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Imperial (2025-) #1
JONATHAN HICKMAN, FEDERICO VICENTINI AND IBAN COELLO TAKE ON THE UNIVERSE! A sweeping Marvel cosmic event! Imperial is a story of intrigue, mysteries and war, which takes place against the backdrop of the formation of new galactic order in the Marvel Universe. Featuring HULKS, BLACK PANTHERS, NOVAS, GUARDIANS and COSMIC KINGS and QUEENS. It's the must-read book of the summer!
Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2025
27 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Hickman
1,205 books1,998 followersJonathan Hickman is an American comic book writer and artist. He is known for creating the Image Comics series The Nightly News, The Manhattan Projects and East of West, as well as working on Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four, FF, and S.H.I.E.L.D. titles. In 2012, Hickman ended his run on the Fantastic Four titles to write The Avengers and The New Avengers, as part the "Marvel NOW!" relaunch. In 2013, Hickman wrote a six-part miniseries, Infinity, plus Avengers tie-ins for Marvel Comics. In 2015, he wrote the crossover event Secret Wars. - Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 22, 2025
Man this was great!! Hickman has a nice story bubbling here. Loved the Hulk and his crew of She-Hulk and Brawn. There have been some murders of high ranking people out in the Galaxy. One of them being Hulk’s son, Hiro-Kala. Star-Lord’s dad, J’son has called a meeting to get to the bottom of these murders. They see where the evidence points to and it’s very intriguing. I feel like this is going to be one hell of a story and I’m excited for it. The story was flowing so well and this felt like I read more than one issue. Solid art as well.
June 4, 2025
Imperial is absolutely fucking AWESOME. I've been heavily invested in Marvel's cosmic storylines over the past few years, and this delivers. It gathers all the major players for a massive shootout where significant casualties occur. Now, titans like the Worldbreaker Hulk, Nova, Star-Lord, Hulking, and many more must uncover the truth behind the attack and the shooter's surprising origin. A 4.5 out of 5!
June 9, 2025
June 2025
1/4.
Pretty sweeping start to this Galactic whodunnit.
Everything is set up nicely...and I will come back for more.
1/4.
Pretty sweeping start to this Galactic whodunnit.
Everything is set up nicely...and I will come back for more.
June 9, 2025
The Imperial #1 by Jonathan Hickman is a dense, stylish introduction to what promises to be a layered political sci-fi story. It’s heavy on setup, light on action, and full of cryptic world-building—very much a classic Hickman slow-burn.
The intrigue is there, with hints of complex power dynamics and high-stakes maneuvering, but it’s more atmosphere than payoff at this point. You can feel the ambition in the structure, even if the plot hasn’t kicked into gear just yet.
Honestly, the standout for me was the cover—bold, dramatic, and full of promise. Too bad the actual scene never happened in the issue itself. Still, I’m curious to see where this goes. Solid groundwork, even if it left me wanting more momentum.
Here’s that cover:
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The intrigue is there, with hints of complex power dynamics and high-stakes maneuvering, but it’s more atmosphere than payoff at this point. You can feel the ambition in the structure, even if the plot hasn’t kicked into gear just yet.
Honestly, the standout for me was the cover—bold, dramatic, and full of promise. Too bad the actual scene never happened in the issue itself. Still, I’m curious to see where this goes. Solid groundwork, even if it left me wanting more momentum.
Here’s that cover:
[image error]
June 4, 2025
My first venture in to Cosmic Marvel and it absolutely ripped. What a great first part to the event, Hickman’s setup and exposition was a little heavy for my liking despite how sharp and well paced it all is, and the artwork was absolutely stunning. There’s a great mystery built up here and I can’t wait to read more.
June 4, 2025
This is my first time reading any of the Cosmic stuff but I love Hickman. He did not disappoint. This was so very well paced. It was a treat watching the pieces fall into place and the ending has me so excited for the next issue. The art was also quite nice.
June 12, 2025
What a start to this story! Really cool to see marvel on the galactic politics front. Something I always enjoy. I don’t want to give away too much. But I will say this was a fun read.
June 10, 2025
After I read this, I read the crossover series X-Manhunt to see if that had any of what I'd missed. Edited to add: Nothing direct as of Imperial #1.
Like, when was J'son of Spartax resurrected, because I'm pretty sure he was killed off. Same with and what was the bit about blue Kree? I didn't think that blue and pink Kree had problems with each other. Edited to correct: Apparently blue-skinned Kree are supposed to be the original sort, and pink-skinned Kree are now more numerous.
The first interactions between Peter Quill (Star-Lord) and Richard Rider (Nova the original) in this story were strange indeed. Peter is a wanted criminal, which has happened before. He says it was a misunderstanding. He's said that before, too, and sometimes it was a misunderstanding. But Rich says, "The thing is, sure, we know each other well enough, and we kind of get along...But last time I checked, you're a criminal --"
Peter was Rich's second in command during the first Annihilation "event." He'd already been in the Kyln (space jail) for killing thousands of people. They both battle the Phalanx during Annihilation: Conquest, and are directly working together towards the end of that, too. During Original Sin, Pete tells Gamora that he loves Rich. During Al Ewing's run on Guardians of the Galaxy (2020 or so?), Rich tells Gamora that he loved Pete, too. (Star-Lord was thought to be dead at the time.) Pete says it back to Rich later on in the series. That's so much more than "we kind of get along." And "we know each other well enough" is understating it considerably, too.
