The light has had its turn. In a follow up scoop to Marvel’s cryptic reveal, Bleeding Cool’s Rich Johnston shared word that Marvel is preparing to launch Midnight, a standalone “Absolute Horror” universe.
Coming this fall, the line is being positioned as Marvel’s direct answer to both DC’s “Absolute” universe and the prestige maturity of the classic Vertigo imprint. Leading the charge? None other than Jonathan Hickman, the architect behind the current Ultimate Universe and House of X.
According to the report, Marvel is pivoting away from Hickman’s 2024 Ultimate Universe (which was designed with a two-year lifespan in mind) to this new dark frontier. Hickman is joined by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Benjamin Percy, both of whom have recently signed exclusive deals with Marvel to build this horror landscape.
Much like DC’s Absolute line, Midnight will feature radical reimaginings of classic characters. Don’t expect the 616 versions of these heroes; expect “sons and daughters of Midnight Sons” reimagined for modern fears.
While specific titles haven’t been officially announced, the report points to a lineup of Marvel’s heavy hitters in the supernatural and occult space. Blade, Ghost Rider, and Werewolf By Night are potential flagship titles. Given the space being explored, The Darkhold, Dracula, and Morbius are also possibilities for the initial rollout, suggesting a universe that leans heavily into the monstrous.
Jonathan Hickman doesn’t just write books; he builds worlds. By giving him the keys to a horror-centric universe, Marvel is betting that the occult side of their IP—which has been largely secondary to superheroes for decades—can sustain its own massive, interconnected mythology. If Midnight has the bite of an Absolute book and the strangeness of a Vertigo title, it could redefine Marvel’s publishing strategy for the next five years.
Source: Bleeding Cool
