- Written by: Jonathan Hickman
- Art by: Iban Coello, Federico Vicenti
- Colors by: Federico Blee
- Letters by: VC’s Cory Petit, Ariana Maher
- Cover art by: Marco Checchetto, Marte Gracia
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: July 16, 2025
Imperial #2, by Marvel on 7/16/25, thrusts the Galactic Council into a full-blown war with Wakanda Prime after the assassination of J’Son of Spartax and several members of the Galactic Council.
First Impressions
Stepping into Imperial #2, my gut reaction was a mix of intense excitement and slight disorientation. The immediate plunge into the chaos of a galactic war is jarring, yet it perfectly captures the high stakes and rapid escalation promised by the previous issue.
Recap
In Imperial #1, writer Jonathan Hickman set the stage for an intergalactic political thriller. The story kicked off with Hulk discovering the murder of his son, Hiro-Kala, in New Sakaar. This wasn’t an isolated incident, as Hiro-Kala was the fourth leader poisoned in a similar fashion. Hulk and Amadeus Cho then headed to the Galactic Council’s Hub for answers, while Peter Quill was tasked by his father, J’Son, to find an unofficial investigator. It was revealed that the Kree/Skrull Empire had manufactured the poison as a business order. The issue concluded with a Wakandan sniper assassinating the Shi’ar representative who confirmed the order, leading Hulk to chase the masked assailant.
Plot Analysis
Imperial #2 opens with the Kree/Skrull Flagship in Wakandan Space, where Ronan the Accuser and another figure discuss their impending “judgment” upon Wakanda Prime. They are eager to attack but await a “secondary intelligence” to grant them permission, revealing a deeper, unseen orchestration behind the war. Simultaneously, on the K’Lyon, the Shi’ar Flagship above Wakanda Prime, Gladiator and Oracle are observing Wakanda’s powerful node-based planetary shield, which is operating at over one hundred percent efficiency. They acknowledge its strength, noting that even a concentrated attack might only temporarily breach it, not enough for a capital ship or a ground assault.
As the various cosmic powers prepare for conflict, three Kree strike frigates defy the blockade and push directly towards Wakanda Prime, aiming to break through the shield and initiate a direct assault. The Accusers are determined to shatter Wakanda’s defenses. Meanwhile, the Black Panther is located by an honor guard escorting someone with a heavy Vibranium signature to an Imperial Command and Control Center near the Royal Palace. This suggests T’Challa is likely moving to a key strategic location amidst the unfolding attack.
The tension escalates as Oracle suggests testing the shield, but Gladiator, cautious and strategic, insists they wait for the opportune moment. This patience pays off when Gladiator eventually gives the order to fire when the Accuser’s ships charge the plentary shield, unleashing the Imperial Superguardians, signaling the full-scale invasion of Wakanda Prime. The Black Panther is quickly targeted, prompting a frantic search for his location amidst the chaos of the battle. Black Panther is eventually caputred, but the capitve turns out to be Shuri, not T’Challa.
Aboard a ship in orbit of Wakanada Prime’s Vibranium moon, T’Challa gives the order to fire a massive weapon that knocks out all power to enemy ships, fiving the Wakandans an advantage. When it seems the battle is lost, the tables turn again, when Skrulls appear aboard all Council ships and stage an attack by taking advantage of the chaos. The issue concludes with the realization that the Skrulls are working with a traitor implementing a grand plan.
Detailed Review
Story
Jonathan Hickman continues to prove why he’s a master of cosmic-level storytelling. This issue flawlessly transitions from the political intrigue of the last to an all-out war. The pacing is relentless, with each page turn revealing another layer of the unfolding conflict. Hickman’s dialogue is sharp, efficiently conveying character motivations and strategic insights without bogging down the action. The decision to keep the “secondary intelligence” shrouded in mystery adds a tantalizing layer of intrigue, ensuring readers are hooked for the next issue.
Art
The collaborative artistry of Iban Coello and Federico Vicentini, with colors by Federico Blee, is nothing short of spectacular. The sheer scale of the galactic armada and the powerful Wakandan defenses are rendered with breathtaking detail, making every panel feel epic. The character designs are distinct and expressive, particularly in moments of high tension, capturing the raw emotion of battle. Blee’s coloring, while vibrant, perfectly complements the varied environments, from the cold vacuum of space to the shielded glow of Wakanda, creating a visually immersive experience.
Characters
While the focus is heavily on the sprawling conflict, key characters like Gladiator and Ronan are given moments that highlight their tactical prowess and unwavering resolve. Black Panther’s elusive presence, being a target yet seemingly always a step ahead, reinforces his strategic brilliance. Even brief appearances and mentions serve to remind readers of the vast cast involved, each playing their part in this grand cosmic drama.
Positives
Imperial #2 is a powerhouse follow-up that solidifies this series as a must-read for any Marvel cosmic fan. The storytelling is incredibly tight, propelling the narrative forward with a sense of urgency and high stakes that few comics manage to maintain. The artistic collaboration delivers stunning visuals, making the galactic war feel immense and impactful, truly capturing the epic scope of the conflict. The integration of political maneuvering with visceral action is seamless, creating a rich and engaging experience that rewards close attention. It’s a masterclass in escalating tension and expanding a complex narrative without losing its grip on the reader.
Negatives
Despite its strengths, the issue’s rapid pace and dense exposition might leave some newer readers feeling a bit lost, as it doesn’t slow down to re-explain intricate galactic politics established in prior issues. While the art is generally stunning, some panels, particularly in the larger action sequences, can feel a touch too chaotic, making it occasionally difficult to discern specific details amidst the explosions and energy blasts. The focus on the grand conflict also means that individual character development takes a backseat, with many key players, such as the Hulks, serving more as chess pieces in a larger game rather than fully explored personalities.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
Follow @ComicalOpinions on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Final Thoughts
Imperial #2 is a stellar continuation of a burgeoning cosmic epic, delivering a thrilling and visually magnificent chapter in the escalating war. Jonathan Hickman’s strategic narrative coupled with the dynamic art of Coello, Vicentini, and Blee creates an immersive and impactful reading experience. While it doesn’t hold your hand, it rewards those who dive headfirst into its high-stakes galactic drama.
8.5/10
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