Philip Kennedy Johnson signs a multi-year exclusive contract with Marvel, starting January 2026. The acclaimed writer, known for major runs on The Hulk, Batman & Robin, and Superman, locks in with the studio as Marvel ramps up its next wave of stories.
Marvel announces the deal just ahead of this Wednesday’s release of Infernal Hulk, the next chapter in Johnson’s ongoing Hulk run.
“My friends at Marvel have been ideal collaborators, and I’m extremely honored and excited that they’ve asked me to play such a bigger role in the company,” Johnson says.
A New Era for The Hulk
Johnson says the timing feels right. “Now that our Incredible Hulk run is kicking off its second act with Infernal Hulk #1, and with the other mind-blowing projects we’re putting together for 2026 and 2027, it felt like the time to make Marvel my comics home for a while.”
Infernal Hulk follows Hulk’s brutal rematch with the Eldest, the first-born child of the Mother of Horrors. The Eldest finally activates a long-seeded plan, using the power of the Strongest There Is to spark a new Age of Monsters. The story threatens the future of the entire Marvel Universe and sets the stage for a war over its very soul.
“The Hulk story we’re building up to is the most ambitious thing I’ve written to date,” Johnson says. “The titles we’re planning for 2026 and 2027 are legitimate dream projects for me.”
Career Highlights Across Marvel and DC
Johnson enters his exclusive deal with an already wide-ranging portfolio. Since debuting in 2015, he has built acclaimed runs on The Incredible Hulk and DC’s Batman & Robin. His work also includes Superman, Action Comics, Alien, Green Lantern: War Journal, and Hellhunters.
He is writer and co-creator of DC Black Label’s The Fellspyre Chronicles, BOOM! Studios’ Crocodile Black, Last Sons of America, and Warlords of Appalachia. He has also worked with Archaia, IDW, Aftershock, Dynamite, and Scout Comics. Johnson currently teaches Creative Writing at The Joe Kubert School.
A Dual Career in Comics and Music
Born in Iowa and raised in Kentucky, Johnson holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Music from Eastern Kentucky University and the University of North Texas. He recently retired from the United States Army after more than twenty years of service.
Outside of writing, he remains active as a musician in the Washington, DC and Baltimore region. He has performed with The U.S. Army Field Band, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Moscow Ballet, the Dallas Opera, and Washington Symphonic Brass.
Transitioning from DC While Looking Ahead
Although Johnson becomes exclusive to Marvel in January, he will complete his current work at DC, including Batman & Robin and Adventures of Superman: Book of El.
“I’m as close as ever with all the awesome people at DC, and my current runs on Batman & Robin and Adventures of Superman: Book of El will continue through their planned conclusions next year,” he says.
He adds a message for fans of both publishers: “Comics are about making cool stuff with your friends, and I hope my DC fans check out what we’ve got coming at Marvel. I’m still getting better at this gig, and I cannot wait to show you what we’re building at Marvel right now.”
