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Imperial Guard (comics)
Encyclopedia
The Imperial Guard is a team of fictional super-powered alien warriors in the Marvel Comics
universe
. The Imperial Guard serves the rulers of the Shi'ar
Empire, both by enforcing Shi'ar Imperial law on all planets within the Shi'ar Galaxy and as the Emperor or Empress's personal guard. Appearing primarily in comics relating to Marvel's X-Men titles, the Imperial Guard has been both allies and opponents of the X-Men many times over the years.
The original incarnation of the Imperial Guard was created by writer Chris Claremont
and artist Dave Cockrum
, and first appeared in Uncanny X-Men
#107 (Vol. 1). Originally a homage to DC Comics
' Legion of Super-Heroes
, with its members all having similar costumes and powers to Legion members, the Imperial Guard has since come to include members who are not direct Legion counterparts.
' Legion of Super-Heroes
. The original members seen in Uncanny X-Men #107 were designed by artist Dave Cockrum, previously best known for his work on the LSH, and all had direct counterparts among the Legionnaires, with similar super-powers and costumes:
The Imperial Guard is headed by Gladiator, the analog to Superboy
(Gladiator's real name is Kallark; a combination of Superboy's names Kal-El and Clark Kent).
In X-Men #137, the Imperial Guard begins to move away from being strictly a Legion pastiche
, introducing characters with no Legionnaire counterparts. More Guardsmen corresponding to the LSH will not be introduced until the Avengers
crossover "Operation: Galactic Storm
" in the 1990s.
The real name of Kree Guardsman Commando [first appearance Imperial Guard #1 (1997)] is M-Nell; a nod to LSH
member Mon-El.
agree to a trial by combat, the X-Men versus the Imperial Guard, to decide the fate of Phoenix.
. He is thwarted by Captain America
, however Jones is later captured by Oracle and other Guardsmen intent on recovering Kree
artifacts to aid in constructing the Nega Bomb super-weapon.
New Imperial Guardsmen are introduced, Onslaught, Hardball, Solar Wind, Moondancer, Voyager and Glom. Unlike earlier Guard members, these characters have no LSH counterparts. This group fights Quasar and Her
, while Gladiator combats Thor, to distract them from stopping the Nega Bomb.
Of the newly introduced Guardsmen, Onslaught, Hardball and Glom have never appeared again.
recruits some of Earth’s most powerful heroes to stop them. The Imperial Guard, informed about a hijacked Shi'ar craft, later becomes involved. Learning that the Starblasters are working for The Stranger
, Guard members Solar Wind, Voyager and Moondancer, who were once captured and caged by the Stranger years before, request of Imperial Guard leader Gladiator that they be allowed to help Quasar's team against the Stranger.
Gladiator denies their request, but all three decide to help anyway, even though it means they will have to resign from active Guard duty. After helping Quasar, these three Guardsmen are never again seen serving the Shi'ar Imperial Guard, and their whereabouts are unknown.
The Guardsmen uncover a plot by a militant Kree faction to exact revenge for Earth's involvement in the Kree/Shi'ar war. The Guard ultimately proves triumphant, but not before the Kree's leader, the Supreme Intelligence
, is recreated. Soon after, the Guard foils an assassination attempt on Lilandra by the Kree Ronan
and his unwilling agents, the Inhuman Royal Family
.
, Warstar
, Neutron
and Webwing. They are placed on Earth which the Shi'ar, along with other alien races, has appointed as an interstellar prison. The four ex-Guardsmen help the entity 'Starhammer' attack the X-Men, particularly Jean Grey
.
Afterward, Warstar, Neutron and Hussar return to active duty with the Guard. The fate of Webwing is not made clear.
and Frank Quitely
's run on New X-Men
, Lilandra comes under the mental possession of Cassandra Nova
, the genetic twin of Charles Xavier who has usurped her brother's body. Lilandra is mentally coerced into dispatching the Guard to kill the X-Men, while Nova stays behind and ravages the Shi'ar empire.
After a pitched battle on the grounds of the X-Mansion
, the X-Men are able to convince the Guard of the true threat. This is bolstered by Smasher, who is sent to earth as a warning when Lilandra temporarily has a clear mind. The Guard rallies to defeat Nova but fall early on under her telepathic assault. The X-Men, with the unwilling recruitment of the shape-changing Shi'ar spy 'Stuff', defeat Nova.
During this storyline, the Guard is called the Shi'ar Superguardian Elite. It is unknown what, if any, distinction exists between the Guard and the Elite, although many old Guardsmen are shown as members of the Elite.
, Lilandra's forces gradually whittle away at Vulcan's forces, which are plagued by defections. The Shi'ar, contrary to Vulcan's expectations, are not happy to have an outsider as their ruler. Vulcan is discouraged by this, but Deathbird
convinces him that they will come to accept him.
Warned in advance of a rebel raid on Feather's Edge, Vulcan and his fleet ambush the Starjammers. However, in the middle of the battle, his ship, the Hammer, is destroyed by the Scy'ar Tal (translates as "Death to the Shi'ar"). Vulcan and Gladiator attack the leader of the Scy'ar Tal and are easily defeated, whereupon they retreat deeper into Shi'ar space.
