Jonathan Hickman ushered in one of the most beloved eras in mutant history but a few years ago and now, the fan-favorite creator is returning the property — under a whole new light, of course. After teasing a new horror-centric universe last week, Marvel has officially unveiled details for Midnight Universe which includes Hickman writing Midnight X-Men, a reimagining that sees mutantkind turned into vampires.
Basically, the rumors of Marvel doing an “Absolute” horror line are true.
“From the original New Universe to two Ultimate Universes, Marvel has a long history of creating and inspiring bold worlds filled with unforgettable characters and fresh ideas that feel new yet recognizable at the same time,” Marvel EiC C.B. Cebulski explained of the new line. “With the new Midnight line, we’ve given some of our most outstanding creators the opportunity to delve into the darkest corners of their imaginations and birth some of the creepiest, most terrifying takes on the Marvel Universe you’ve ever seen.”
According to Hickman, mutants will find themselves fractured into different “empyres” and factions in the Midnight continuity. “I’m so enthusiastic about this project—it’s the most excited I’ve been in years,” the writer said of his concept. “The conceit of MIDNIGHT X-MEN aligns perfectly with the kind of stories I like to tell. It has a rich, open-ended mythology that equally mixes old and new ideas into something that feels both familiar and original.”
Joining Hickman on Midnight X-Men is artist Matteo Della Fonte. Other titles and creatives in the Midnight Universe include Midnight Fantastic Four by writer Benjamin Percy and artist Kev Walker, and Midnight Spider-Man from writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson and artist Scie Tronc.
The former will see Marvel’s First Family “warped in strange and horrifying ways,” while the latter will seemingly be inspired, at least in part, by the the web-slinger’s Man-Spider form.
“When I imagined this other version of Marvel—a terrifying, poisoned universe—my mind immediately went to the Fantastic Four. This is a title I have always loved, but would never be allowed to write otherwise,” Percy said of the Fantastic Four. Now I could lean into my worst instincts and reimagine their story as one of cosmic, Lovecraftian dread. I am joined in this by the visionary Kev Walker, who is hard at work bringing a new origin story for Marvel’s ‘first family’ to screaming life. I can’t wait to share our nightmares with you.”
Johnson added, “You don’t take on a job like reinventing Spider-Man to go halfway. I’m leaving it all in the ring with MIDNIGHT SPIDER-MAN and I know Jonathan and Ben are doing the same.”
The line officially launches with Midnight X-Men #1, which goes on sale August 5th. Midnight Fantastic Four #1 then hits the shelves at your local comic shop in September before Midnight Spider-Man #1 swings into stores in October.
The line-up:
MIDNIGHT X-MEN #1
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN
Art by MATTEO DELLA FONTE
Cover by DIKE RUAN
On Sale 8/5
MIDNIGHT FANTASTIC FOUR #1|
Written by BENJAMIN PERCY
Art by KEV WALKER
On Sale September 2026
MIDNIGHT SPIDER-MAN #1
Written by PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
Art by SCIE TRONC
On Sale October 2026
