The End of the Beginning: Imperial #1 Reconfigures Marvel Space
Marvel Comics drops Imperial #1 today (June 4, 2025), marking the explosive kickoff of a four-issue cosmic event by Jonathan Hickman, with breathtaking art from Federico Vicentini and Iban Coello. Set in a fractured universe where high-profile intergalactic leaders are mysteriously assassinated, Imperial plants the seeds for a sweeping galactic reshuffle .
Hickman positions Imperial not as a slow-build origin tale but as an event designed to propel Marvel Cosmic into a bold new era—similar in ambition to his prior Ultimate and Krakoan-era initiatives. It features major cosmic players like the Hulks, Black Panthers, Novas, Guardians, Professor X, Lilandra, Xandra, and more
The first issue unravels a high-stakes murder mystery: the death of Hulk’s son Hiro‑Kala, along with other monarchs, sparks political intrigue, cosmic warfare, and desperate quests for truth. Critics from AIPT, CBR, and Comic Book Revolution are hailing Imperial as “a different sort of superhero event” that nails it from the first issue.
Ahead of the launch, Marvel released an electrifying trailer that captures the chaos and political upheaval at the heart of Imperial, teasing the phrase: “the end of the beginning” .
What’s Next
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Issue #2 launches July 9, pitting Wakanda’s intergalactic empire against the Shi’ar and other cosmic forces .
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Issue #3 arrives August 13 to unmask the architect driving the mass assassinations.
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In August–September, one-shot tie-ins (Imperial War: Black Panther, Planet She-Hulk, Exiles, Nova–Centurion) will spin out from the main event
Why Readers Should Care
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A sweeping cosmic reset: Hickman builds a foundation for a unified Marvel Cosmic line.
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Stellar visual storytelling: Vicentini and Coello bring cinematic flair and imaginative new designs.
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Mystery-powered momentum: Political intrigue and high stakes offer direct, punchy drama from issue #1.
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A galaxy-spanning cast: This crossover brings together heroes and empires rarely seen in the same arena.
Grab Imperial #1 at your local comic shop or digitally via Marvel Unlimited today—this is one cosmic event you won’t want to miss.