Marvel Girl makes contact with the Eldest Scy'ar Tal and discovers their true origin. The Scy'ar Tal were originally called the M'Kraan. Early in their history, the Shi'ar attacked them, killed a great number of their people, making the rest flee for their lives. Eventually, the Shi'ar settled on their planet, took the M'Kraan Crystal
as their own, and passed down the legend of the M'Kraan Crystal as a sacred gift from their deities, Sharra & K'ythri. The M'Kraan then changed their named to Scy'ar Tal and devoted their culture and society to the destruction of the Shi'ar Empire. With their first attack, they destroyed Feather's Edge by transporting a star to obliterate it.
Vulcan leads the fight from a Shi'ar vessel, accompanied by his brother Havok and Gladiator, Titan, Starbolt, Mentor, Warstar and Earthquake, while Oracle shields their ship from Marvel Girl.
Gladiator assists Havok and Vulcan in fighting 'the Eldest', leader of the Scy'ar Tal and finally the three of them manage to win the battle.
Afterward, Vulcan orders the guard to attack the Starjammers. Plutonia, Oracle, Flashfire, Manta and Electron are among the guardsmen who fight the Starjammers. Finally they capture Raza
, Ch'od
, Havok and Polaris
. The remaining Starjammers and Lilandra escape.
, an Uncreated, the Pn'zo and a Hodinn. Vulcan then chooses a Strontian woman—the same race as Kallark aka Gladiator—to lead the team.
Meanwhile Gladiator was approached by Lilandra for information, Marvel Girl
read his mind while Lilandra tried to seduce Gladiator. as soon as the required information was gathered, both women escaped. However it was not made clear if Lilandra faked her affection or not.
The new Imperial Guard arrived on Clench Worlds, which was a temporary hiding place for the Starjammers. The Strontian targets Korvus and his Phoenix Blade, causing Rachel to fly off to help him. Meanwhile the Symbiote enters the Starjammer to attack Lilandra. Rachel attacks the Strontian and takes her away from Korvus. The Symbiote attempts to attach itself to Lilandra, but after finding out it is sensitive to electricity Lilandra breaks a cable and stabs it with it. Outside on the platform the Pz'no attacks Korvus with electricity but Korvus throws him away before the Uncreated attacks him. While Rachel battles the Strontian, the Hodinn finally makes an appearance and decides to burn it all, unlocking his armor and allowing his scorching body to send a huge heatwave that destroys the planet, but not before the Starjammers and the rest of the Guard escape.
Serving under Emperor Vulcan for the Imperial Guard of the Shi'ar empire, Gladiator led the assault against the Inhumans. As Crystal
of the Inhuman Royal Family was about to marry Ronan the Accuser in order to unite the Inhumans with the Kree, they were attacked by Gladiator and the guard. Gladiator took on Black Bolt
and was able to defeat him with some help from White Noise. The guard also captured Princess Lilandra who was with the Kree and Inhumans. Ronan also fell as he tried to help Crystal but was double teamed and taken out. Gladiator said that they have made their statement, and the Imperial Guard left. As they left, Medusa
shouted that the Shi'ar would pay for what they have done, with their blood.
After having captured Lilandra, Gladiator and the Imperial Guard faced off against the new batch of Nova Centurions whom they quickly defeated when his cousin, Xenith, showed up informing him that the Emperor ordered him to return to present Lilandra to him when she was to face him. Gladiator quickly left though clearly showing his dislike for his cousin and her presence. Gladiator shows more internal conflict and walks a fine line in doing his duty for the Emperor he personally dislikes while still protecting Lilandra from the Emperor's wrath. Later when the Starjammers accompanied by the a faction of the Guardians of the Galaxy attacked his ship to extract Lilandra he was taken out of the fight by Rocket Raccoon
aided by Marvel Girl until he saw through their trick. He quickly defeats the rest of their team and captures Lilandra before she can escape. She pleads with him again but another Imperial Guard interjects her plea and demands that Gladiator does as the Emperor ordered and kill Lilandra and the others.
After battling Lilandra's allies the Starjammers and the 616 universe's 21st century incarnation of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Gladiator is swayed by Lilandra's argument against Vulcan and kills a member of the Imperial Guard loyal to the Emperor.
Guardian of the Galaxy member Adam Warlock fights with Emperor Vulcan in Gardians of the Galaxy #15. Later some Imperial Guardsmen, including Magique
, are helping Vulcan out. Magique is ordered by Mentor to attack Adam Warlock and after a short but heavy fight Magique seemed to have lost the battle and Warlock escapes. However, not all was lost, Magique was able to put a 'witchmark' on Adam, without him knowing. Adam was followed by the Imperial Guard (via Magique's 'witchmark' on Adam). The Imperial Guards attack the Guardians of the Galaxy while Magique follows Adam Warlock, who somehow is able to transport the 'witchmark' back on her and therefore the Shi'ar soldiers shoot her instead of Adam Warlock.
At one point Lilandra is murdered by Talon and Blackbolt and Vulcan kill each other in a major blast. As a result of this Medusa became the new ruler of the Kree/Inhumans alliance and Gladiator was begged by the Shi'ar to become their new Majestor.
