The Imperial Guard first appeared in The X-Men #107 in October 1977, during the heart of the original Phoenix Saga. They were co-created by the legendary creative team of writer Chris Claremont and artist Dave Cockrum. Their creation was a direct and deliberate homage to DC Comics' Legion of Super-Heroes, a team of teenage heroes from the future that Cockrum had famously drawn before moving to Marvel. This inspiration is not subtle; many of the original Imperial Guard members were direct analogues of Legionnaires in terms of powers, design, and even names. For instance:
This “inside joke” between creators became a foundational element of the team's identity. Over the years, while the team has evolved and developed its own unique history within the Shi'ar Empire, its roots as a loving tribute to a rival publisher's iconic team remain a key piece of its creative DNA. They were introduced to instantly establish a sense of scale and power—a team that could believably go toe-to-toe with the Phoenix-empowered X-Men and raise the stakes of the cosmic narrative to an unprecedented level.
The in-universe origins of the Imperial Guard are deeply tied to the history and expansionist policies of the Shi'ar Empire. The Guard is not a single species but a diverse legion comprised of the most powerful and skilled individuals drawn from the countless worlds and races under Shi'ar dominion. Membership is considered one of the highest honors a citizen of the Empire can achieve. The selection process is brutally rigorous. Candidates, known as aspirants, are subjected to intense physical and psychological trials. Only those who demonstrate supreme power, unwavering loyalty to the Shi'ar throne, and the ability to function within a rigid military hierarchy are inducted. This process ensures that every member is a living weapon, perfectly honed to serve the Majestor or Majestrix. Their loyalty is absolute, often superseding personal morality or previous allegiances. They follow the orders of the throne without question, whether it is to protect an innocent world or to carry out a summary execution. The Guard is led by a Praetor, a title held for centuries by the Strontian known as Kallark, or Gladiator. His immense power, which is fueled by his own confidence, makes him a suitable figurehead and field commander. The team is headquartered on the Shi'ar throneworld of Chandilar, but they operate throughout the galaxy from a fleet of starships, most notably the massive vessel known as the Starjammer (a name later ironically adopted by their enemies). The roster of the Imperial Guard is vast and ever-changing, with a core group of veterans supplemented by reserves and new recruits. This massive pool of super-beings allows the Guard to tailor its response to any given threat, from small diplomatic missions to full-scale galactic war. Their first recorded encounter with heroes from Earth was when they were dispatched by the mad Emperor D'Ken to stop the X-Men and the Starjammers from interfering with his plan to harness the power of the M'Kraan Crystal. This confrontation set the stage for their long and often adversarial relationship with the mutants of Earth.
As of the current phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Imperial Guard does not exist. The shiar_empire itself has not been formally introduced, though oblique references to cosmic empires and alien species are common. However, the acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney, which brought the cinematic rights for the x-men and their associated characters back to Marvel Studios, makes the future introduction of the Shi'ar and their elite guard a distinct possibility. Several potential avenues exist for their debut:
Were they to be adapted, the MCU would likely streamline the Guard's massive roster, focusing on a core group of 5-7 visually distinct members led by Gladiator. Their origin would almost certainly be tied to the Shi'ar Empire's need to police the galaxy in the power vacuum left after the fall of Thanos and the disruption caused by the Blip. They would serve to demonstrate that even for heroes as powerful as Captain Marvel or Thor, there are other, older forces in the universe with champions of equal or greater might.
The Imperial Guard operates under a simple but absolute mandate: to serve the throne and preserve the Shi'ar Empire. Their duties encompass a wide range of operations:
Their doctrine is one of overwhelming force and unwavering loyalty. They are not a peacekeeping force in the traditional sense; they are an instrument of power. While individual members may possess a sense of honor (Gladiator being the most notable example), the Guard as a whole is loyal to the office of the Emperor, not necessarily to the person holding it. This has led to internal conflict, most notably during the reign of the tyrannical Earth mutant Vulcan, whom they were duty-bound to serve.
