Toyo Harada might be one of the most complex and socially relevant characters in the comic book medium today. Morally gray, simultaneously selfish and selfless, and politically influential, Harada malleable enough for writer Joshua Dysart to shape into a figure that can be the focus of stories seemingly ripped from recent headlines. Read Full Review

Imperium #9 is a great start to getting us back on track with Harada not only working towards his perfect future, but sending a message to those who are against it. Read Full Review

Imperium #9 continues in a line of books that show us a group of people looking to change the world, some with the best of intentions, but in the worst ways possible. Dysart continues to write compelling, multi-faceted characters that are charming and interesting to read … even if they do some pretty vile things in order to get results. The overall plot for the storyline is setting up well and the pacing was perfect. Besides the darkness in the shading here and there, the book is absolutely stunning. The panels are dynamic and jump off the page. The art will glue you to the book and the writing will make you an addict for it. Read Full Review

In these uncertain times, its important to know who your friends are. Thats the commercial slogan of a certain dubious entity in Imperium. It also speaks to the delicate position of several characters in the story, possibly foreshadowing upcoming events. Imperium #9 is a master chess game and should be on your must-read list. Read Full Review

The titular Vine aliens are still in the background, planning to kill Harada and liberate his captured Vine commando LV-99. That is a conflict that I'm interested in. As this issue meandered a bit"well, maybe not meandered, but focused on something else"I was more interested in The Vine's plan. I suppose there's time for that; this was only the first issue! Read Full Review