Jonathan Hickman and Iban Coello’s Imperial #2 is a true cosmic spectacle, quickly solidifying this miniseries as a love letter to grand, large-scale Marvel epics. Picking up right after the explosive first issue, Imperial #2 hurls readers headfirst into a full-blown galactic conflict, delivering on its promise of high-stakes action, intricate political maneuvering, and compelling character beats.
Hickman’s storytelling here is simply masterful. The mysterious assassinations of galactic leaders have ignited a galactic war, and this issue perfectly captures the sheer chaos of it all. What could easily devolve into a confusing jumble of warring factions and relentless battles is, instead, a tightly woven tapestry of escalating conflict. Hickman expertly shifts between massive space battles and intimate character moments, ensuring that the grand scale of the war never overshadows the personal stakes involved.
Seriously, Hickman just gets characters. T’Challa, in particular, stands out as an absolute force of nature, rallying his people against the remnants of the Intergalactic Council. He’s presented as arguably the most imposing Black Panther we’ve seen in a while, and lines like “Leniency comes after submission… not before” are pure Hickman gold, perfectly encapsulating his resolve.
Credit: Marvel
Iban Coello’s art, beautifully supported by Federico Blee’s vibrant colors, is nothing short of spectacular. Every panel practically bursts with dynamic energy and meticulous detail. From the awe-inspiring scope of fleets clashing in the vast emptiness of space to the brutal intensity of close-quarters combat (like a standout fight involving Black Panther and the Hulks!), the visuals are consistently incredible. The art team understands how to truly sell the scale of the conflict, making the explosions feel as impactful as the dramatic reveals. The visuals possess a vibrant, energetic quality that truly elevates the entire reading experience, rendering the action sprawling and epic, much like a grand space opera. It genuinely evokes those iconic “Star Wars” vibes, drawing you deeper into the cosmic struggle.
Beyond the jaw-dropping action, Imperial #2 truly excels in its character work. Despite the vast cast and rapid pace, Hickman gives each faction a distinct voice and purpose, ensuring that no one feels like a mere background player. Nova and Star-Lord’s investigation remains the series’ emotional compass, drawing them ever deeper into the heart of the conspiracy. Meanwhile, characters like Gladiator and Black Panther are given powerful moments to shine, showcasing their formidable leadership and combat prowess. The dialogue is consistently sharp, and the stakes feel incredibly real for everyone involved.
Credit: Marvel
The only drawback of this is its inherent busyness. There’s a lot happening simultaneously, with a ton of characters all vying for page time, each with their own motives, plans, and potential double-crosses. It might take a moment or two to fully track everyone’s actions as the issue progresses, demanding a bit more attention from the reader.
Ultimately, Imperial #2 is an unmissable entry in Marvel’s cosmic pantheon. It’s a thrilling, visually stunning, and intelligently crafted comic that delivers on all fronts. Hickman and Coello are firing on all cylinders, proving that epic space opera can be both grand in scale and deeply engaging on a character level. This is what a true Marvel event should feel like.
‘Imperial’ #2 Review: Hickman and Coello Deliver a Grand Galactic Epic
Imperial #2 is an unmissable entry in Marvel’s cosmic pantheon. It’s a thrilling, visually stunning, and intelligently crafted comic that delivers on all fronts. Hickman and Coello are firing on all cylinders, proving that epic space opera can be both grand in scale and deeply engaging on a character level. This is what a true Marvel event should feel like.
