NYCC 2026: Jonathan Hickman, Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Benjamin Percy Reveal the Horrors of Marvel’s Midnight Universe • AIPT

Midnight has arrived! The three writers of Midnight Universe came to New York Comic Con to discuss its mixture that looks like chocolate and peanut butter. Midnight X-Men Jonathan Hickman, Midnight Spider-Man Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Midnight Fantastic Four Benjamin Percy spoke of the threats and conflicts that wait in the darkness.

Read our ongoing midnight column here to find out more.

In a round-robin format, I spoke with all three for forty-five minutes in the Javits North interview room.

THE Midnight X-Men The interview with Jonathan Hickman was definitely a macro-focused discussion about the history of the X-Men. He discussed the characters in play, revealing that issues #5 and 6 will delve into the dynamic between Nightcrawler and William Stryker. Another character mentioned is Scott Summers, who will be the focus of the second issue. However, he noted that characters who are the center of attention usually don’t last long in the horror genre.

Pray for Scott Summers, X-Men fans!

Emma Frost designs recently revealed by RB Silva.
Credit: Marvel

The interview with Midnight Spider-MaWriter Phillip Kennedy Johnson highlighted Marvel’s horror bona fides. He explained how an artist like SawTronc and the “aesthetic” he brings to the project will radically change the story he writes. Another aspect that contributed to this vision of Spider-Man preying on monstrous and wealthy people was instances of abuse of power like the Epstein files.

A page shared by Johnson on Midnight Spider-Man’s social media.
Credit: Marvel

The interview with Midnight Fantastic Four Benjamin Percy went into detail about the “barnacles” and visible brain that torment Marvel’s First Family. He admitted that he never thought he would have the chance to write a cosmic title, which is why he chose Fantastic Four when given the chance. Based on the first problem alone, Percy takes full advantage of an opportunity he never thought he would have.

The cover of Midnight Fantastic Four #1.
Credit: Marvel

A notable common point between the three interviews was the timeliness of each title, Midnight Spider-Man from ripped-from-the-headlines nature to Hickman’s exploration of people’s “preconceptions” about mutants and vampires in a modern context. The writers don’t copy each other either, Benjamin Percy keeping the heart of the Fantastic Four and Phillip Kennedy Johnson leaving behind the humor of Peter Parker (undoubtedly the key to his heart).

At the end of the interviews, Marvel Comics was kind enough to give me Midnight Spider-Man #2, but sorry friends, no spoilers.

A sneak peek at Midnight Spider-Man #2…don’t mind if I do!

With three of the best comic book writers handling the Midnight Universe’s flagship titles, readers can’t help but be excited for the horrors that could come. All three Midnight Universe titles will release their second issue on November 18.