Granov Variant Cover / Virgin Variant Cover

Peach Momoko Variant Cover

Skottie Young Variant Cover

Javier Garrón Connecting Variant Cover

Jim Lee Hidden Gem Variant Cover

Miguel Mercado Deathbird Variant Cover/ Virgin Variant Cover

Todd Nauck Iconic Variant Cover

IMPERIAL #1 (OF 4) – 75960621099200111

JONATHAN HICKMAN, FEDERICO VICENTINI AND IBAN COELLO TAKE ON THE UNIVERSE!

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.