Marvel just released a trailer that turns the universe upside down. With a narrative filled with tension, power, and star-crossed wars, Imperial #1 is here to change everything.
And if you thought the Marvel universe couldn't get any more complicated, wait until you see who's left standing when the dust settles.
A Marvel war that will change everything (again, but this time for real)
The first issue of Imperial, written by Jonathan Hickman and illustrated by Iban Coello and Federico Vicentini, arrived in comic book stores on June 4th. But it wasn't just any old release. The accompanying trailer, just released, teases a story of galactic proportions. Literally.
The starting point? Several intergalactic leaders have been eliminated. The result? A power vacuum so vast it could swallow entire solar systems. Marvel makes it clear: nature abhors a vacuum… and empires are quick to take advantage.
The trailer is just the beginning of the chaos.
Marvel offers a glimpse of what's to come: a massive intergalactic conflict, where heroes, villains, and old alliances fight for survival on a board that no longer recognizes the rules of the past. There's mystery, there's betrayal, there's death... and there's one clear promise: the galaxy will never be the same.
This trailer also includes previously unreleased art, which already gives us an idea of why this event will be more than just a comic: it's a turning point. One that points directly to future sagas, crossovers, and, who knows, possible adaptations.
Who is behind this new order?
Key Marvel characters include the Guardians of the Galaxy, a war-fueled Hulk, Black Panther, and J'Son, the former emperor of the Spartan Empire and father of Star-Lord. Yes, that J'Son, the one who always shows up when things get out of hand.
But it's not just about familiar names. Each chapter in this first issue—with evocative titles like "Light the Pyre of Hiro Kala" and "Poison the Water, Poison the Well"—introduces new pieces of a much larger puzzle. Hickman isn't just building a story, but an entire new cosmic order.
Jonathan Hickman and the "Ultimate" of space
For those who follow Hickman's work, this won't be surprising. We've already seen him redefine Marvel universes with House of X and, more recently, with Ultimate Invasion. This time, the idea is similar, but on a stellar scale: creating a new starting point for all of Marvel's cosmic titles. And not with a world guide, but with an event like the ones from before. The kind that makes you run to the store every month.
"The goal here is to do what we did with the Ultimate series, but apply it to space titles," the writer explained. "The difference is that this time, the opening issue is the big event. There is no beating around the bush. We're straight into chaos."
And if Hickman says so, you better pay attention.
A universe without rules (or emperors)
Marvel's official synopsis says it all: "Empires fall, rulers are overthrown, and power is contested in a saga of intrigue, mystery, and war." It doesn't look like this is going to end well for anyone.
And there's the hook. Amidst the chaos, any character can emerge as a key figure, any planet can become the new center of power, and any decision can determine the fate of entire galaxies.
This kind of ordered chaos is fertile ground for new stories to sprout in all directions. In fact, several one-shots have already been announced under the Imperial War banner, suggesting that this isn't a self-contained story, but rather the beginning of something much larger.
What's next for Marvel after the storm
With just one issue published and a trailer that's already generated more buzz than expected, Imperial is shaping up to be one of Marvel's most ambitious projects of 2025. And it's not just because of the scale. It's because of the sense that, finally, the cosmic storyline has a clear direction again, with a strong voice and a bold vision.
Furthermore, Coello and Vicentini's art provides tremendous visual power. Every panel carries weight. Every planet, every explosion, every glance between characters seems to scream that something big is brewing.
Where does this fit into Marvel's future?
While it's not officially confirmed, it wouldn't be unreasonable to think Marvel is testing the waters for future adaptations. With the Multiverse saga on hiatus and the X-Men and Fantastic Four reboots underway, the cosmic corner of the Marvel universe could become the studio's next big setting.
Stories like this, with their polished aesthetics and powerful characters vying for the fate of entire worlds, work incredibly well on screen. And if you add Hickman's signature touch to that, things sound even more promising.
Is it worth jumping on the Imperial bandwagon? Yes. And fast. Because not only is it an entertaining, visually stunning read with a galactic epic flavor, but it also marks a turning point for Marvel. One that could redefine the space in its comics… and beyond.