Despite understanding it is merely a metaphor, many may not fully grasp the entire meaning of “don’t shoot the messenger” in its entirety. Of course when considering it alongside the phrase “the medium is the message”, it is understandable that the focus typically falls on the fate of the individual – or organization – rather than reacting to the news. So instead in Imperial #1, Marvel Comics – via interpreters including Jonathan Hickman – start the event set to usher in a new era for the countless races that exist far from Earth in almost silence. But even without Black Bolt, by the time the issue ends, every civilization in the galaxy will know one thing: war is come.
Imperial #1 (of 4)
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artists: Iban Coello; Federico Vincentini
Color Artist: Federico Blee
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
From the opening dialogue between two anonymous figures Imperial presents itself as a space opera. The dramatic prologue between the event’s “main” villains establishes their intentions – if not their identities – with the analogy of an alien chess-like game called Sharrat. Now admittedly this trope tends to get overused, even as recently as January’s Avengers #22. Actually, between that story and events like 2018’s Avengers: No Surrender, you have to wonder how many readers are already predicting The Grandmaster’s involvement in Imperial. So is this prologue simply a red herring? Meanwhile, by the final pages of Imperial #1 a game that features components of everything from clue to life and monopoly to risk will have unfolded. The first contestants are the family nobody wants to face in a feud.
Keeping with the analogy of a war game, the First Act of Imperial #1 introduces readers to the first of the many empires and nations set to appear during the event. This one is very recognizable due to the color of their banner – Green. Probably not the best time for a pun with the Hulk family in a state of bereavement. Yet, its noticeable how the early dialogue between Jen and Amadeus in Imperial #1 signals to readers that the publisher acknowledges more than one hero has a “uni”verse of supporting family members. Meanwhile, tracing the grief lines on Bruce’s face from artists Iban Colello and Federico Vinentini provides the litany of the relationship between the father and son.
Cry ‘Havoc’
Following revelations relating to the loss of Skaar – specifically the similarity to deaths of other intergalactic royalty – Hulk and Brawn depart Sakaar En Nevo. However, Act II serves as more than just a change of scenery as Fulcrum City offers the remainder of Imperial #1’s cast a chance to take the stage. First up is a man once known as a guardian of the galaxy. But with his sister Empress Victoria suffering an assassination attempt of her own, Peter’s father J’Son is acting emperor of Spartoi. J’Son’s motivations, including relegating Quill to the role of emissary, are questionable as the galaxy engages in the most nefarious game of all – diplomacy. Star Lord’s only role is locating someone capable of investigating arbitrarily – Nova. But with Nova known as both He Who Fled and He Stood with Us, which one does J’on want?
Another appearance in the final pages of Imperial #1 also raises a few questions. See, although they take place on the periphery of existing plots, Imperial and similar events inadvertently – or even intentionally – impact another ongoing series. An example is Professor Xavier’s recent escape from Graymalkin Prison. In fact X–ManHunt felt partially like a prequel to Imperial. However, Vicentini, Coello and color artist Federico Blee bring their A-game making it easy to pick out Xandra from the who’s-who of Marvel’s cosmic catalog that arrive to sign a treaty in Act Number 3. His daughter no longer in danger, is it possible Xavier is now orchestrating the events of Imperial? Or maybe the culprits the cosmic arms dealer/clone of the original Nathaniel Essex, Orbis Stellaris? In other continuity commentary certainly most fans will accept Hulk and Banner temporarily putting their current disagreement aside to deal with Skaar’s Death
Offering up equal parts who did it and king – or queen – of the hill, Imperial #1 unleashes more cosmic chaos than cohesiveness for the Marvel Universe. Even with a length of 54 pages, Imperial #1 never feels bloated or borders on the edges of boredom. The pacing of this spectacle from the stars is perfect from the start straight through as it proceeds to the issue’s cliffhanger. While delivering a speech to the divided and distrustful diverse assembly of empires, with Blee ensuring each is recognizable, J’Son easily could pass for Senator Palpatine from the mega space opera Star Wars. Likewise, the combination of conspiracy and senate committee elements may induce comparisons to The Phantom Menace. However, as Imperial #1 culminates in a catastrophic strike that likely will lead to more losers than winners the Marvel galaxy will need more than the force.
Good thing they have a few Hulks.
Score: 9.4