Gladiator, now Majestor of the Shi'ar sends out a squad of Imperial Guardsmen and Starjammers Ch'od and Raza to investigate the fault. This squad was formed with Oracle, Starbolt, Fang, Neutron, Flashfire, Plutonia, Manta and yet another new Smasher.
During this trip one of the longest serving guardmen, Starbolt was killed by creatures from The Fault.
To save their fellow guardsmen, Mentor and Plutonia offered themselves to serve the Fraternity of Raptors.
, the Imperial Guard make a brief appearance being attacked by the DC Comics villain Lobo.
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
universe
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is the shared fictional universe where most comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Entertainment take place, including those featuring Marvel's most familiar characters, such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and the Avengers.The Marvel Universe is further...
. The Imperial Guard serves the rulers of the Shi'ar
Shi'ar
The Shi'ar are a fictional species of aliens in the Marvel Comics universe. The Shi'ar Empire also called the Aerie, is a vast collection of alien species, cultures and worlds situated close to the Skrull and Kree Empires, and alongside them, is one of the three main alien empires...
Empire, both by enforcing Shi'ar Imperial law on all planets within the Shi'ar Galaxy and as the Emperor or Empress's personal guard. Appearing primarily in comics relating to Marvel's X-Men titles, the Imperial Guard has been both allies and opponents of the X-Men many times over the years.
The original incarnation of the Imperial Guard was created by writer Chris Claremont
Chris Claremont
Chris Claremont is an award-winning American comic book writer and novelist, known for his 17-year stint on Uncanny X-Men, far longer than any other writer, during which he is credited with developing strong female characters, and with introducing complex literary themes into superhero...
and artist Dave Cockrum
Dave Cockrum
David Emmett Cockrum was an American comic book artist known for his co-creation of the new X-Men characters Nightcrawler, Storm, and Colossus...
, and first appeared in Uncanny X-Men
Uncanny X-Men
Uncanny X-Men, first published as The X-Men, is the flagship Marvel Comics comic book series for the X-Men franchise. It is the mainstream continuity featuring the adventures of the eponymous group of mutant superheroes...
#107 (Vol. 1). Originally a homage to DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
' Legion of Super-Heroes
Legion of Super-Heroes
The Legion of Super-Heroes is a fictional superhero team in the 30th and 31st centuries of the . The team first appears in Adventure Comics #247 , and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino....
, with its members all having similar costumes and powers to Legion members, the Imperial Guard has since come to include members who are not direct Legion counterparts.
Resemblances to DC Comics' Legion of Super-Heroes
The Imperial Guard has many intentional resemblances to DC ComicsDC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
' Legion of Super-Heroes
Legion of Super-Heroes
The Legion of Super-Heroes is a fictional superhero team in the 30th and 31st centuries of the . The team first appears in Adventure Comics #247 , and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino....
. The original members seen in Uncanny X-Men #107 were designed by artist Dave Cockrum, previously best known for his work on the LSH, and all had direct counterparts among the Legionnaires, with similar super-powers and costumes:
- OracleOracle (Marvel Comics)Oracle is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Fictional character biography:Oracle is a long-time member and warrior serving in the Royal Elite of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard. She is the Empire's premiere telepath, capable of all the standard abilities demonstrated by other telepaths...
= Saturn GirlSaturn GirlSaturn Girl is a fictional character appearing in DC comic books. A talented telepath from the 30th century, Imra first appeared in Adventure Comics #247 as a founding member of the Legion of Super-Heroes... - ElectronElectron (comics)Electron is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.Electron is a warrior serving in the Royal Elite of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard. He is a Shi'ar with the ability to generate and control electromagnetism. He was born on Chandilar, the throne world of the Shi'ar Empire.-Fictional character...
= Cosmic BoyCosmic BoyCosmic Boy is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the 30th and 31st centuries of the DC Comics universe. He first appeared in Adventure Comics #247 . He is a founding member of the Legion of Super-Heroes, and was the original leader in all incarnations of the Legion... - Mentor = Brainiac 5Brainiac 5Brainiac 5 is a fictional character who exists in the 30th and 31st centuries of the DC Universe. He is a long standing member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Brainiac 5 is from the planet Colu...
- NightsideNightside (comics)Nightside is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Nightside first appeared in X-Men #107-109 , and was created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum....
= Shadow LassShadow LassShadow Lass is a fictional character, a comic book superheroine published by DC Comics. She first appeared in Adventure Comics vol. 1 #365 , and was created by Jim Shooter and Curt Swan.-Fictional character biography:... - SmasherSmasherSmasher is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Smasher first appeared in X-Men #107 , and was created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum....
= Ultra BoyUltra BoyUltra Boy is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in DC Comics. He is a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes in the 30th and 31st centuries of the DC Universe. Ultra Boy gained these powers when the space-speedster he was flying was swallowed by an ultra-energy beast , exposing him to... - TitanTitan (Imperial Guard)Titan is a fictional character that appears in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Titan first appeared in X-Men #107-109 , and was created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum....
= Colossal BoyGim AllonColossal Boy , also known as Leviathan and Micro Lad, is a fictional character in the 30th and 31st centuries of the DC Comics universe who has gone by a variety of superhero names over the past several decades, although originally Colossal Boy. He is a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. He... - AstraAstra (comics)-Astra :Astra is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. She first appeared in [Uncanny] X-Men #107 as a member of the Shi'ar Imperium's Imperial Guard and was created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum....
