Marvel used its San Diego Comic-Con 2026 "Next Big Thing" panel to outline a broad publishing plan for the year ahead. The biggest reveals included Hulk War, a fresh Venom relaunch, the debut of the Midnight line, Friendly Neighborhood Mary Jane, and the arrival of Stephen Wacker as incoming editor in chief.
One of the panel's headline announcements was Hulk War, which appears set to serve as the payoff to the Hulk's current Age of Monsters storyline. Based on the panel overview, Marvel is positioning the project as a major next step in that saga as it moves toward its endgame.
Marvel also previewed a new era for Venom, signaling another relaunch for one of its most recognizable characters. Alongside that, the publisher introduced the Midnight line, suggesting a distinct new banner in its 2026 lineup, while Friendly Neighborhood Mary Jane added another character-focused title to the slate.
Taken together, the SDCC 2026 announcements showed Marvel leaning on a mix of event storytelling, familiar franchise refreshes and new publishing initiatives. The panel also pointed to changes behind the scenes, with Stephen Wacker named as the incoming EIC as Marvel heads into its next phase.
