With Imperial #1, Jonathan Hickman returns to his cosmic sandbox—and if the first issue is any indication, he’s setting the stage for a Marvel space epic layered with political intrigue, godlike manipulation, and an ever-expanding cast of galactic heavyweights. It’s a slow burn and a cerebral one, but it feels like the calm before the universe-spanning storm.
Imperial #1 opens not with a bang but a whisper—two mysterious cosmic figures playing a game beneath alien waters, speaking cryptically about death, strategy, and power. It’s an abstract, enigmatic beginning that may confuse at first but perfectly sets the tone for what follows: a story that treats its narrative like a chess match where the gods are the players and Marvel’s heroes are the pieces.
Hickman drops us right into the aftermath of a cosmic tragedy—the death of Hiro-Kala, son of the Hulk. Bruce Banner, Amadeus Cho, and She-Hulk arrive on Sakaar En Nevo to mourn, but grief takes a backseat to suspicion as similar poisonings begin popping up on other planets. The mystery deepens when we learn that Hiro’s death wasn’t isolated—Star-Lord’s sister is suffering the same fate, suspended in stasis and clinging to life in Fulcrum City-Station, a galactic hub of politics and power plays.
This is where Imperial’s true strength lies: the web of galactic politics and looming conflict. The issue doesn’t shy away from throwing names, places, and factions at you—Hulkling’s leadership, a mysterious Wakandan envoy, Nova’s entrance—but the writing never feels bloated. Instead, it mirrors something like Game of Thrones: you may not yet know every player on the board, but you know the stakes are deadly, and every move counts.
That said, the heavy exposition and setup do come at a cost. The action, while present—such as Hulk smashing a mouthy alien or a brief burst of planetary conflict—feels secondary. The emotional stakes are slightly dulled by the fact that Hiro-Kala is a relatively minor character; his death lacks the visceral punch that would come from a more established loss. And while we as readers are told from the jump that godlike forces are pulling the strings, the main characters remain in the dark. This takes some tension out of the mystery—it’s not if there’s a puppet master, but when the heroes will realize it.
Visually, Imperial #1 is a triumph. The dual pencils of Iban Coello and Federico Vicentini create a seamless blend of dynamic energy and meticulous detail. Their collaboration doesn’t feel like a handoff, but rather a shared vision. Whether it’s a solemn funeral on a desolate planet or the gleaming sci-fi bustle of Fulcrum City, every panel is alive with movement and purpose.
Coello and Vicentini are clearly having fun designing the sprawling galaxy of alien races, cultures, and locations. From background creatures that will likely never speak a line of dialogue to ornate planetary architecture, the scale of the Marvel Universe feels massive, layered, and alive. It reminds readers that this is a cosmos not ruled by Earth’s heroes, but one where they are just one faction in a much larger struggle.
Federico Blee’s colors are essential in pulling all of this together. His palette shifts effortlessly to match mood and setting—somber greys and blues in funerary moments, vibrant neons and golds in cityscapes, fiery reds and oranges in conflict. There’s a distinct glow to many panels, giving the comic a heightened, almost cinematic quality that suits its grand ambition.
Imperial #1 is not an issue for the impatient. It’s a deeply ambitious, lore-heavy setup that sacrifices short-term thrills for long-term payoff. Hickman is clearly laying track for something massive, and while the gears are still turning into place, the sense of scope and intelligence behind it all is undeniable.
If you’re the kind of reader who enjoys seeing Marvel’s cosmic chessboard come to life—with all its warring factions, cryptic powers, and subtle betrayals—then Imperial is already paying dividends. If you’re looking for immediate fireworks, this might feel like a dense prologue, more about positioning the players than moving the plot.
But with its richly layered story, strong ensemble, and absolutely stunning artwork, Imperial #1 plants the seeds for what could be Hickman’s next definitive Marvel saga. The game has begun—and it’s going to be a hell of a match.