= Phantom GirlPhantom GirlPhantom Girl is a fictional comic book superhero who appears in books published by DC Comics. In the Post-Zero Hour continuity, she is known as Apparition, and is a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes in the 30th and 31st centuries... - ScintillaScintilla (comics)Scintilla is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:The character first appeared in X-Men #107-109 , and was created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum. She was not named on-panel initially....
= Shrinking Violet - Starbolt = Sun BoySun BoySun Boy is a fictional character, a superhero in the 30th and 31st centuries of the DC Comics universe. Sun Boy is a Legion of Super-Heroes member with the ability to unleash internal solar energy to whatever degree he wishes, from enough to light a single candle to enough to melt nearly any...
- HobgoblinHobgoblin (Imperial Guard)Hobgoblin is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Fictional character biography:Hobgoblin is a warrior, a long-time member of the Royal Elite of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard. He joined in the Imperial Guard's battle on behalf of Emperor D'Ken on a nameless Shi'ar Empire planet, and attacked...
= Chameleon Boy - Fang = Timber WolfTimber Wolf (comics)Timber Wolf is a fictional character, a superhero in the 30th and 31st centuries of the and member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. He comes from the planet Zoon . His powers are enhanced strength, speed and agility...
- Magic (later renamed MagiqueMagiqueMagique is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:The character first appeared in X-Men #107-109 , and was created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum. She was not named on-panel initially....
) = Princess ProjectraPrincess ProjectraThis page discusses the humanoid version of the character. For the post-Zero Hour/pre-Threeboot version, see Sensor.Princess Projectra is a fictional character, a superheroine in the DC Comics universe. She lives in the 30th and 31st centuries, and is a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes... - PulsarPulsar (comics)Pulsar is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe, a member of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard.-Publication history:The character first appeared as Impulse in X-Men #107 , and was created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum.The character subsequently appears in X-Men: Spotlight on Starjammers #2 ,...
= WildfireWildfire (comics)Wildfire is a fictional character, a DC Comics superhero in that universe's 30th and 31st centuries. Created by Cary Bates and Dave Cockrum, the character debuted in Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #195 .-Publication history:... - Tempest (later renamed FlashfireFlashfire (comics)Flashfire is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.Flashfire, also known as Tempest, is a long-time member of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard...
) = Lightning LadGarth RanzzLightning Lad , also known as Live Wire, is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the DC Comics universe. He has the superhuman ability to generate electricity, usually in the form of lightning bolts. He is a founding member of the Legion of Super-Heroes in the 30th and 31st centuries...
The Imperial Guard is headed by Gladiator, the analog to Superboy
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
(Gladiator's real name is Kallark; a combination of Superboy's names Kal-El and Clark Kent).
In X-Men #137, the Imperial Guard begins to move away from being strictly a Legion pastiche
Pastiche
A pastiche is a literary or other artistic genre or technique that is a "hodge-podge" or imitation. The word is also a linguistic term used to describe an early stage in the development of a pidgin language.-Hodge-podge:...
, introducing characters with no Legionnaire counterparts. More Guardsmen corresponding to the LSH will not be introduced until the Avengers
Avengers (comics)
The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers...
crossover "Operation: Galactic Storm
Operation: Galactic Storm
"Operation: Galactic Storm" was a 19-part comic book crossover storyline which ran through Marvel Comics' Avengers related titles - Avengers, Avengers West Coast, Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Wonder Man and Quasar - between March and May 1992.The storyline, which involves the Avengers...
" in the 1990s.
The real name of Kree Guardsman Commando [first appearance Imperial Guard #1 (1997)] is M-Nell; a nod to LSH
Legion of Super-Heroes
The Legion of Super-Heroes is a fictional superhero team in the 30th and 31st centuries of the . The team first appears in Adventure Comics #247 , and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino....
member Mon-El.
First and second appearances, Uncanny X-Men
In their first appearance, the Imperial Guard battles the X-Men at the command of then-Shi'ar Emperor D'Ken. They appear again toward the end of The Dark Phoenix Saga. Imperial Guard leader Gladiator and several members of the Guard fight the X-Men once more when new Shi'ar Empress Lilandra Neramani and Professor XProfessor X
Professor Charles Francis Xavier, also known as Professor X, is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero known as the leader and founder of the X-Men....
agree to a trial by combat, the X-Men versus the Imperial Guard, to decide the fate of Phoenix.
Operation Galactic Storm
The Imperial Guard plays an important role in the Kree-Shi'ar War, beginning with Warstar's attempt to kidnap Rick JonesRick Jones (comics)
Richard Milhouse "Rick" Jones is a fictional comic book character in the .-Publication history:Rick Jones first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1, as a sidekick to the Incredible Hulk...
. He is thwarted by Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
, however Jones is later captured by Oracle and other Guardsmen intent on recovering Kree
Kree
The Kree, also known as the Ruul, are a scientifically and technologically advanced militaristic alien race in the fictional Marvel Universe. They are native to the planet Hala in the Large Magellanic Cloud...
artifacts to aid in constructing the Nega Bomb super-weapon.
