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Imperial #3 is an action-packed thrill ride that kicks the galactic conflict into high gear, proving once again why Jonathan Hickman is a master of cosmic-level storytelling. This issue is a feast for Marvel Cosmic fans, weaving together multiple plot threads and iconic characters into a rich, detailed tapestry of schemes and betrayals.

The issue opens with a literal bang as Star-Lord, Nova, and Black Panther (Shuri) crash-land in the Milano II. Artists Federico Vicentini and Iban Coello absolutely nail the chaos and destruction of the scene, with debris and splintered metal conveying the full impact of the crash. It’s a stunning sequence that immediately sets the tone. Our heroes are in a desperate situation: their Stargate is damaged, and they’re running on borrowed time.

Before they leave, Star-Lord makes a broadcast to the local populace, revealing that Wakanda was not behind the previous attacks. He’s embracing his new leadership role with confidence here, and it suits him well. Their next stop is Xandar, the former home of the Nova Corps, now in ruins. The destruction of this once-great beacon of hope and justice hits Nova hard, and his warning to Shuri that “all good things come to pass” hints at a major turn of events yet to come.

Marvel

The main event of this issue is the long-awaited reveal of the true mastermind behind the galactic chaos. Nova, now wearing the Xandarian Worldmind helmet: a one-way trip with a cost only the new “emperor” of Spartax can afford, gets the much-needed intel. The comic then cuts back one year to the “Fishbowl,” where the Grandmaster is seen with his “friend,” a character we haven’t seen since 2018’s Death of the Inhumans: Maximus the Mad of the Inhumans.

We learn that the two have made a wager: a cosmic game of “Sharrat,” a kind of alien chess. If the Grandmaster wins, he gets all the Inhuman genealogical data and the secrets of the Terrigen Mist. The galactic war we’ve seen so far? It’s all a part of their game, meticulously orchestrated to sow chaos and war across the universe.

The Grandmaster’s intricate plan is finally revealed in a grand summary. He sees the Shi’ar Empire’s thousand worlds as ripe for rebellion, sparking conflict by using Electron, the secret son of D’ken. For the Kree/Skrull conflict, he orchestrates the return of Veranke, resurrecting her to usurp the young king Hulkling and reclaim her place as emperor. Lastly, he sets his sights on Wakanda, using its immense Vibranium resources to fuel envy and war, understanding that all great wars are ultimately a battle for resources.

Marvel

The art in this issue is a beautiful, chaotic mess, packed with so much detail it can be overwhelming in the best way. The colors pop, particularly in the sequence where Nova dons the Worldmind helmet, with a striking golden glow that is both beautiful and ominous. Maximus and the Grandmaster have never looked better, with the latter’s sinister shadow look being a truly powerful visual. The creative team ate with that final “I win” panel, and you’ll know it when you see it: it’s incredibly cool and impactful.

The writing keeps the story grounded despite the cosmic scale. The interplay between Shuri, Star-Lord, and Nova is a highlight, blending serious stakes with moments of levity. It’s an interesting dynamic that keeps the story moving at a brisk pace. This issue culminates in a stunning betrayal and a surprising return, setting the stage for an even more intense confrontation. We also get a quick check-in with Hulkling and Wiccan, who are in a bind but seem to have found a glimmer of hope. 

Imperial #3 is a testament to the power of well-crafted cosmic storytelling. Hickman’s signature style of plotting is on full display, with schemes layered upon schemes and plot twist after plot twist. Every detail matters, and the result is a rich, rewarding experience for fans of the Marvel Cosmic universe.

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• X
• Reddit
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Imperial #3 is an action-packed thrill ride that kicks the galactic conflict into high gear, proving once again why Jonathan Hickman is a master of cosmic-level storytelling. This issue is a feast for Marvel Cosmic fans, weaving together multiple plot threads and iconic characters into a rich, detailed tapestry of schemes and betrayals.

The issue opens with a literal bang as Star-Lord, Nova, and Black Panther (Shuri) crash-land in the Milano II. Artists Federico Vicentini and Iban Coello absolutely nail the chaos and destruction of the scene, with debris and splintered metal conveying the full impact of the crash. It’s a stunning sequence that immediately sets the tone. Our heroes are in a desperate situation: their Stargate is damaged, and they’re running on borrowed time.

Before they leave, Star-Lord makes a broadcast to the local populace, revealing that Wakanda was not behind the previous attacks. He’s embracing his new leadership role with confidence here, and it suits him well. Their next stop is Xandar, the former home of the Nova Corps, now in ruins. The destruction of this once-great beacon of hope and justice hits Nova hard, and his warning to Shuri that “all good things come to pass” hints at a major turn of events yet to come.

Marvel

The main event of this issue is the long-awaited reveal of the true mastermind behind the galactic chaos. Nova, now wearing the Xandarian Worldmind helmet: a one-way trip with a cost only the new “emperor” of Spartax can afford, gets the much-needed intel. The comic then cuts back one year to the “Fishbowl,” where the Grandmaster is seen with his “friend,” a character we haven’t seen since 2018’s Death of the Inhumans: Maximus the Mad of the Inhumans.

We learn that the two have made a wager: a cosmic game of “Sharrat,” a kind of alien chess. If the Grandmaster wins, he gets all the Inhuman genealogical data and the secrets of the Terrigen Mist. The galactic war we’ve seen so far? It’s all a part of their game, meticulously orchestrated to sow chaos and war across the universe.

The Grandmaster’s intricate plan is finally revealed in a grand summary. He sees the Shi’ar Empire’s thousand worlds as ripe for rebellion, sparking conflict by using Electron, the secret son of D’ken. For the Kree/Skrull conflict, he orchestrates the return of Veranke, resurrecting her to usurp the young king Hulkling and reclaim her place as emperor. Lastly, he sets his sights on Wakanda, using its immense Vibranium resources to fuel envy and war, understanding that all great wars are ultimately a battle for resources.

Marvel

The art in this issue is a beautiful, chaotic mess, packed with so much detail it can be overwhelming in the best way. The colors pop, particularly in the sequence where Nova dons the Worldmind helmet, with a striking golden glow that is both beautiful and ominous. Maximus and the Grandmaster have never looked better, with the latter’s sinister shadow look being a truly powerful visual. The creative team ate with that final “I win” panel, and you’ll know it when you see it: it’s incredibly cool and impactful.

The writing keeps the story grounded despite the cosmic scale. The interplay between Shuri, Star-Lord, and Nova is a highlight, blending serious stakes with moments of levity. It’s an interesting dynamic that keeps the story moving at a brisk pace. This issue culminates in a stunning betrayal and a surprising return, setting the stage for an even more intense confrontation. We also get a quick check-in with Hulkling and Wiccan, who are in a bind but seem to have found a glimmer of hope. 

Imperial #3 is a testament to the power of well-crafted cosmic storytelling. Hickman’s signature style of plotting is on full display, with schemes layered upon schemes and plot twist after plot twist. Every detail matters, and the result is a rich, rewarding experience for fans of the Marvel Cosmic universe.