Imperial had big shoes to fill given the storied history of Marvel’s cosmic side, and it mostly delivered with its first issue. The various political entities in space came together, and an assassination set things off into a full-scale war. The series is taking a step from World War I and asking it to hold its beer, as the second issue takes the war to Wakanda Prime. Shoot first, and ask questions later, I guess.
Imperial #2 opens similarly to the first issue, as two mysterious figures play a game and the pieces are all the various planetary nations. I have my guesses as to who they are, but the mystery is certainly one of the driving forces to get you to pick up each issue. Their talk revolves around manipulation, reminding us that the war raging outside their odd fishbowl is their doing.
The story then cuts to a Kree/Skrull ship with Ronan the Accuser ready to drop bombs on Wakanda Prime. A turn of the page reveals total chaos above the planet with ships getting blown up and lasers crisscrossing everywhere. The story picks up with Gladiator from there, who is calm and a strong leader. As far as space battles go, the creative team absolutely kills it, with cool-looking ships, people yelling “fire,” and even a ground attack that sparks a surprise of its own.
Steady… steady…
Credit: Marvel
There are more surprises from there as writer Jonathan Hickman keeps the characters on their toes. Black Panther pulls something off that’s wickedly cool, while Star-Lord smiles his way to some new truths. Given the various characters being forced to interact, with a wickedly well-choreographed fight between Black Panther and two Hulks, one can surmise this issue is about getting key characters grouped up for what is to come next. This issue is essentially the fog of war incarnate, with only a handful of characters truly being able to see by the end.
Outside of all the action, there’s a major reveal involving a key alien race that surely will upend the Marvel cosmic side of things. That’s exciting, since this series promised to kick-start this corner of Marvel that has lain mostly dormant for some time.
My biggest gripe with the last issue was the slow pace and lack of action, which is more than made up for here. The mysterious players who open and close the issue continue to feel like an unearned element that distracts from things, but surely we’ll get more info by the third and penultimate issue.
Imperial #2 brings the heat with large-scale battles, bold character moments, and a major reveal that repositions Marvel’s cosmic landscape. While its overarching mystery of the two game-players remains vague, the sheer scope and excitement of this issue solidify Imperial as a must-read event for fans of galactic Marvel mayhem.
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