Imperium Deluxe Edition

This is a sequel of sorts to the Harbinger series. Imperium isn't quite for the “new to Valiant” crowd, but there's nothing unfortunate about that because everything leading up to it is top notch. Although it can be read and understood inside the pages for the astute reader, it is in my opinion FAR, FAR, FAR more rewarding to know what's going on without having to look up or be confused by events that are happening. Therefore, this is a list of books I think you should read before you dip into this one, but is not completely necessary as I know of a few people that Imperium was their intro to the Valiant universe:1. Harbinger Wars Compendium (this includes the start of the Harbinger and Bloodshot series and the titular crossover)2. Harbinger Deluxe Vol. 2 (conclusion of the Harbinger series)3. Bloodshot Deluxe Vol. 2 (conclusion of the Bloodshot 2012 series)4. X-O Manowar Deluxe Vol. 1 (By Robert Venditti, beginning of the X-O 2012 series, not the Kindt 2017 series)5. Divinity Deluxe (really, only the first Divinity part adds to the intrigue in this story but the Divinity Trilogy is amazing anyway)For people who are new to Valiant, Toyo Harada has been one of the best antagonists in imho, comic book history. If you're familiar with X-Men, he's got abilities and vision on par of Professor X but with the ideals closer to Magneto. In his attempts to train and create a foundation of super-powered humans he's crossed the line of ethics and morality for the sake of his dream, a Utopia on earth.He's been slowly building corporations and his school while staying in the shadows, unknown to the outside world that he is a super-powered individual.The only problem is that he tried to recruit, by intimidation and deceit, a confused teen who's power rival Jean Grey. That teen gathers more like him, the Renegades, and vow to take Harada down while they are on the run from him. Now, if that sounds awesome to you (coming from a lifelong fan of X-men, it most definitely is) stop reading this right now and search for Harbinger Wars Compendium and work your way down the list I made, all those books are amazing. Just look at the reviews.Buy those. Love those. Then come back here...For fans, it picks up after the events in the Harbinger series, the Vine invasion and landing of Divinity. However, it now takes place from the perspective of our beloved anti-hero, Toyo Harada. This book picks up as he works to make his Utopia a reality, regardless of the damage the Renegades did. And it is done, wonderfully.From the first pages, we get a glimpse of what this Utopia can be and also Harada's struggles to make a paradise are threatening the entire world. We get introduced to new complex characters that are dealing with their own personal challenges, such as the first A.I. whose trying to find its own individuality, a member of the HARD Corps who wants out of PRS clutches, etc. The first four issues are dedicated to Harada building his team by introducing these amazing characters and how they will align themselves with Toyo.What ensues after are masterstrokes in storytelling. Including a really cool issue that stars Divinity realizing the characters full potential within the plot. It's hard to imagine that they're killing off the character with the Life and Death of Toyo Harada series. I hope it's just a clever name to the series because reading Imperium and the start of LaDOTH Valiant is going through another Renaissance in content after some of their Harbinger-related titles have been off these last couple years with a few exceptions. I really want Dysart to keep this story going.*Last pic will be different when bought here, I got a Dysart signed card with mine at a local comic shop.

Imperium by Joshua Dysart is the comic book medium at its best! Fully recommended 👍🏻