New Imperial Guardsmen are introduced, Onslaught, Hardball, Solar Wind, Moondancer, Voyager and Glom. Unlike earlier Guard members, these characters have no LSH counterparts. This group fights Quasar and Her
Kismet (Marvel Comics)
Kismet, also known as Paragon and Her is a fictional superheroine that has appeared in various comic book series published by Marvel Comics...
, while Gladiator combats Thor, to distract them from stopping the Nega Bomb.
Of the newly introduced Guardsmen, Onslaught, Hardball and Glom have never appeared again.
Starblast
When a group of aliens calling themselves Starblasters tries to push the moon away from Earth’s orbit, QuasarQuasar (comics)
Quasar is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the . He is one of Marvel's cosmic heroes, a character whose adventures frequently take him into outer space or other dimensions...
recruits some of Earth’s most powerful heroes to stop them. The Imperial Guard, informed about a hijacked Shi'ar craft, later becomes involved. Learning that the Starblasters are working for The Stranger
Stranger (comics)
The Stranger is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics.The Stranger first appeared in X-Men #11 , and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.-Fictional character biography:...
, Guard members Solar Wind, Voyager and Moondancer, who were once captured and caged by the Stranger years before, request of Imperial Guard leader Gladiator that they be allowed to help Quasar's team against the Stranger.
Gladiator denies their request, but all three decide to help anyway, even though it means they will have to resign from active Guard duty. After helping Quasar, these three Guardsmen are never again seen serving the Shi'ar Imperial Guard, and their whereabouts are unknown.
Imperial Guard limited series
During the time when many Earth heroes are believed dead after a battle with the psionic being Onslaught, Lilandra dispatches a cadre of eight Guardsmen to help protect Earth: Gladiator, former Kree soldier Commando, Earthquake, Electron, Flashfire, Mentor, Nightside and Oracle.The Guardsmen uncover a plot by a militant Kree faction to exact revenge for Earth's involvement in the Kree/Shi'ar war. The Guard ultimately proves triumphant, but not before the Kree's leader, the Supreme Intelligence
Supreme Intelligence
The Supreme Intelligence is a fictional organic computer featured in several Marvel Comics stories.-Fictional character biography:The Supreme Intelligence, also known by the honorific title Supremor, was created more than a million years ago on the planet Kree-Lar by the extraterrestrial race known...
, is recreated. Soon after, the Guard foils an assassination attempt on Lilandra by the Kree Ronan
Ronan the Accuser
Ronan the Accuser is a fictional character that has appeared in numerous comic book series published by Marvel Comics. A member of the alien race the Kree, he exists in Marvel's main shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe. Ronan first appeared in Fantastic Four #65 , and was created by Stan...
and his unwilling agents, the Inhuman Royal Family
Inhumans
The Inhumans are a fictional race of superhumans, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. This race appears in various comic book series published by Marvel Comics and exists in that company's shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe....
.
Maximum Security
Four members of the Imperial Guard go rogue: HussarHussar (comics)
Hussar is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Fictional character biography:Hussar is a warrior serving in the Royal Elite of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard...
, Warstar
Warstar
Warstar is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Fictional character biography:Warstar is a warrior serving in the Royal Elite of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard. Warstar is actually two symbiotically linked sentient mechanoids, a small one named B'nee who can generate electricity and a large one...
, Neutron
Neutron (Marvel Comics)
Neutron is a fictional character, an extraterrestrial superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:...
and Webwing. They are placed on Earth which the Shi'ar, along with other alien races, has appointed as an interstellar prison. The four ex-Guardsmen help the entity 'Starhammer' attack the X-Men, particularly Jean Grey
Jean Grey
Jean Grey-Summers is a fictional comic book superheroine appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. She has been known under the aliases Marvel Girl, Phoenix, and Dark Phoenix and is best known as one of five original members of the X-Men, for her relationship with Cyclops, and for her...
.
Afterward, Warstar, Neutron and Hussar return to active duty with the Guard. The fate of Webwing is not made clear.
Cassandra Nova
During Grant MorrisonGrant Morrison
Grant Morrison is a Scottish comic book writer, playwright and occultist. He is known for his nonlinear narratives and counter-cultural leanings, as well as his successful runs on titles like Animal Man, Doom Patrol, JLA, The Invisibles, New X-Men, Fantastic Four, All-Star Superman, and...
and Frank Quitely
Frank Quitely
Vincent Deighan, better known by the pen name Frank Quitely, is a Scottish comic book artist. He is best known for his frequent collaborations with Grant Morrison on titles such as New X-Men, We3, All-Star Superman, and Batman and Robin, as well as his work with Mark Millar on The...
's run on New X-Men
New X-Men
New X-Men was a superhero comic book series published by Marvel Comics within the X-Men franchise. After the end of Grant Morrison's run on X-Men , titled New X-Men, the title was used for a new series, New X-Men: Academy X, serving as a continuation of the second volume of New Mutants...
, Lilandra comes under the mental possession of Cassandra Nova
Cassandra Nova
Cassandra Nova is a fictional enemy of the X-Men in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely, Cassandra first appeared in New X-Men #114 . Cassandra is a "mummudrai," a parasitic life form born bodiless on the astral plane...
