#brawn marvel

On the planet Sakaar, Hulk's son lies dead. He, among many other rulers, has been poisoned, especially during a crucial time in the galaxy. But what follows is a grand plot, partially orchestrated by two unknown entities playing a game, more at work than anyone can imagine...

I appreciated the intelligence of the players in this grand event. Sure, it breaks out into war almost immediately (because of course it would) but most actors are trying their best and acting on incomplete knowledge, with some even working hard to uncover the truth and figure out why the war starts in the first place. There's a sense of the weight of politics and momentum, that people at the top are almost helpless to stop the war because so many people around them are for it. And when there's the greater good to think about... well, just about anything can be justified.

I get the feeling the ending is going to be contentious. It's a bold move, and certainly a status-quo upsetter that's going to affect a lot of things if it isn't reset right away. Some sacrifices had to be made; and some truths have to be hidden. The fact that the ending is mostly bitter but with hopes for something bitter is a fascinating choice. I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays out in the future. But it is deliberately unsatisfying, and for all that I can see it's intentional, it's still going to be upsetting to some folks.

In addition, there were several one-shots which were released, which I will review them below according to this reading order. Actually not too much to get through, all things considered; for such a sprawling event to have a "measly" nine issues in total is surprising, but not unpleasant. [How much does it feel like setup in hindsight?]

Later-arrival spoilers ahead.

Imperial War: Black Panther

The Black Panther is on a ship in space. The ship is full of angry Skrulls; they want to kill him. It's also got two Hulks, one who is angrier and also wants to kill him. And he's being fired upon, so suffice to say that killing him is on everyone's mind right now.

Good issue. It shows T'Challa being clever more than being strong, and trying to figure out a ceasefire whilst also figuring out the cause of this war. There's nothing absolutely phenomenal, but it does feel like a part of this story that adds necessary context. I just wished it did more than setup.

Imperial War: Planet She Hulk

Jennifer Walters has been left in charge of Sakaar while Hulk is out in about. What's the worst that can happen? What's that? A murder, you say?

I appreciate that She-Hulk doesn't fundamentally change by being leader of a planet of warriors. It's way too easy to slot her into a Hulk role assuming she plays with the same kind of tropes, but what we actually get is something very different. She's having to adapt to warrior culture without compromising her values. It's also a play on the standard Hulk/She-Hulk dynamic, where Hulk is monstrous and shunned and She-Hulk is beloved and embraced. On Sakaar, it's the opposite, and while She-Hulk is in charge, you get the sense she might have to do some pretty terrible things to keep the peace. And that's the good shit I like.

Imperial War: Nova – Centurion

Every time I see a colon and an em dash in a title, I can't help but think of Warhammer: Endtimes - Vermintide, the first title I'm aware of to have both. Just something neat.

Richard Rider has connected to a Nova Worldmind, which may prove too much for for his human mind to bear. But just maybe, he can figure out who is behind this war, and how to stop it.

This comic is... interesting. The bulk of it concerns Richard and his deteriorating mental state, his guilt and remorse for his actions as Nova, and how he wears the helmet now that he's the only one. There are, of course, great reveals and revelations, as well as a little fighting, but most of it is about Richard himself. I'm not sure whether I would call it good or bad, but it does make me think; your like or dislike of this one-shot will depend almost entirely on whether or not that sounds interesting to you, or you like Nova as a character.

Imperial War: Exiles

Xandra Neramani, Majestrix of the Shi'ar Empire, has been deposed. A new ruler, a bastard and low-ranked empowered soldier, has taken her place, striven to be better than she was, and holds an ax over her head. It's up to Xandra's bodyguard and her parents to intervene and prevent further bloodshed.

It's fine. I think it would've benefited from a more conclusive ending; this is just setting up Jonathan Hickman's Exiles run, so it ends on an inconclusive victory for the bad guy, and introduces more bad guys for the Exiles to fight against. Unless something happens with the rest of the story, and you have no interest in Exiles at all, I think you can skip it.

Imperial War: Imperial Guardians

At the edge of civilized space, Gamora and Darkhawk are following a trail of breadcrumbs regarding the returned prophet Veranke amongst the Skrulls. Their investigation will draw them a little too close to the truth of the matter.

This event has a foregone conclusion if you know how Imperial plays out, which I don't think is bad necessarily, but does make for a kinda boring plot. The main characters don't really get much play here, and are more reactive than active in the plot.