Marvel is gearing up for 2017's big summer event, Secret Empire. And with the announcement of the companion comic called Secret Empire: United, now we know exactly how the X-Men will factor into this massive crossover.

Secret Empire: United cover by Ryan Stegman. (Marvel Comics)

Emma's new look in IvX #6. Art by Leinil Yu. (Marvel Comics)

Secret Empire: United is a one-shot special that will pit the X-Men against Captain America and the forces of Hydra. The comic will be written by Jim Zub (Thunderbolts) and drawn by Ario Anindito (Venom: Space Knight), with Ryan Stegman (Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows) providing the cover art.United unfolds as Steve Rogers is attempting to solidify Hydra's grip on the world. He'll come into direct conflict with Emma Frost and her faction of X-Men as they attempt to spark a rebellion in New Tian, a mutant-controlled region of the United States."Secret Empire: United shows us both levels of Hydra’s orchestrated takeover; ground level conflict between ideologies and high level machinations by those in power,” said Zub in Marvel's press release. “It's a super-powered thriller with twisted Avengers, X-Men, and Hydra all jockeying for their place in the new world that emerges from Secret Empire."This announcement is especially interesting because it offers the first hint as to what role Emma will play in the X-Men franchise in the aftermath of the Inhumans vs. X-Men crossover. The final issue of Inhumans vs. X-Men suggested a return to Emma's villainous roots, but it looks as though she'll be leading her own rival X-Men faction instead. We reached out to Marvel for comment, but they could only confirm that Secret Empire: United #1 serves as the next chapter in Emma's story.Look for Secret Empire: United to hit stores on June 14.

Jesse is a mild-mannered writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter , or Kicksplode on MyIGN