Imperial Redefines Marvel Universe: What’s Next for Cosmic Adventures? | SDCC 2025

Author Jonathan Hickman, alongside artists Federico Vicentini and Iban Coello, is actively redefining the Marvel Universe with their new project, Imperial. Similar to Hickman’s 2023 project, Ultimate Invasion, which reintroduced a refreshed Ultimate Universe, Imperial sets the stage for a new series of space-centric Marvel comics. This exciting development was shared at Marvel’s “Next Big Thing” panel at SDCC, where upcoming titles were announced.

Marvel has unveiled a slate of five new comics originating from Imperial, scheduled for release between November 2025 and Winter 2026. These titles include Planet She-Hulk, Nova: Centurion, Black Panther: Intergalactic, Exiles, and Imperial Guardians.

Details on the plot and teams behind Planet She-Hulk and Nova: Centurion were shared, as these comics are set to debut first. In Planet She-Hulk, we follow Jennifer Walters as she governs the unruly planet Sakaar after Hulk leaves her in charge. What was meant to be a brief mission turns into an ongoing challenge, with Walters forced to tap into her more ferocious side to manage a planet constantly on the brink of conflict.

The creative force behind Planet She-Hulk includes writer Stephanie Phillips (Phoenix) and illustrator Aaron Kuder (Daredevil), with the inaugural issue set to release in November 2025.

Nova: Centurion centers on Richard Rider, the sole survivor of the once formidable Nova Corps. Struggling to keep the Xandarian Worldmind operational, Rider finds himself taking on morally ambiguous jobs to afford the costly energy transfusions required. The narrative probes how long Rider can continue to compromise his principles in this struggle.

Stephanie Phillips (Phoenix) pens Nova: Centurion, with art by Álvaro López (Predator: Black, White & Blood). This comic is also set for a November 2025 release.

Additionally, Marvel provided a sneak peek at One World Under Doom #9 during the panel, showcasing the final installment of their major crossover event in 2025. The preview suggests, “Doom has triumphed over all Earth’s heroes in a decisive battle, securing his victory with the Sorcerer Supreme’s magic, making it a permanent mark in time. However, unknown to Doom, even in his ultimate victory, the elements of his future defeat have been permanently etched into time. Faced with an irreversible setback, Doom chooses a path he cannot reverse, and the world must bear the consequences…”

One World Under Doom #9 is also slated for release in November 2025.

Earlier at Comic-Con, Marvel also announced a new crossover series titled Alien vs. Captain America.