, the genetic twin of Charles Xavier who has usurped her brother's body. Lilandra is mentally coerced into dispatching the Guard to kill the X-Men, while Nova stays behind and ravages the Shi'ar empire.
After a pitched battle on the grounds of the X-Mansion
X-Mansion
In the fictional Marvel Comics universe, the X-Mansion is the common name for Professor Xavier's mansion. It is the base of operations and training site of the X-Men and the location of a school for mutant teenagers, the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning, formerly Xavier's School for Gifted...
, the X-Men are able to convince the Guard of the true threat. This is bolstered by Smasher, who is sent to earth as a warning when Lilandra temporarily has a clear mind. The Guard rallies to defeat Nova but fall early on under her telepathic assault. The X-Men, with the unwilling recruitment of the shape-changing Shi'ar spy 'Stuff', defeat Nova.
During this storyline, the Guard is called the Shi'ar Superguardian Elite. It is unknown what, if any, distinction exists between the Guard and the Elite, although many old Guardsmen are shown as members of the Elite.
The Rise and Fall of the Shi'ar Empire
The Imperial Guard suffers heavy casualties in battle with Vulcan. Smasher, Impulse, Neutron, Hobgoblin and Cosmo are all killed. Gladiator, Scintilla, Warstar, Manta, Earthquake, Mentor, Electron, Astra, Starbolt and Flashfire survive - as do Titan, Nightside and Oracle, though receiving severe injuries these three eventually recover. The status of the rest of the Imperial Guard is as yet unknown.Emperor Vulcan
The civil war between Vulcan's forces, including his own Imperial Guard, and those loyal the dethroned Lilandra rages on. Led by Havok and the StarjammersStarjammers
The Starjammers are a fictional team of space pirates from the pages of the X-Men comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Starjammers first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #107 and were created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum...
, Lilandra's forces gradually whittle away at Vulcan's forces, which are plagued by defections. The Shi'ar, contrary to Vulcan's expectations, are not happy to have an outsider as their ruler. Vulcan is discouraged by this, but Deathbird
Deathbird
Deathbird is a fictional character. She is a Marvel Comics supervillainess, an adversary of the X-Men. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Dave Cockrum, she first appeared in Ms. Marvel #9....
convinces him that they will come to accept him.
Warned in advance of a rebel raid on Feather's Edge, Vulcan and his fleet ambush the Starjammers. However, in the middle of the battle, his ship, the Hammer, is destroyed by the Scy'ar Tal (translates as "Death to the Shi'ar"). Vulcan and Gladiator attack the leader of the Scy'ar Tal and are easily defeated, whereupon they retreat deeper into Shi'ar space.
Marvel Girl makes contact with the Eldest Scy'ar Tal and discovers their true origin. The Scy'ar Tal were originally called the M'Kraan. Early in their history, the Shi'ar attacked them, killed a great number of their people, making the rest flee for their lives. Eventually, the Shi'ar settled on their planet, took the M'Kraan Crystal
M'Kraan Crystal
In the fictional Marvel Comics Universe, the M'Kraan Crystal is a gigantic crystalline artifact that lies at the nexus of all realities. The Crystal contains a negative galaxy, a source of near limitless power, which pulls and traps all matter inside. The Crystal plays a prominent role in several...
as their own, and passed down the legend of the M'Kraan Crystal as a sacred gift from their deities, Sharra & K'ythri. The M'Kraan then changed their named to Scy'ar Tal and devoted their culture and society to the destruction of the Shi'ar Empire. With their first attack, they destroyed Feather's Edge by transporting a star to obliterate it.
Vulcan leads the fight from a Shi'ar vessel, accompanied by his brother Havok and Gladiator, Titan, Starbolt, Mentor, Warstar and Earthquake, while Oracle shields their ship from Marvel Girl.
Gladiator assists Havok and Vulcan in fighting 'the Eldest', leader of the Scy'ar Tal and finally the three of them manage to win the battle.
Afterward, Vulcan orders the guard to attack the Starjammers. Plutonia, Oracle, Flashfire, Manta and Electron are among the guardsmen who fight the Starjammers. Finally they capture Raza
Raza Longknife
Raza Longknife is a character from Marvel Comics, usually seen in the X-Men series and various spin-offs. He is the last known surviving member of his unnamed alien race , and a member of the Starjammers.-Fictional character biography:While imprisoned on Alisbar,...
, Ch'od
Ch'od
Ch'od is a fictional character in Marvel Comics' shared universe, the Marvel Universe, usually seen in the X-Men series and various spin-offs. He first appeared in X-Men #104 .-Fictional character biography:...
, Havok and Polaris
Polaris (comics)
Polaris is a fictional comic book character appearing in books published by Marvel Comics, in particular the X-Men family of books. Created by Arnold Drake, Don Heck, Werner Roth and Jim Steranko, Polaris first appeared in The X-Men #49...
. The remaining Starjammers and Lilandra escape.
X-Men: Kingbreaker
Vulcan decides to expand the Shi'ar Empire. All Imperial Guard members are occupied in fulfilling his battle wishes somewhere around the borders of Shi'ar space. Some of the Death Commandos seem to been killed over time (off panel, but mentioned by Oracle). Oracle seems to be operating as Vulcan's adviser during this period in time. A new Imperial Guard has appeared in this mini-series, which consists of assassins who are being held prisoners by the Shi'ar. The new Imperial Guard consists of a SymbioteSymbiote (comics)
In the Marvel Comics universe, The Symbiote is a specific parasitic species of extraterrestrial organism...