Peter got along well enough with his father J'son at the end of the 1970s Star-Lord run. But it's been all dysfunction from there on out. J'son is a murderer and a tyrant. Peter is a thief some of the time, and (see above) has killed other sentient beings. He's rebelled against his father more than once and had him deposed at least once. So when did they start getting along?
So Star-Lord has an extremely adversarial relationship with his father, and the original (Earthling) Nova, Rich, has loved him since around 2008 in real time, and for a couple of years at least in comic book time. Or, at least, that was the case until this particular comic.
Kl'rt looks like Paibok, but has the same sort of interactions with Emperor Hulkling that he's been established as having since Empyre or so. But where are Teddy's earrings? The characterizations of Teddy and Billy, and of the Super-Skrull, are consistent with previous takes on the characters.
There are mysteries great and small here. I look forward to seeing how the mysteries that are deliberate on the part of the creators work out.
Like, when was J'son of Spartax resurrected, because I'm pretty sure he was killed off. Same with and what was the bit about blue Kree? I didn't think that blue and pink Kree had problems with each other. Edited to correct: Apparently blue-skinned Kree are supposed to be the original sort, and pink-skinned Kree are now more numerous.
The first interactions between Peter Quill (Star-Lord) and Richard Rider (Nova the original) in this story were strange indeed. Peter is a wanted criminal, which has happened before. He says it was a misunderstanding. He's said that before, too, and sometimes it was a misunderstanding. But Rich says, "The thing is, sure, we know each other well enough, and we kind of get along...But last time I checked, you're a criminal --"
Peter was Rich's second in command during the first Annihilation "event." He'd already been in the Kyln (space jail) for killing thousands of people. They both battle the Phalanx during Annihilation: Conquest, and are directly working together towards the end of that, too. During Original Sin, Pete tells Gamora that he loves Rich. During Al Ewing's run on Guardians of the Galaxy (2020 or so?), Rich tells Gamora that he loved Pete, too. (Star-Lord was thought to be dead at the time.) Pete says it back to Rich later on in the series. That's so much more than "we kind of get along." And "we know each other well enough" is understating it considerably, too.
Peter got along well enough with his father J'son at the end of the 1970s Star-Lord run. But it's been all dysfunction from there on out. J'son is a murderer and a tyrant. Peter is a thief some of the time, and (see above) has killed other sentient beings. He's rebelled against his father more than once and had him deposed at least once. So when did they start getting along?
So Star-Lord has an extremely adversarial relationship with his father, and the original (Earthling) Nova, Rich, has loved him since around 2008 in real time, and for a couple of years at least in comic book time. Or, at least, that was the case until this particular comic.
Kl'rt looks like Paibok, but has the same sort of interactions with Emperor Hulkling that he's been established as having since Empyre or so. But where are Teddy's earrings? The characterizations of Teddy and Billy, and of the Super-Skrull, are consistent with previous takes on the characters.
There are mysteries great and small here. I look forward to seeing how the mysteries that are deliberate on the part of the creators work out.
July 22, 2025
Allá vamos con otra aparente gran narrativa por parte de Jonathan Hickman para el panorama actual Marvelita. Y ahora toca.... CONFLICTO INTER GALÁCTICO!!!!! Tras venir de otro evento que había aclarado la enemistad histórica entre los Kree y Skrulls coronando a un joven Vengador, Imperial trastoca todo este panorama cósmico con una serie de asesinatos de líderes y monarcas de diferentes sectores del cosmos... Entre los que se encuentran la familia real de Spartax o incluso Skaar, el hijo que concibió Hulk en el fiero candor de la saga Planet Hulk. Siendo este personaje y su familia y más allegados con quienes vamos internándonos en esta situación que parece orquestada a modo de siniestro "juego" de dos seres misterosos en la sombra (aunque quién no puede sospechar del personaje más ludópata del Universo Marvel).
¿Imperial será algo más derivado al "noir Marvelita" como fue Original Sin o una excusa de volver a agitar las aguas de toda la parcela cósmica de Marvel (algo que, por otro lado, Hickman ya se encargó en gran parte de su etapa Vengadora pre Secret Wars?). Este primer número solo sirve para frustrar con que esto pueda afectar a la run con el Increíble Hulk de Phillip Kennedy Johnson. Sí que también admito que estoy ciertamente perdido con el contexto actual espacial de Wakanda y quizás esta saga tenga todo el sentido por este lado.
