Round Robin Review: Imperium #3

Imperium returns this week with an issue focusing on Major Mech’s (Sunlight On Snow) origin, and the introduction of a new, deadly character! Get more information on the book, and be sure to check out our sneak peek.

Martin’s take

Since the first issue of Imperium I’ve been dying to learn more about Sunlight On Snow and Dysart delivers a very interesting narrative to look at not just his origin, but also his personality and character. Some of the story feels a little dry and esoteric, but that is due to it being told in Sunlight On Snow’s point of view, and not a failure on Dysart’s part – in fact, this story is quite beautiful, the Dysart’s ability to tell this story from three different perspectives is a testament to his skill as a writer. Imperium #3 is a terrific issue which further expands the foundation of what will certainly become a brutal and important series in the future.

Paul’s take

If you’ve been doubtful of the first two issues of Imperium, this issue should set you straight. If you still don’t like it, then you don’t like stories driven by character development. It’s probably good to know that about yourself. In this issue, we learn more about a new character (Sunlight on Snow) and get introduced to a character we knew was coming (Lord Vine 99). I also think that Doug Braithwaite’s art is perfect for this book thus far. The feel of his artwork lends itself to the wear that the constant tension and uncertainty of the events must be having on the characters. If you’ve liked Imperium thus far, it just keeps getting better. If you’re still not sure, just remember that this story is just beginning to be built. If this is just the base, think of how grand the whole structure will be!

Scott’s take

I previously mentioned that while Imperium #2 was a good issue, it didn’t work in the context of a serially-published story, especially being the second issue in a new series that has only vaguely defined a direction (i.e. the militant pursuit of Harada’s vision). The issue is about the same in terms of quality as #2, but it works much better, because Dysart is able to really find a balance between character introduction and development while still adding just enough hints of an ongoing plot. For instance, there’s a page where we get to shot of the Foundation Zone, and the characters discuss the hospital (which, if memory serves, was last mentioned in Harbinger: Omegas #3) and some of the sanctions being imposed on the Zone by other nations. It’s a very small, but important, scene that helps advance the main narrative.

Additionally, the book rotates perspective among three characters—the third being a new addition to Imperium while also setting up another subplot—enough to give the reader a sense of events happening. As strong as the first two issues were, this is absolutely stellar, and anyone who has stuck around this long won’t be dropping the book anytime soon.

Originally from ValiantCentral.com