, an Uncreated, the Pn'zo and a Hodinn. Vulcan then chooses a Strontian woman—the same race as Kallark aka Gladiator—to lead the team.
Meanwhile Gladiator was approached by Lilandra for information, Marvel Girl
Rachel Summers
Rachel Anne Summers is a fictional character, a comic book superheroine created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-writer John Byrne for Marvel Comics....
read his mind while Lilandra tried to seduce Gladiator. as soon as the required information was gathered, both women escaped. However it was not made clear if Lilandra faked her affection or not.
The new Imperial Guard arrived on Clench Worlds, which was a temporary hiding place for the Starjammers. The Strontian targets Korvus and his Phoenix Blade, causing Rachel to fly off to help him. Meanwhile the Symbiote enters the Starjammer to attack Lilandra. Rachel attacks the Strontian and takes her away from Korvus. The Symbiote attempts to attach itself to Lilandra, but after finding out it is sensitive to electricity Lilandra breaks a cable and stabs it with it. Outside on the platform the Pz'no attacks Korvus with electricity but Korvus throws him away before the Uncreated attacks him. While Rachel battles the Strontian, the Hodinn finally makes an appearance and decides to burn it all, unlocking his armor and allowing his scorching body to send a huge heatwave that destroys the planet, but not before the Starjammers and the rest of the Guard escape.
War of Kings
Vulcan then embarks on an ambitious plan to conquer the rest of the universeServing under Emperor Vulcan for the Imperial Guard of the Shi'ar empire, Gladiator led the assault against the Inhumans. As Crystal
Crystal (comics)
Crystal is a fictional character, a superhero in the . She is a member of the Inhumans and the younger sister of Medusa....
of the Inhuman Royal Family was about to marry Ronan the Accuser in order to unite the Inhumans with the Kree, they were attacked by Gladiator and the guard. Gladiator took on Black Bolt
Black Bolt
Black Bolt is a fictional character that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Fantastic Four #45 Black Bolt (Blackagar Boltagon) is a fictional character that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Fantastic Four #45 Black...
and was able to defeat him with some help from White Noise. The guard also captured Princess Lilandra who was with the Kree and Inhumans. Ronan also fell as he tried to help Crystal but was double teamed and taken out. Gladiator said that they have made their statement, and the Imperial Guard left. As they left, Medusa
Medusa (comics)
Medusa is a fictional superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:Medusa first appeared in Fantastic Four #36 , and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.-Fictional character biography:...
shouted that the Shi'ar would pay for what they have done, with their blood.
After having captured Lilandra, Gladiator and the Imperial Guard faced off against the new batch of Nova Centurions whom they quickly defeated when his cousin, Xenith, showed up informing him that the Emperor ordered him to return to present Lilandra to him when she was to face him. Gladiator quickly left though clearly showing his dislike for his cousin and her presence. Gladiator shows more internal conflict and walks a fine line in doing his duty for the Emperor he personally dislikes while still protecting Lilandra from the Emperor's wrath. Later when the Starjammers accompanied by the a faction of the Guardians of the Galaxy attacked his ship to extract Lilandra he was taken out of the fight by Rocket Raccoon
Rocket Raccoon
Rocket Raccoon is a fictional character, a superhero in the . He first appeared in Marvel Preview #7 . Rocket Raccoon is an intelligent, anthropomorphic raccoon.-Publication history:...
aided by Marvel Girl until he saw through their trick. He quickly defeats the rest of their team and captures Lilandra before she can escape. She pleads with him again but another Imperial Guard interjects her plea and demands that Gladiator does as the Emperor ordered and kill Lilandra and the others.
After battling Lilandra's allies the Starjammers and the 616 universe's 21st century incarnation of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Gladiator is swayed by Lilandra's argument against Vulcan and kills a member of the Imperial Guard loyal to the Emperor.
Guardian of the Galaxy member Adam Warlock fights with Emperor Vulcan in Gardians of the Galaxy #15. Later some Imperial Guardsmen, including Magique
Magique
Magique is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:The character first appeared in X-Men #107-109 , and was created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum. She was not named on-panel initially....
, are helping Vulcan out. Magique is ordered by Mentor to attack Adam Warlock and after a short but heavy fight Magique seemed to have lost the battle and Warlock escapes. However, not all was lost, Magique was able to put a 'witchmark' on Adam, without him knowing. Adam was followed by the Imperial Guard (via Magique's 'witchmark' on Adam). The Imperial Guards attack the Guardians of the Galaxy while Magique follows Adam Warlock, who somehow is able to transport the 'witchmark' back on her and therefore the Shi'ar soldiers shoot her instead of Adam Warlock.
At one point Lilandra is murdered by Talon and Blackbolt and Vulcan kill each other in a major blast. As a result of this Medusa became the new ruler of the Kree/Inhumans alliance and Gladiator was begged by the Shi'ar to become their new Majestor.
