Saturday, March 16, 2013

Uncanny X-Periment # 159: War of Kings


Secret Invasion: War of Kings, X-Men: Kingbreaker # 1-4, War of Kings # 1-6

The Inhumans, fed up with being confronted by Skrull and Earth forces, head out into space to finally deal with deal with their enemies and embrace their destiny with the Kree.  They wipe out the retreating Skrull forces, then head to Hala, intercepting some Shi’ar ships on their way.  They arrive on Hala and Ronan the Accuser hands over the empire to Black Bolt and they all arrange a marriage of power between Ronan and Crystal.

Meanwhile, Marvel Girl, Korvus and Lilandria finally locate the Starjammers.  They go to rescue the Starjammers just as they themselves break free.  A battle ensues, of course, during which Deathbird is gravely injured and Phoenix Force leaves both Korvus and Rachel.  The Starjammers flee and head to Kree space.  The Inhumans allow them to take refuge on Hala – however, the Imperial Guard strikes Hala during the wedding, injuring Ronan and taking Lilandria back to Shi’ar space.  Open war breaks out between the Kree and Shi’ar.

Vulcan is talked out of killing Lilandria by Gladiator and Admiral Ka’Ardum, as she would serve a martyr for those that still supported her.  Vulcan stays his hand and focuses on both the expansion of the empire and the war.  Soon after, the Starjammers and the Guardians of the Galaxy rescue Lilandria.  Gladiator eventually turns his back on the throne and pledges himself to her.  With Vulcan on the frontlines, Lilandria, the Starjammers, and Gladiator return to the Shi’ar homeworld to reclaim the throne.

However, her arrival is met with a riot between supporters for her and Vulcan.  Akkari and the Death Commandos arrive and the conflict grows.  Darkhawk, one of the last members of a warrior clan that was created to serve the empire and now backs Vulcan, manages to kill Lilandria.  Riots overtake the homeworld.  Gladiator is soon seen as the true source of power on the planet and the Shi’ar declare him emperor.

Meanwhile the Inhumans create the ultimate weapon – a sonic-powered version of the Terragin Mists.  It would give all the Shi’ar powers and make them equals, thus making the war moot.  Vulcan learns of this and intercepts Black Bolt and the weapon.  Black Bolt manages to defeat Vulcan just as Crystal and Lockjaw arrive.  Crystal, angry that the weapon is being used this way instead of helping the evolutionary-impared Kree, comes to Black Bolt’s rescue.  Unfortunately, just as they are teleporting away, Vulcan returns and attacks Black Bolt.   The weapon overloads and the power inside rips a hole in time and space, called the Rift – and it also takes out most of the Shi’ar military.  The Inhumans and Kree declare a very costly victory . . .

This was epic.  Having taken an interest in recent cosmic events, this was one was perhaps the best.  It actually has caused major change in the Marvel Universe, (hopefully) forever altering the political and geographic landscape of the cosmic world. 

Lilandria’s death was very brutal and I’m very disappointed to see a lack of follow-up.  But at the same time, it was nice to have things wrapping up in space.  Vulcan’s dead; Polaris, Havok, and Marvel Girl are headed back home; and the Shi’ar Empire is a mess.  Again. 

It definitely left me wanting more.

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