The main Imperial series has taken a one month break between its penultimate and final issue. During this break we’ve had a series of one shots under the Imperial War name. Each one shot has focused on different aspects of the war and heroes who have been impacted by the event. The final Imperial War one-shot before Imperial #4 that we are getting is Imperial Guardians. This one-shot will be focusing on the Skrulls with Gamora, Captain Marvel, and Darkhawk taking part. Let’s see how things go here with Imperial War: Imperial Guardians.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writers: Dan Abnett and Jonathan Hickman
Artists: Cory Smith and Luca Maresca
Inker: Wayne Faucher
Colorist: Espen Grundetjern
Letterer: Cory Petit
IMPERIAL WAR: IMPERIAL GUARDIANS #1 SOLICITATION
“SPINNING STRAIGHT OUT OF THE PAGES OF IMPERIAL!
As the events of IMPERIAL explode in fatal fashion, the SUPER-SKRULL finds himself at the center of a seditious scheme with consequences that will be felt by the entire cosmos! But he’s not the only superpower looking for answers — an unlikely team is on the hunt to avert disaster before galactic order is lost for good!” – Marvel Comics
HIGHLIGHTS OF IMPERIAL WAR: IMPERIAL GUARDIANS #1
Opening the Door for Non-Guardians of the Galaxy Status Quo
With Gamora and Darkhawk leading this one-shot it further showcased what the future may be for the heroes. Specifically, how the Guardians of the Galaxy may not be the team of the future in the new Marvel cosmic status quo. As we have seen how the Inhumans have manipulated the Marvel Universe’s powers a new way of doing things will be needed by the cosmic-based heroes. Gamora and Darkhawk actions show the cosmic heroes have to be even more rebels as the cosmic empires are in a state of chaos.
Showing Captain Marvel’s Cosmic Potential
Captain Marvel presence in Imperial Guardians was a reminder that Marvel could do so much more with Carol Danvers. While her solo series has sent her to space in several story arcs, editorials still make sure to keep Captain Marvel in the Avengers bubble. Captain Marvel teaming up with Gamora and Darkhawk shows that bubble needs to be popped. With everything that has happened in Imperial the door is open for Captain Marvel to become an even more important hero. The time she was on screen in this one-shot shows that.
Rebuilding the Skrulls Credibility
The Skrulls being featured as the antagonists for Imperial Guardians did a lot to rebuild their credibility. Yes, Gamora, Darkhawk, and Captain Marvel do beat all the Skrulls that they fight. But what this one-shot really drives home was how badly they were manipulated by the Inhumans. There is a nuance added to the Skrulls that wasn’t there before. It helps to further set-up what their rejuvenated position as antagonists will be after Imperial ends.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK IN IMPERIAL WAR: IMPERIAL GUARDIANS #1
One-Shot Reminder that Timing is Everything
While an enjoyable one-shot ultimately this was just a filler story. That is because everything we’ve learned from the previous Imperial main series and side one-shots gave us more details. Imperial Guardians is just an additional story to what we’ve learned. This comic would’ve been more effective if it came out right after the second or third issue of Imperial. But coming out as the final Imperial War one-shot took away a lot of what this was supposed to add to the cosmic event.
Maximus Involvement Wasted
The bad timing of Imperial Guardians release schedule is exemplified by Maximus appearance. There is just no feeling to Maximus suddenly showing up at the end with Cosmic Ghost Rider. We’ve already gotten a lot of this build up for Maximus and the Inhumans in Imperial #3 and other one-shots at this point. It is a shame because Maximus appearance should be a big deal. This also goes to having this one-shot take place before the event happened robes the impact it was trying to have.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Imperial War: Imperial Guardians #1 was a solid but ultimately skippable one-shot. The story does well to show why Captain Marvel, Gamora, and Darkhawk are characters who can carry a comic book. Unfortunately, there is no tension to this story set before the events of Imperial. The timing chosen for this one-shot really held it back from reaching its full potential.
Story Rating: 6 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 6.5 Night Girls out of 10
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