Realm of Kings
The 'War of Kings' ended due to Black Bolt's T-Bomb, killing both himself and the Shi'ar leader Vulcan. As a result of this blast, a giant time-space tear called 'the Fault' had been created.Gladiator, now Majestor of the Shi'ar sends out a squad of Imperial Guardsmen and Starjammers Ch'od and Raza to investigate the fault. This squad was formed with Oracle, Starbolt, Fang, Neutron, Flashfire, Plutonia, Manta and yet another new Smasher.
During this trip one of the longest serving guardmen, Starbolt was killed by creatures from The Fault.
To save their fellow guardsmen, Mentor and Plutonia offered themselves to serve the Fraternity of Raptors.
Collective list of titles
- Avengers vol. 1 #345
- Avengers West Coast #80-82
- Captain America vol. 1 #398
- Classic X-Men #14
- Excalibur vol. 1 #69-70
- Exiles #3-4, 87-88
- Imperial Guard #1-3
- Inhumans vol. 3 #3-4
- New X-Men vol. 1 #117, 122-126, 133
- Quasar #32-33, 54-56
- Rom Annual #4
- Starblast #1-4
- Starjammers #4
- Thor vol. 1 #445-446
- Uncanny X-Men #107-109, 136-137, 155, 157-158, 162, 275-277, 341, 467-468, 477, 480, 482-483
- War of Kings #1-#6
- What If? #55-56
- X-Men Spotlight on ... Starjammers #2
- X-Men: Emperor Vulcan # 1 - 5
JLA/Avengers
In the series JLA/AvengersJLA/Avengers
JLA/Avengers is a comic book limited series and crossover published in prestige format by DC Comics and Marvel Comics from September 2003 to May 2004. The series was written by Kurt Busiek, with art by George Pérez...
, the Imperial Guard make a brief appearance being attacked by the DC Comics villain Lobo.
Television
- The Imperial Guard appears in the 1990s X-MenX-Men (TV series)X-Men, also known as X-Men: The Animated Series, is an American animated television series which debuted on October 31, 1992, in the United States on the Fox Network as part of its Fox Kids Saturday morning lineup...
TV series. Present in the series are Gladiator, Starbolt, FlashfireFlashfire (comics)Flashfire is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.Flashfire, also known as Tempest, is a long-time member of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard...
, OracleOracle (Marvel Comics)Oracle is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Fictional character biography:Oracle is a long-time member and warrior serving in the Royal Elite of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard. She is the Empire's premiere telepath, capable of all the standard abilities demonstrated by other telepaths...
, SmasherSmasherSmasher is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Smasher first appeared in X-Men #107 , and was created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum....
, TitanTitan (Imperial Guard)Titan is a fictional character that appears in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Titan first appeared in X-Men #107-109 , and was created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum....
, HobgoblinHobgoblin (Imperial Guard)Hobgoblin is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Fictional character biography:Hobgoblin is a warrior, a long-time member of the Royal Elite of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard. He joined in the Imperial Guard's battle on behalf of Emperor D'Ken on a nameless Shi'ar Empire planet, and attacked...
, WarstarWarstarWarstar is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Fictional character biography:Warstar is a warrior serving in the Royal Elite of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard. Warstar is actually two symbiotically linked sentient mechanoids, a small one named B'nee who can generate electricity and a large one...
, EarthquakeEarthquake (comics)Earthquake is a fictional character in Marvel Comics.-Publication history:Earthquake first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #137 , and was created by Chris Claremont and John Byrne....
, HussarHussar (comics)Hussar is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Fictional character biography:Hussar is a warrior serving in the Royal Elite of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard...
, AstraAstra (comics)-Astra :Astra is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. She first appeared in [Uncanny] X-Men #107 as a member of the Shi'ar Imperium's Imperial Guard and was created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum....
, and MantaManta (comics)Manta is a fictional character in Marvel Comics.-Publication history:Manta first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #137 , and was created by Chris Claremont and John Byrne....
.
Video games
- Gladiator, Neutron, Hussar, Starbolt, and Warstar of the Imperial Guard appear in Marvel: Ultimate AllianceMarvel: Ultimate AllianceMarvel: Ultimate Alliance is an action role-playing game developed for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox and Xbox 360 by Raven Software and published by Activision. The game was simultaneously ported to the PlayStation Portable and Wii by Vicarious Visions, and to Microsoft Windows by Beenox...
as enemies. Apparently some of the guards turned traitor and helped DeathbirdDeathbirdDeathbird is a fictional character. She is a Marvel Comics supervillainess, an adversary of the X-Men. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Dave Cockrum, she first appeared in Ms. Marvel #9....
take the throne from her sister Lilandra. At the same time the player's team comes to obtain a shard of the M'Kraan Crystal, and defeat the traitorous guards, Shi'ar soldiers, and Deathbird.
Novels
- Certain members of the Imperial Guard appear in Watchers on the Walls by Christopher L. Bennett, those members being Smasher, Manta, Flashfire, Astra, Nightside, Magique, Blackthorn, N'rill'iree, and a brief appearance of Empress Lilandra.
External links
- Imperial Guard at Marvel.com
- Imperial Guard at Uncannyxmen.net
- Shi'ar Imperial Guard at Knightmare6.com
- Imperial Guard at Marvel Appendix