The Marvel Comics crossover event Imperial started with a death and led to war. It continued with more death, betrayal, and concluded with important changes to the universe.
She-Hulk is upset that she’s still on Sakaar (Hulk was supposed to return), the Skrulls and Shi’ar aren't in the Galactic Union, and the Inhumans got away with starting a war that killed innocent beings. Those are only three storylines from the final issue of Imperial. Coming up are all of the most important things that will affect Marvel Comics going forward.
Imperial No. 4 creative team
- Writer: Jonathan Hickman
- Artist: Iban Coello
- Colors: Federico Vicentini and Federico Blee
Reminder of Kl’rt’s power
Kl’rt (the first of the Super Skrulls) took on Hulk, T’Challa, and Black Bolt on his own. People forget that he’s that powerful and skilled. Yes, he has the abilities of the Fantastic Four. But having the powers and knowing how to use them are two separate things.
Going forward, we are going to see a Kl’rt that should be among the best villains, especially now that the Skrulls aren't part of the Intergalactic Union.
The Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda
Despite everything Shuri told T’Challa about the Inhumans starting this war, he was okay with the outcome. The Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda is stronger, and T’Challa is in charge. Shuri admits to Nova and Star-Lord that what happened was terrible, but she trusts her brother to do what’s right for their nation.
Now that he’s a ruler again, what’s next for King T’Challa? Would you be shocked if it were an attempt to become king of more than just the ruler of the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda? Shuri asked him what his plan was. He looked out into the vastness of space and said: “Take a look.”
Friends no more
After Shuri leaves her friends, Nova assumes that Peter will have his back. Richard knows that the Inhumans were behind this war and believes everyone needs to know. Sadly, Peter disagrees.
Peter says that deals were made and that the new Galactic Union is what his father would have wanted. When Peter says he will give Richard the money he’s owed and call him his friend, Nova blasts him and says, “Keep your damn money… And don’t ever call me ‘Friend’ again.”
Reestablishing the Inhumans
The Inhumans needed an upgrade in status more than any comic book team ever. They’re powerful, but have been used as a stepping stone for decades. Now, they’re the best they've ever been and one of the most important races in the universe.
Now that things are officially in place, Black Bolt exiles Maximus. Instead of saying he’d be back for revenge, Maximus said it’s the coldest thing his brother’s done, and that he’s never been more proud. He then walks away, saying that he will be needed again and will be there to assist his brother with all the love in his heart.
Star-Lord gets a promotion
The most important part of this series is Star-Lord becoming head of the Galactic Union. It’s not the first time Peter Quill’s had responsibility like this (he was the ruler of the planet Spartax in Brian Michael Bendis’ Guardians of the Galaxy). However, it's the first time he’s had to govern on a scale this grand. In fact, not many people in any comic book genre have had this kind of intergalactic power.
This is a bold move that should bear fruit. We’ll see how Star-Lord (a name that’s finally appropriate) adapts to assassination attempts, crucial decisions, and when Gamora and Darkhawk come looking for revenge against the Inhumans (Imperial War: Guardians). And, we can guess that at some point, Earth will be a topic that must be discussed. How will Peter react when the planets say that Earth should join the Galactic Union or be dealt with?
Was it worth it?
There hasn’t been a major focus on space in Marvel Comics, and it seems like Imperial was a crossover to change that. In the upcoming comic books, Exiles, Planet She-Hulk, Nova: Centurion, Imperial Guards, and Black Panther: Intergalactic, readers will learn who the Kree from an alternate reality is and what they have planned, who the “Vell” twins are, and what the Skrulls will do next. Without Imperial, it would have seemed weird for things to just happen.
Overall, this series gets a B+. It was an entertaining, informative, and amazingly illustrated crossover. It wasn’t House of M, Secret Wars, or anything like that, but it was better than average. And, as we just mentioned, the series sets up for more comics with a lot of potential. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow to see if that's true.
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