Marvel bets on horror with Midnight Universe, a line of comics that transforms its heroes into dark versions. Jonathan Hickman leads the project with Midnight X-Men, where mutants become vampires and split into warring factions. The proposal seeks to explore violence and survival in a world without sunlight, moving away from the publisher's usual tone.
Technical development: how Hickman restructures the mutant tree 🧛
Hickman applies his system design approach to the vampire world. The mutant factions are organized into clans with specific abilities: telepathy for mind control, telekinesis for physical manipulation, and healing for regeneration. Each clan has internal rules and hierarchies that determine their behavior. The author uses relationship maps and flowcharts to show alliances and conflicts between groups, maintaining his analytical and detailed style.
Mutant vampires: the balanced diet nobody asked for 🩸
Finally, the X-Men have an excuse to skip the beach. Instead of dealing with human hatred, they now have to worry about not starving to death. The factions argue over whether to bite humans or other mutants, as if it were a vegan debate. The most curious thing: Wolverine still regenerates, so he could be the team's infinite buffet. At least, they no longer have to worry about the sun.