Writer: Ryan Cady
Art: Michele Bandini, Elisabetta D’Amico, Erick Arciniega, VC’s Cory Petit, Stephen Byrne, Karl Story, Laura Martin, and Chris Sprouse
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price:$4.99
Release Date: May 12th, 2021
When the young Hyperion’s astral crusade with the Shi’ar comes to a close, none of the youthful warriors are prepared to call it quits. So, a timely journey to the Negative Zone sounds like the perfect way to keep this friendship and team cooking! However, it appears as though something’s waiting for Hyperion, Gladiator and the rest of their team as terror and anguish strike them down worse than any nightmare possibly could. Let’s dive into HEROES REBORN: HYPERION AND THE IMPERIAL GUARD #1 by Ryan Cady to discover what this terrible fantasy could possibly be that would bring Hyperion and his team to their knees.
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CODA
Coda isn’t a commonly used term these days. In the current vernacular, we’ve merely said the big finale. And as you read HEROES REBORN: HYPERION AND THE IMPERIAL GUARD #1, readers will see that this issue is the culminating point in young Hyperion’s life. In this new reality, Hyperion was tasked with being a Terran Representative on the Imperial Guard during which time he cultivated some exceptionally strong relationships. However, HYPERION AND THE IMPERIAL GUARD were tasked with one last mission before he returned to Earth.
And, as many would assume, things don’t go according to plan. I just read this issue thinking about Roger Murtaugh from LETHAL WEAPON saying, “I got 8 days to my retirement, and I will NOT make a stupid mistake!” Now, this story certainly was quite the opposite of, “I’m getting too old for this $&@&!”. Yet, from Jump Street, readers will know exactly where this story is going.
STARJAMMERS
Cady uses this backup story to introduce another space mission happening around the same time with the Starjammers. Yet, readers will discover that this cast of characters melts together a variety of space teams and key MARVEL characters in a unique and interesting way. Now, as entertaining as the HYPERION AND THE IMPERIAL GUARD was, I found myself drawn more to the Starjammers backup.
The Starjammers team has characters from several teams, holding different titles, with unique power sets that caused this reviewer to want to know more. Plus, at the very end, it advertised for Starjammers #1 to hit stores in June 1992, which offered a creative spin that not only time stamps this team but also showcases the thought and time each HEROES REBORN title is putting into the process.
HEROES REBORN TO DATE
After reading HEROES REBORN #1, as well as HEROES REBORN: THE AMAZING SHUTTERBUG #1 and HEROES REBORN: HYPERION AND THE IMPERIAL GUARD #1, it’s clear to see that Jason Aaron and his creative staff on each book are tasked with giving fans an unmistakable and precise snapshot of everyone’s favorite MARVEL characters in this new world. We may not know how or why this new world was made. But, we are beginning to see our favorites in new, distinct, and extraordinary ways that we never have before.
Additionally, the HYPERION AND THE IMPERIAL GUARD portion of this comic helped to shed some light on the leader of the SQUADRON SUPREME and what makes him tick like never before. There are definitely characteristics of Hyperion in this HEROES REBORN world that I never would have expected from him, which includes THE AMAZING SHUTTERBUG issue this week as well.
ART
The entire art team on both stories was phenomenal. Movement and expression were easily discernible while the colors were vibrant and powerful. Each action sequence was strong, dynamic, and clean with an intensity that packed a punch. It’s the art team that made this issue of HEROES REBORN: HYPERION AND THE IMPERIAL GUARD #1 so engaging. The illustrations provided readers with great balance and rhythm that made this reviewer’s eyes practically dance across the page. I was extremely pleased all around the board with this creative team and hope to see them on other titles soon.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This event continues to surprise along with the tie-ins. Simply put HEROES REBORN: HYPERION AND THE IMPERIAL GUARD #1 is no different. As a MARVEL COMICS fan completely submerged in multiple titles, it’s fascinating to see the intricate nuisance and backstories of characters within the HEROES REBORN universe. So far, the biggest item of frustration is wanting more stories about both Hyperion and the Starjammers. I want to read Starjammers #1 and wish it was a real issue! Readers, I can’t begin to tell you the last time I liked an event down to the tie-ins… THE TIE-INS for Pete’s Peppers! I know it may be a hefty toll on your wallets, but I really enjoyed this tie-in as well and think you should give it a shot. What an excellent job by Cady and his team across the board. Have a great week, let me know what you think, and God Bless!