¿Imperial será algo más derivado al "noir Marvelita" como fue Original Sin o una excusa de volver a agitar las aguas de toda la parcela cósmica de Marvel (algo que, por otro lado, Hickman ya se encargó en gran parte de su etapa Vengadora pre Secret Wars?). Este primer número solo sirve para frustrar con que esto pueda afectar a la run con el Increíble Hulk de Phillip Kennedy Johnson. Sí que también admito que estoy ciertamente perdido con el contexto actual espacial de Wakanda y quizás esta saga tenga todo el sentido por este lado.
June 12, 2025
Another exceptional bit of writing from Hickman. The art is pretty decent, too. This is a very intriguing start to what looks to be a thrilling mini-series and event from Marvel. Not sure how the Hulk's appearance fits into the continuity of his current series, but if Wolverine can appear in five titles a month at points during his continuity, the Hulk can be in two places at the same time. Recommended for fans of cosmic Marvel and readers who like Jonathan Hickman.
June 13, 2025
I dont feel it this is an entry level book/new reader friendly for characters. plot wise is fine.
for more well read marvel readers I don't think they would like the interpretation of some characters. particularly of Hulk.
aet is objectively good but subjectively I'm not a fan of how angular it is and maybe also the colouring. coello I believe didnthe opening part sbd I liked thay one more so than the othe artist.
for more well read marvel readers I don't think they would like the interpretation of some characters. particularly of Hulk.
aet is objectively good but subjectively I'm not a fan of how angular it is and maybe also the colouring. coello I believe didnthe opening part sbd I liked thay one more so than the othe artist.
June 18, 2025
Honestly don’t know what I just read
There is nothing more frustrating than picking up an issue number 1 of a series (that arguably counts as a jumping on point for a whole new suite of comics) and having absolutely no idea what is going on. I’m not the most fervent Marvel Zombies fan, but I think I am fairly well versed. I spent more time googling things than reading the comic.
There is nothing more frustrating than picking up an issue number 1 of a series (that arguably counts as a jumping on point for a whole new suite of comics) and having absolutely no idea what is going on. I’m not the most fervent Marvel Zombies fan, but I think I am fairly well versed. I spent more time googling things than reading the comic.
June 5, 2025
Intriguing! Exciting! I’m very glad Hickman is doing a new story in the 616, it hasn’t really been that long but it feels like forever. Great cast on this one, I’m sure it’ll get even better on that front with issue 2. Federico Vincentini and Iban Coello are superb on the art for this book, they’re so good that I can’t imagine it being drawn by anyone else.
June 7, 2025
Jonathan Hickman knows how to write some pretty good space opera and I love how Marvel's planetary empires (and spacey characters) are being brought into the picture. Galaxy spanning political intrigue with Marvel flair. I am absolutely looking forward to finding out what happens next (and hoping to seeing more of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard).
June 4, 2025
I came into this story knowing some of the hype and I wasn’t disappointed. Many heads of planets are dead and we have the Wakandans to blame. However, there is another player in this story and the mystery is just starting. Besides Nova is involved. Love the dude.
June 5, 2025
Always interested in a good mystery and this one does not disappoint. Hickman is giving plenty of red herrings here (or at least I assume so right now) and has laid the groundwork for a really interesting story. Could not be more excited for issue 2.
June 8, 2025
Just a book to get lost in ..
This issue was great, in a way to get away from life and just get lost in a great story. So many characters that I’m not used to to reading and written by Hickman .. just a treat.
This issue was great, in a way to get away from life and just get lost in a great story. So many characters that I’m not used to to reading and written by Hickman .. just a treat.
June 24, 2025
I don’t know if I just went in with low expectations because it involves characters I don’t typically gravitate toward, but my obsession is what I get for disrespecting Mr. Hickman like that.
I can’t explain why, but if you love DC’s Dark Knights of Steel, you’ll love this.
I can’t explain why, but if you love DC’s Dark Knights of Steel, you’ll love this.
June 5, 2025
Too bloated for a casual reader to enjoy. Gets more confusing and convoluted.
June 9, 2025
Man, I really enjoyed this. And this was only the first issue!? Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
June 14, 2025
Impeccable storytelling and start so far
July 6, 2025
Well shit... I picked this up because of the She-Hulk variant cover. I didn't expect to actually LIKE the comic. haha Dang it. Now I need to read all the issues as they come out..... *sighs* haha
July 15, 2025
only reading this for charles and lilandra but i'm LOVING ITTTTT
July 18, 2025
4.25
Good start.
Good start.
July 27, 2025
Idk maybe I’m in need of rereading this, didn’t really find this to be intriguing. But despite that it’s beautiful and definitely well crafted.
August 21, 2025
Incredibly strong start!
This was such a blast to read and I’m excited for the remaining issues. I love the intrigue and the art is out of this world.
This was such a blast to read and I’m excited for the remaining issues. I love the intrigue and the art is out of this world.
August 22, 2025
quite a lot info to get in but you know sht is about to go DOWN
June 22, 2025
Got through the first chapter and put it down, unfortunately the art really pulls me away from the story as it seems interesting. The character line up for being a cosmic setting isn't that interesting.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews