Marvel's Must-Read Horror Saga Confirms Variant Covers For X-Men, Spider-Man Books

Marvel Comics has announced that the Midnight Universe will be given its own set of twisted variant covers.

Per an official notice from the publishing company, Marvel Comics confirmed that "Marvel’s new Midnight line is breaking all the rules. From Cloaked Covers to a dedicated same-day release, the line’s bold storytelling is matched by innovative publishing initiatives designed to spark excitement for comic shops and fans. Today, Marvel Comics proudly unveils new variant covers for the debut issues—MIDNIGHT SPIDER-MAN #1 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and ScieTronc, MIDNIGHT FANTASTIC FOUR #1 by Benjamin Percy and Kev Walker, and MIDNIGHT X-MEN #1 by Jonathan Hickman and Matteo Della Fonte—and announces all-new ONGOING VARIANT COVER PROGRAMS for the three titles."

With Marvel Comics preparing to take even more daring and horrifying risks as they plunge fan-favorite heroes into peril, the publishing titan has hinted at the series of frights that lie ahead. "While the stories found inside the Midnight series may be unpredictable, it’ll be easier than ever before for fans to pick out the cover of their choice. Starting with issue #1, each MIDNIGHT series will feature recurring themes across Covers labeled A-E. Bringing greater accessibility and consistency to the variant cover collecting experience, this new program allows readers to choose their favorites and ensure that their local comic shop knows exactly what they’ll want, every month, without question. Additional variant covers will also be available on issues outside of the ONGOING VARIANT COVER PROGRAMS."

The themes for A-E Covers are:

COVER A REGULAR

·The main series cover presented with the Cloaked Midnight trade dress.

COVER B MIDNIGHT BLOODBATH VARIANT

· Blood-soaked covers showcasing the terror the Midnight Universe.

COVER C MIDNIGHT SPECIAL VARIANT

· Spotlight covers showcasing Midnight reimaginings of Marvel Heroes new and old.

COVER D MIDNIGHT HORROR HOMAGE VARIANT

· Chilling covers inspired by iconic horror images.

COVER E MIDNIGHT GALLERY VARIANT

· Prestige painted covers of the haunting Midnight Universe.

What To Expect In Marvel Comics' Midnight Universe

Some have already deemed the Midnight Universe as Marvel Comics' answer to DC Comics' Absolute Universe, though both major publishing houses have spent their fair share of time exploring alternative angles while poking the horror genre. Marvel Comics is quick to stoke excitement around the Midnight Universe, saying, "In this new creator-driven line, some of Marvel’s most acclaimed modern talents are given free rein to take the world’s greatest heroes through chilling transformations. With boundaryless storytelling, shocking twists, and rich interconnected lore, the MIDNIGHT UNIVERSE is perfect for both new readers and longtime fans to enjoy."

There are already solicits readily available that tease the impending arrival of each Midnight Universe flagship issue, promising new horrors lurking on each page as Marvel Comics dives headfirst into some of its most bone-chilling stories yet. "In MIDNIGHT SPIDER-MAN #1 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and ScieTronc, Spider-Man discovers that with great power… comes something monstrous. In MIDNIGHT FANTASTIC FOUR #1 by Benjamin Percy and Kev Walker, a scientist’s curiosity accidentally unleashes ancient terrors upon the world while also transforming himself and three others in strange and horrifying ways. In MIDNIGHT X-MEN #1 by Jonathan Hickman and Matteo Della Fonte, the X-Men’s battle is no longer one of acceptance, but of survival…and blood."

All three Midnight #1 books will be released together on Oct. 7.