10 Marvel Storylines Fans Can Look Forward to in 2025

Marvel is recognized for its daring narrative style, blending large-scale spectacles with intimate, character-driven tales. They excel at keeping readers intrigued, while also hinting at future projects. A unique standalone issue marks the end of the year and serves as a sneak peek into the upcoming major storylines, and the latest installment is Timeslide #1. The collaboration between X-Men time travelers Cable and Bishop offers glimpses into 2026’s events, but one scene particularly sets the stage for what lies ahead.

In the realm of my movie-loving self, I ran into a fresh mutant named Bronze while catching up with Kitty Pryde’s training sessions in “Exceptional X-Men”. This newcomer presented Cable and Bishop with a chronicle of incidents that had already unfolded in her timeline, but were yet to happen in ours. The list was extensive, hinting at numerous plotlines destined to unfurl across multiple comics throughout 2025.

Strange of Asgard

After giving up the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme to Doctor Doom, Doctor Strange grapples with an identity crisis. Marvel enthusiasts have speculated about Stephen Strange’s future, but the comic book giant has announced that the mystical figure will embark on a new journey in a continuous series, titled “Doctor Strange of Asgard“. This fresh adventure is penned by writer Derek Landy and illustrated by Carlos Magno, with Doctor Strange striving to claim the title of Sorcerer Supreme within the enchanted realm of Asgard.

Intriguingly, our protagonist finds himself entangled in a lethal power struggle and enigmatic murder case, which propels him into confrontations with Loki, Thor, and other sorcerers residing in the Golden Realm. Marvel assures us that the series will unearth ancient secrets hidden within Asgardian folklore.

The Time of Strife

Initially, this prediction doesn’t seem very revealing, but fans might have found a clue in the first installment of Deadpool/Wolverine. The enigmatic villain that author Benjamin Percy had been hinting at returning to the X-Men roster was indeed Stryfe, Cable’s malevolent clone. Throughout the initial issue, Stryfe is seen manipulating Deadpool, and the comic subtly suggests that Stryfe has a role in the past of both Deadpool and Wolverine.

In the initial season of X-Men ’97, viewers were introduced to Cable’s background, a character who is actually the son of Cyclops and Madelyne Pryor (a clone of Jean Grey). Due to a techno-organic virus consuming his body, he was sent to the future for medical treatment. Following the overwhelming success of Deadpool & Wolverine, another exciting comic book series is upcoming, featuring these two X-Men characters joining forces against a time-traveling antagonist that fans won’t want to miss.

Beware the Spider-Verse

In the first episode of Timeslide, the title is only partially visible, but it’s likely a reference to the ongoing conflict between the Spider-Verse and the Venomverse. The Marvel multiverse has grown significantly in comics like Edge of Spider-Verse and Venomverse Reborn, and this expansion will continue with Web of Spider-Verse: New Blood and Web of Venomverse: Fresh Brains. All these stories culminate in the event series Spider-Verse vs. Venomverse.

In “Spider-Verse: New Recruits” and “Venomverse: Fresh Guardians,” we’ll see more Spider-like characters join the fray, as the fabric of the Web of Life and Destiny clashes with the Symbiote Collective consciousness.

The Ghost Fist Walks

In issue #1 of the Iron Fist 50th Anniversary Special, Danny Rand met his demise at the hands of Razor Fist and Ch’i-Lin, but hints of his resurrection were subtly suggested through a QR-coded bonus scene. With his limbs severed and life taken by the sword-wielding assassin possessed by the mystical entity, it was foretold that the Invincible Iron Fist would return from the dead.

It’s yet undetermined what form Danny Rand will assume after his revival. Could he embody a new Spirit of Retribution like Ghost Rider, or will he merely be known as the Ghost-Empowered Fist instead of Iron Fist?

Ms. Marvel – Second Genesis

In the world of X-Men comics, “Second Genesis” signifies Professor X’s second group of X-Men, which includes beloved characters such as Wolverine, Storm, Nightcrawler, and Colossus. For Ms. Marvel, this term presents an intriguing possibility at the moment, albeit one that remains a mystery. Could it be that similar to Cyclops, Ms. Marvel might take charge of a new X-Men team following the dissolution of another? Currently, Ms. Marvel is in the spotlight in the series NYX, but there’s speculation that a “Second Genesis” title may replace it.

