Imperial, Marvel’s big cosmic event, has reached its conclusion. This is going to one of the more important comics to set-up the future of the Marvel Universe heading into 2026. Imperial #4 will set the tone for the direction of all the big cosmic characters that will have an impact on where many other titles like Avengers and X-Men could go. Find out how it all ends with our review for Imperial #4.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Iban Coello and Federico Vicentini
Colorist: Federico Blee
Letterer: Cory Petit
IMPERIAL #4 SOLICITATION
“Part FOUR of a four-part Marvel cosmic event! WAR!” – Marvel Comics
HIGHLIGHTS OF IMPERIAL #4
Cosmic Chaos Shapes the Marvel Universe’s Future
As was the case for this entire event Imperial #4 closed things out in chaotic form. The battles showcased by artists Iban Coello and Federico Vicentini had a lot going on. From the Black Panther, Black Bolt, and Hulk vs Super-Skrull fight to galaxy spanning space battles, this had everything you could want from a cosmic epic. When the dust settled from this cosmic chaos we got a situation that is chaotic status quo. Because while J’son of Spartax’s vision, as stated by Star-Lord, before his death of a galactic alliance was formed it does not mean things will be calm. There are now many storylines created by the decisions the heroes and villains make that can have a large impact on the Marvel Universe in 2026.
Inhumans Reclaim Their Throne Room
No doubt, the biggest beneficiary of Imperial was the secret instigators of this event: the Inhumans. It has been no secret that Marvel has tried many times to elevate the Inhumans to be closer on the level of the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and X-Men. After many attempts and failures they were finally able to do just that thanks to Imperial. The Inhumans have now been set-up to be major players. Best for them is that they are in a spot where they can either be the protagonists or antagonists. As long as Black Bolt and his inner circle can maintain this portrayal they got of operating in their best interest it can lead to many intriguing storylines.
Super Skrulls Get Back Their Aura
Other than the Inhumans the Skrulls were the other beneficiaries of Imperial. After years of being a non-factor under Hulkling’s leadership, we are reminded of how powerful the Super-Skrulls are. Seeing a Super-Skrull fighting Black Panther, Black Bolt, and Hulk was exactly what they needed. That summarized how being forced to be the main villains by the Inhumans ended up working out for them. They now have a fresh start by breaking away from the alliance with the Kree that Hulkling tried to maintain.
Nova Hung Out to Dry by Everyone
While the Inhumans where the big beneficiaries of Imperial, the one that got screwed over by this story was Nova. Richard Rider was already fighting for survival as one of the last remaining Nova Corps members. But then he had to sacrifice Worldmind in order to discover the Inhumans as the ones behind the events of Imperial. What was this sacrifice ultimately for? Well Star-Lord and other allies deciding to keep the Inhumans roles secret to maintain the peace with the new galactic council that the Inhumans are a part of. Without allies or the Worldmind, Nova has to go it alone in a universe that is being run by a council he hates.
Black Panther Sets New Future for Wakanda
Black Panther has been in a spot where Wakanda has been establishing itself as a galactic power while his adventures focus on Earth with the Avengers. Now it looks like he will be getting more directly involved in the other things Wakanda has going on. This change is what the character needs as we see when he is standing with Star-Lord, Nova, and others this is a refreshing spot to be in. Shuri adds to the dynamic as we see how T’Challa sees her as his closest confidant and equal as Black Panther. For both of them, it’ll be interesting to see how they use their experience on Earth to deal with galactic politics.
Star-Lord Steps Up in Unfamiliar Role
Marvel will be taking a break from the Guardians of the Galaxy as Imperial #4 establishes a new role for Star-Lord. That is of being the temporary Emperor of Spartax. Ruling an entire planet is not a status quo that comes to mind when thinking of Star-Lord’s character. And as we see with his willingness to break his friendship with Nova, there will be a lot of difficult decisions he’ll have to make. That decision made the ending visual with Star-Lord sitting on a throne alone, without the Guardians of the Galaxy, a more powerful character image.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK IN IMPERIAL #4
Hulk Family Underutilized
For as loud as Hulk was at the beginning of this event he and his family members were ultimately just the muscle. They didn’t add very much outside of their power. It is a shame because Hulk kicked things off by looking to avenge his son’s death. His role could’ve been easily filled by Drax or any other powerhouse character and it would not have been different. Hed added nothing to this event and it is a waste of his and Amadeus Cho to just walk away without doing much else.
Marvel Drops the Ball with Ex-Emperor Hulkling
Without saying it out loud Imperial #4 is an admittance that Marvel failed to do anything substantial with their direction for Hulkling. It actually says a lot that Hulkling and Wiccan’s only scene was to runaway through a portal randomly with America Chavez. Hulkling’s time as Emperor of the failed Kree-Skrull alliance will ultimately be summarized as one that hurt the credibility of both groups. We see that with how much more of a force both the Kree and Skrull were once he was left to survive on a floating rock with Wiccan for the majority of Imperial.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Imperial #4 does exactly what it needed to do to create an exciting future for Marvel’s cosmic corner of characters. The fights are as epic as you expect from a finale with a galaxy spanning final battle. It leads the fallout being even more impactful that creates an investment in most of the characters involved in this event.
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 7.5 Night Girls out of 10
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