Phillip Kennedy Johnson, the writer behind Marvel’s Midnight Universe, shares why the series ultimately took a different direction than what readers anticipated.
In a TikTok video, Dwayne Johnson addressed fans who were upset that Marvel’s new Midnight Universe comic line will feature characters like Spider-Man and The Fantastic Four instead of its traditionally spooky heroes. He explained that the line wasn’t originally planned to center around characters like Blade or the Midnight Suns, and there was a good reason for that.
Marvel Comics’ Midnight Universe as Explained by Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson
We’ve received a lot of questions about the new Midnight Universe, and many people were surprised we aren’t including characters like Midnight Sons, Blade, Ghost Rider, and Werewolf by Night. That was a deliberate choice,” explained Johnson.
Johnson explained that the strong reaction to their recent announcement demonstrates the need for this new direction. He clarified that simply making a scary version of a well-known property like Blade isn’t truly innovative. Instead, their ‘Marvel Midnight Universe’ aims to reinvent iconic Marvel characters and stories with a mature, horror-focused approach. That’s why they’re starting with familiar faces like Spider-Man – they’re experimenting with something different.
What Is Marvel’s Midnight Universe?
Marvel teased the new ‘Midnight Universe’ line of comics in early May, and recently revealed the initial titles. The universe will launch with three books: Midnight Spider-Man by writer Johnson and artist Scie Tronc, Midnight X-Men by Jonathan Hickman and Matteo Della Fonte, and Midnight Fantastic Four by Benjamin Percy and Kev Walker.
These new comic series will present familiar characters in completely new ways. Marvel describes this initiative, called the Midnight Universe, as a way to draw in both longtime fans and new readers with a frightening and unpredictable world. The series are deeply connected through shared storytelling, allowing some of Marvel’s top modern writers and artists to completely reimagine these heroes with surprising twists and unsettling changes. This approach gives creators freedom to tell stories that will keep readers captivated with each issue.
Okay, so things are getting seriously wild in the Marvel Universe! Spider-Man’s about to go through another huge change, and it looks like this version of the Fantastic Four – they’re calling them the Midnight Universe crew – are planning to cause some real trouble. And honestly, it sounds like I might be getting involved too, though my reasons are a little… different. Let’s just say I’ve got a bit of a thirst for something more than just victory.
Man, I’m seriously hyped about writing Midnight X-Men – it’s honestly the most excited I’ve been about a project in years! The whole idea behind the series just clicks with the kinds of stories I love to tell. We’re building a really deep mythology, blending classic X-Men stuff with totally new concepts, so it feels both fresh and like something you’ve known forever.
Marvel’s Midnight Universe launches in August 2026.
Read More
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- Review: Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles (PS5) – Still the Benchmark for Turn-Based Tactics
- Mark Zuckerberg & Wife Priscilla Chan Make Surprise Debut at Met Gala
- The Boys Season 5 Officially Ends An Era For Jensen Ackles’ Soldier Boy
- Nippon Sangoku Is The Best New Post-Apocalyptic Anime of Spring 2026
- Elon Musk’s Mom Maye Musk Shares Her Parenting Philosophy
- 10 Greatest Manga Endings of All Time
- The Witcher 3 Officially Reveals Stunning New Ciri Figure Coming 2026
- The WONDERfools ending explained: What happened to the Child of Eternity?
- 7 Great Marvel Villains Who Are Currently Dead
2026-05-20 22:40