Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Imperial #1
Image Comics
Seagle, Do Santos, Mauer & Simpson
Imperial is a comic book about a regular guy that seems to have destiny call upon him to be a super hero. The book is something that there seems to be a lot of lately: a creator owned vision of super heroes set in a more real life setting. However, this comic has a small cast and provides a good glimpse into the characters and their lives, which helps to make the comic book more engaging and charming. I found a lot to like in this opening issue and I recommend checking this out.
Mark is a regular guy. Well, he's a regular nerd. He's got a comic collection, a toy collection and a very dry and witty personality. However, like a lot of nerds they some how end up punching above their weight when it comes to women. This basically sums up Mark. The main difference is that he's visited by a super hero and is told that his calling is coming. Mark isn't impressed because he's in the middle of a move and only days away from his wedding.
The comic and the ideas within it could really come out as corny and too snarky. However, the execution of this issue has tight dialogue between Mark and the super hero and Mark and his girlfriend. Mark's snark isn't over the top and doesn't crush the book with too much sarcasm. The comic book keeps the book grounded in reality and this allows Mark to be a character that readers might actually identity with.
As far as plot goes the book is thin. This issue is basically an introductory one and really doesn't offer up much in the way of what's to come. In some ways that helps to build the characters up from the ground but in other ways I feel like we will be waiting around for Mark to finally accept his destiny before the action starts.
The artwork is great. There is a soft touch to the book and it makes the comic not have any one tone for the story. It's not dark and dreary nor is too comical, turning the book into a satire. Instead the book's art plays the whole thing straight all the way through. Not too many muscles, not too many boobs and not much explosions. It feels like it reads and that is a rare fit.
Imperial is an interesting book. While you can find a ton of other books out there that provide super heroes as seen through a creator-owned set of eyes this one is slightly different. This comic has a charming lead character that feels like he's been plucked from your local comic book store. This is one to watch.
3.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
