Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Marvel is launching their version of DC’s Absolute Universe—and they may have learned the wrong lessons.
Marvel Comics unveiled the Midnight Universe, a darker, horror-driven line meant to reimagine their biggest characters—but based on what’s been revealed so far , the strategy raises serious questions. Instead of evolving their heroes, Marvel is turning them into monsters, leaning into body horror, shock value, and extreme reinventions. With Midnight X-Men, Midnight Spider-Man, and Midnight Fantastic Four, this isn’t subtle—this is a direct reaction to DC’s success, but one that feels fundamentally different in execution.
This video breaks down everything we know about the Midnight Universe, including the creative teams—Jonathan Hickman, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, and Benjamin Percy—and whether they’re the right fit for this type of initiative. It also examines the key difference between what DC is doing with Absolute and what Marvel is doing here, why tone alone isn’t enough, and why simply making heroes darker doesn’t automatically make them more compelling.
Big thanks to The 616 Comics — the #1 producer-retailer in the comic book industry. Use code THINKINGCRITICAL at checkout for 10% OFF their exclusive variant covers on their site or app: 🔗 the616comics.com
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Covered in this Video:• Marvel Midnight Universe explained (X-Men, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four)• Why this is Marvel’s response to DC’s Absolute Universe• Jonathan Hickman, PKJ, and Ben Percy’s roles in the new line• Midnight X-Men vampire war concept breakdown• Midnight Spider-Man body horror and Oscorp storyline• Midnight Fantastic Four cosmic horror comparison• Why Marvel’s approach differs from DC’s Absolute Universe• Cloaked Cover gimmick explained
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🔊 Automatic Dubbing Disclaimer
This video includes YouTube’s automatic dubbing feature for non-English speakers. Translations may contain minor errors and do not always reflect tone or expression. You can switch back to the original English track in the settings if needed.
Marvel is launching their version of DC’s Absolute Universe—and they may have learned the wrong lessons.
Marvel Comics unveiled the Midnight Universe, a darker, horror-driven line meant to reimagine their biggest characters—but based on what’s been revealed so far , the strategy raises serious questions. Instead of evolving their heroes, Marvel is turning them into monsters, leaning into body horror, shock value, and extreme reinventions. With Midnight X-Men, Midnight Spider-Man, and Midnight Fantastic Four, this isn’t subtle—this is a direct reaction to DC’s success, but one that feels fundamentally different in execution.
This video breaks down everything we know about the Midnight Universe, including the creative teams—Jonathan Hickman, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, and Benjamin Percy—and whether they’re the right fit for this type of initiative. It also examines the key difference between what DC is doing with Absolute and what Marvel is doing here, why tone alone isn’t enough, and why simply making heroes darker doesn’t automatically make them more compelling.
Big thanks to The 616 Comics — the #1 producer-retailer in the comic book industry. Use code THINKINGCRITICAL at checkout for 10% OFF their exclusive variant covers on their site or app: 🔗 the616comics.com
NEXT VIDEO:
🎥 Marvel Lost to DC Comics, What Happens Next
Watch here → youtu.be/5frqjNl0VlE
Back Thinking Critical on Channel Memberships
🔗 youtube.com/@Wes_From_TC/join
Support Thinking Critical on Patreon for Exclusive Content
🔗 patreon.com/thinkingcritical
🛒 Official Thinking Critical Merch
🔗 redbubble.com/people/T-Critical/shop?asc=u
Covered in this Video:• Marvel Midnight Universe explained (X-Men, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four)• Why this is Marvel’s response to DC’s Absolute Universe• Jonathan Hickman, PKJ, and Ben Percy’s roles in the new line• Midnight X-Men vampire war concept breakdown• Midnight Spider-Man body horror and Oscorp storyline• Midnight Fantastic Four cosmic horror comparison• Why Marvel’s approach differs from DC’s Absolute Universe• Cloaked Cover gimmick explained
Follow the Channel
📱 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thinking_critical
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thinkingcrit
📘 Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/1368359010382132
💬 Discord: discord.gg/uHM3Z68
🎮 Twitch: twitch.tv/thinking_critical_yt
Contact Wes
🐦 Twitter: twitter.com/Wes_from_TC
📧 Email: wesdigscomic@gmail.com
🔊 Automatic Dubbing Disclaimer
This video includes YouTube’s automatic dubbing feature for non-English speakers. Translations may contain minor errors and do not always reflect tone or expression. You can switch back to the original English track in the settings if needed.
