Marvel Comics is making a bold statement with its upcoming Midnight Universe.
The publisher announced today that Midnight X-Men #1, Midnight Fantastic Four #1, and Midnight Spider-Man #1 will all debut on October 7, 2026. In an unusual move, the three titles will be the only Marvel comics released that day, giving readers and retailers a dedicated launch event for the publisher’s new horror-infused line. Midnight X-Men was originally slated for release in August.
The Midnight Universe brings together three acclaimed creative teams: Jonathan Hickman and Matteo Della Fonte on Midnight X-Men, Benjamin Percy and Kev Walker on Midnight Fantastic Four, and Phillip Kennedy Johnson and ScieTronc on Midnight Spider-Man.
Marvel’s decision to dedicate an entire release week to the line underscores the publisher’s confidence in the project.
“The more we talked about Midnight, the more we realized it was far more than just the birth of another new universe—it was on an entirely different scale creatively, a doorway to something that was not only immediately exciting, but had immense long-term promise,” said Midnight Universe Executive Editor Dan Buckley.
Jonathan Hickman also expressed enthusiasm for the line and his own contribution to it.
“I was very excited when Marvel told me the revamped plans for the Midnight launch because when I read both Ben and Phillip’s first scripts—and even more than that when the art started rolling in—I knew that this line was going to be something special,” Hickman shared. “As for me personally, I haven’t been this excited about a book in a very long time. There are certain kinds of projects that I, and I think most fans, prefer for me to be working on: Ambitious stories with intricate plots and long-form payoffs, which is exactly what MIDNIGHT X-MEN is.”
Benjamin Percy hinted at the scope of his plans for the Fantastic Four corner of the universe.
“I have an epic, rich storytelling blueprint for this series, and I don’t know that I’ve ever felt so…in the zone…when writing comics.”
Phillip Kennedy Johnson suggested Midnight Spider-Man may become the defining project of his career.
“The Midnight meetings with Jonathan and Ben continue to energize me, every time. I want my readers and fans to know I’ve never written a longer series outline than the one for MIDNIGHT SPIDER-MAN,” Johnson added. “By the time the first issue comes out, I’ll have written two 50-plus-issue series for Marvel and DC, but I want and expect MIDNIGHT SPIDER-MAN to be the longest, most epic series of my career… the series on which I bring everything I’ve learned to bear.”
Johnson also revealed the creative ambitions behind the title’s darker take on Spider-Man.
“Marvel’s putting a TON of trust in ScieTronc and me on this project, and we’re using that trust to make big asks and take big creative risks. I want to see a Spider-Man that was conceived by H.R. Giger, directed by David Cronenberg, adapted for the comic page by Junji Ito. I want Peter’s origin to be so upsetting it haunts me, and to see the Lizard and Doctor Octopus through the lens of a John Carpenter movie or a Resident Evil game. I’m so stoked for readers to see what we’re making.”
According to Marvel, retailers can also expect special launch promotions, incentive programs, and expanded Midnight-themed variant offerings tied to the release.
Today’s announcement also included the reveal of Kev Walker’s cover for Midnight Fantastic Four #1 and Steve Beach’s cover for Midnight Spider-Man #1. As previously announced, the line’s covers will utilize a special “Cloaked Cover” design that conceals much of the artwork. Readers will need to open the comic to see the full image, with future issues remaining partially hidden beneath shadows on store shelves.
“The world these creators are building is truly special and the passion behind the stories they’re envisioning was palpable,” Buckley continued. “We wanted to match their ambition with this unique launch plan, one that allows both retailers and fans to fully immerse themselves into this new line right from the start. When the clock strikes Midnight on October 7, these three series will unleash a bold new energy that we hope echoes throughout the industry for the foreseeable future.”
Marvel’s Midnight Universe arrives October 7 with all three debut issues hitting comic shops simultaneously.
Check out the covers and solicitation text below!
MIDNIGHT X-MEN #1
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN
Art by MATTEO DELLA FONTE
The shadows of New York City are stalked by vampires and the mutant empyres. The sword of Damocles hangs over the peace between these two species and the factions within them. An outright war is brewing and the unturned will be caught in the crossfire.
MIDNIGHT FANTASTIC FOUR #1
Written by BENJAMIN PERCY
Art by KEV WALKER
An obsessive scientist delves into the secrets of the universe perhaps best left unknown to humankind, leaving himself and three others warped in strange and horrifying ways. What horrible secrets lie in the new dimensions they have discovered? And can humanity survive the discovery?
On twisting the mythology of Marvel’s original super hero team, Percy said “Let’s be honest: any other circumstances, Marvel wouldn’t let me write the Fantastic Four. Because I’m too mean and evil for the first family. But this is the dark continuity of the Midnight Universe—a fresh origin story for the characters that channels cosmic, Lovecraftian terror—which makes it a perfect match for me. Mad science and cults and hidden realities await. The pacing is patient and full of dread and mystery and rich with a mythology that will feel both familiar and uncanny.”
MIDNIGHT SPIDER-MAN #1
Written by PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
Art by SCIETRONC
A young man is transformed into a hideous spider hybrid by the ruthless Oscorp Corporation in their pursuit for eternal life. When Oscorp begins to use the secrets unlocked by his mutation to create more human-animal hybrids, he must embrace his grotesque new form to fight back.
MIDNIGHT X-MEN #1
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN
Art by MATTEO DELLA FONTE
Cover by DIKE RUAN
On Sale October 7
MIDNIGHT FANTASTIC FOUR #1
Written by BENJAMIN PERCY
Art and Cover by KEV WALKER
On Sale October 7
MIDNIGHT SPIDER-MAN #1
Written by PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
Art by SCIETRONC
Cover by STEVE BEACH
On Sale October 7
You must be logged in to post a comment.