Impossible Man Is Taking Over Marvel Variant Covers This Summer (‘All-New Venom,’ ‘Immortal Thor,’ ‘Fantastic Four,’ ‘Uncanny X-Men’ & More)

Marvel Comics is rolling out a fresh celebration of the Fantastic Four this year, and a familiar green-and-purple trickster is stealing the show. Starting in May, the Impossible Man, a classic Fantastic Four foe, will feature in 10 special variant covers across various Marvel titles.

This spotlight on the Impossible Man ties into a big year for the Fantastic Four. Marvel Studios’ film The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25, while the comics are diving into One World Under Doom, a major event that began last month.

This storyline sets the stage for a new chapter in Fantastic Four (2025) #1, launching in July with writer Ryan North and artist Humberto Ramos at the helm.

The Impossible Man, first dreamed up by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, debuted in Fantastic Four #11 back in 1963. Hailing from the planet Poppup, this alien can change into anything he imagines—though his green-and-purple color scheme often gives him away. Known for his playful, attention-grabbing stunts, he’s been a thorn in the Fantastic Four’s side for decades.

Over time, he even whipped up a wife, the Impossible Woman, and a son named Adolf Impossible. Beyond comics, he’s popped up in animated shows like the 1978 and 1994 Fantastic Four series and Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes, plus toys and trading cards.

These covers come in two flavors: the Impossible! Variant Covers and the Impossible Man Pop-Up Variant Covers, each showcasing the alien’s wild antics in a unique way.

The Impossible! Variant Covers reimagine some of Marvel’s most famous artwork with a twist of chaos courtesy of the Impossible Man. Fans will spot nods to iconic issues like Uncanny X-Men #136, Amazing Spider-Man #300, and Invincible Iron Man #1, as well as memorable pieces like Wonder Man’s swimsuit pinup and Psylocke’s ‘90s X-Men trading card pose.

Meanwhile, the Impossible Man Pop-Up Variant Covers let the shape-shifting prankster burst into the main covers of select issues, living up to his Poppupian roots.

The variant covers kick off on May 7 with titles like All-New Venom #6, Psylocke #7, and West Coast Avengers #7. More releases follow on May 14 with Immortal Thor #23, May 21 with Iron Man #8, Incredible Hulk #25, Amazing Spider-Man #4, and Fantastic Four #32, and wrap up on May 28 with Uncanny X-Men #15 and Avengers #26.

Each cover features art from talents like Logan Lubera, Michele Bandini, Nic Klein, and David Marquez, among others.

Reflecting on his creation, Stan Lee once said in a 1970 interview, “This was the worst-selling Fantastic Four we’ve ever had,” blaming the character’s quirky look.

But the Impossible Man bounced back in 1976 with Fantastic Four #175, winning fans over after dropping by the Marvel Comics office in the story. “He became popular,” Lee later noted. The character stuck around until 1978 when Sue Richards, fed up, shooed him off—prompting him to buzz away as a bee.

The Impossible Man’s return feels like a fun nod to Marvel’s lighter side. He’s not a world-ending threat like Doom or Galactus, but his goofy charm brings a break from the heavy stakes dominating comics today. Pairing him with the Fantastic Four’s big year makes sense—they’ve always thrived on quirky family dynamics, and he fits right in.

What do you think of this alien trickster crashing the party? Share your thoughts in the comments below!