Marvel typically releases several event miniseries each year, which can have a significant impact on the entire universe or specific characters within their own realm. As the heroes currently deal with Doctor Doom’s takeover of Earth, a new development is unfolding in the cosmos, with House of X and Ultimate Spider-Man writer Jonathan Hickman at the helm.

In June, Hickman will collaborate with Federico Vizenti and Iban Coello on Imperial, a story centered around the assassination of several galactic leaders, triggering a chain reaction of power struggles, wars, and shifting empires across the universe. Key characters in this “sweeping cosmic epic” include Black Panther, multiple Hulks (including Skaar!), the Guardians of the Galaxy, and Nova, with “groundbreaking developments” and new designs promised for all of them and the cosmic side of the Marvel universe. In typical Hickman fashion, it will also pave the way for an “entire new landscape” of Marvel comics set in space, which have been somewhat neglected in favor of more earthbound stories.

In an interview with Marvel, Hickman mentioned that he is approaching Imperial as the cosmic equivalent of his work on Ultimate Invasion, but this time as a genuine story rather than a “world-building exercise.” As a self-proclaimed fan of Marvel’s galactic characters, he is “very excited” to establish a new status quo for future creators to build upon. “The art team is doing an amazing job, and we’re all thrilled about what’s happening in this special corner of the Marvel Universe.”

The four-part Imperial saga is set to begin on June 4.

For more io9 news, check out the latest release dates for upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, as well as what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.