It’s also plausible that Ms. Marvel undergoes a second transformation or change in her abilities. The ending of “Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant” hinted at shifts in her powers, as she didn’t develop her mutant abilities due to being exposed to the Inhuman Terrigen Mist. The event titled “Second Genesis” could potentially trigger the emergence of those latent mutant powers.

The Will of Doom

As the new year starts, Doctor Doom will rule over the Marvel Universe in “One World Under Doom.” However, what awaits Marvel enthusiasts in the second part of the year remains to be seen. This could potentially be revealed in “The Will of Doom.

Eventually, “One World Under Doom” must come to an end, and it’s unlikely that things will return to their pre-Doctor Doom Sorcerer Supreme state. With his intricate schemes, Doom is always prepared, so if Earth’s mightiest heroes manage to gain the advantage, he will undoubtedly carry out his plans. The “Will of Doom” may be the next chapter in Marvel’s Doctor Doom comeback story.

XVX

Previously, we’ve seen battles like “Avengers vs. X-Men” and “Inhumans vs. X-Men,” but now it seems there’s a new conflict brewing called “XVX“. Initially, one might assume that this is the plot of the X-Men event “Raid on Graymalkin”, but it could be just the beginning of an even larger internal conflict among the X-Men. It’s no secret that fights between heroes have proven to be financially successful, so it’s not surprising to see a hint at another confrontation on the horizon.

In March, we anticipate the arrival of “X-Manhunt.” This storyline sees Charles Xavier on the run, labeled as the world’s most dangerous mutant. Once more, the X-Men will be faced with a difficult decision: either aligning themselves with their former mentor, or standing against him due to his alleged crimes committed against mutant-kind at the end of the Krakoan era.

Galactic Leaders Assassinated

Among the enigmatic entries, one stands out concerning the assassination of galactic rulers. These leaders hail from various interstellar nations, such as Emperor Hulkling who governs over both the Kree and Skrull species collectively. Such killings could potentially spark turmoil throughout the galaxy. The cosmic aspect of the Marvel Universe is expanding steadily, and occurrences like this can only boost its prominence.

Marvel has hinted at a mysterious new venture by Jonathan Hickman titled “Imperial“. Given that “imperials” refer to rulers or leaders, it’s possible that this could be the project Hickman is currently engaged in. The phrase “Nature abhors a vacuum” suggests a cosmic assassination may be at play here. If these leaders were indeed targeted and killed, it would create a power void, which opportunists might seek to fill. The intrigue lies in determining who are the potential killers and who are the possible victims.

Ultimate Incursion

2024 was an exceptional year for comic book enthusiasts, and I must say that Marvel’s revamped Ultimate Universe stood out as one of the most captivating offerings. As we delve deeper into its second year, it seems that a significant event is brewing. The masterful duo of Jonathan Hickman and Bryan Hitch ignited the flames of the new Ultimate Universe with “Ultimate Invasion,” and now, we eagerly anticipate “Ultimate Incursion.

Hickman initially presented readers with the concept of “confrontations” prior to the 2015 event known as “Secret Wars“, where various universes clashed and ultimately self-destructed. The term “incursions” was also mentioned in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” within the context of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s ongoing Multiverse Saga. It is possible that “Ultimate Incursion” could serve as a crossover between the Ultimate Universe and the Earth-616 universe.

One World Under Doom

2025 focuses on the character of Doctor Doom, with Robert Downey Jr. taking on the role of Victor Von Doom in “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars”. Now, Doctor Doom holds the title of Sorcerer Supreme within the Marvel Universe, leading to the major publishing event of the year, titled “One World Under Doom”. This event will be accompanied by various tie-ins and limited series based on the storyline. Additionally, a “One World Under Doom” series is being released, featuring Marvel’s heroes reacting to Doctor Doom proclaiming himself Emperor Doom.

I reached out to author Ryan North from the series “One World Under Doom” to get the inside scoop on various aspects, like Doctor Doom’s initial attack, major showdowns ahead involving the Fantastic Four, and the specific character that Doom seeks counsel from.

2025-01-15 06:10