The Guard's structure is hierarchical. The Praetor holds supreme command in the field. Below the Praetor are sub-commanders who may lead smaller detachments or “flights.” The full roster is believed to number in the hundreds, though only a fraction are active at any one time. A reserve force known as the Superguardians can be called upon during times of extreme crisis. The roster is incredibly diverse, showcasing the vastness of the Shi'ar Empire. This diversity is one of their greatest strengths, as they can assemble a team with the perfect powerset to counter virtually any threat.
The following table details some of the most notable and long-standing members of the Imperial Guard.1)
| Codename | Real Name | Species | Key Powers and Abilities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gladiator | Kallark | Strontian | Vast superhuman strength, speed, stamina, and durability; flight; heat vision; freeze breath. His powers are psionically linked to his level of confidence and self-belief. | The long-serving Praetor (leader) of the Guard. His power levels are comparable to beings like Thor and the Hulk. He briefly served as the Majestor of the Shi'ar Empire after the events of War of Kings. |
| Oracle | Sybil | Unidentified (humanoid) | Powerful telepathy, mind control, psionic blasts, and illusion casting. She is the team's primary psionic and communications officer. | One of the original members and a core part of the Guard's command structure. She is the analogue for DC's Saturn Girl. |
| Smasher | Vril Rok | Unidentified (humanoid) | Wears powerful “Exospex” technology that grants access to immense superhuman strength, speed, flight, and durability. | The original Smasher. The title and Exospex were later passed down. |
| Smasher | Izzy Kane | Human | Uses Shi'ar Exospex to gain superhuman abilities. As a human, she has a unique connection to Earth and the avengers. | A modern recruit from Earth who became a member of the Avengers while also serving in the Guard, acting as a bridge between the two factions. |
| Fang | Unknown | Lupak | Superhuman strength, speed, agility, and senses; razor-sharp claws and fangs. | The original Fang was killed and his tattered uniform was famously adopted by wolverine for a short time. The codename has been used by several other Lupaks since. |
| Starbolt | Unknown | Unidentified (humanoid) | Pyrokinesis; able to generate and project intense plasma and fire. He can transform his body into a state of living plasma for flight. | Another of the original members, frequently seen in major confrontations. He is the analogue for DC's Sun Boy. |
| Manta | Unknown | Unidentified (humanoid) | Generates and projects beams of intense light, ranging from blinding flashes to powerful concussive blasts of photic energy. | A long-serving female member of the Guard, often recognizable by her distinctive headgear. |
| Hussar | Unknown | Unidentified (humanoid) | Wields a powerful neuro-whip that can stun or incapacitate opponents with a single strike. She is a highly skilled hand-to-hand combatant. | A fierce and loyal warrior, often serving as a frontline shock trooper. |
| Neutron | Quasar | Unidentified (humanoid) | Superhuman strength and durability; gravity manipulation; flight. He is incredibly dense and strong. | Often serves as the team's “brick” or heavy-hitter. His name was later changed from Quasar to Neutron to avoid confusion with the Earth hero quasar. |
| Warstar | B'nee and C'cil | B'nee: Mephitisoid \ C'cil: Unknown | A symbiotic pair. C'cil is a large, robotic-looking brute with immense strength. B'nee is a small pilot who rides in a cavity in C'cil's back, capable of generating powerful electrical shocks. | One of the most visually unique members. The two operate as a single unit in combat. |
| Titan | Unknown | Unidentified (humanoid) | Can grow to immense size, gaining proportional strength and durability. | The Guard's resident size-shifter and analogue for DC's Colossal Boy. |
| Flashfire | Grannz | Unidentified (humanoid) | Superhuman speed and the ability to generate electrical energy. Formerly known as Tempest. | A long-standing member known for his incredible velocity and electrical attacks. |
| Mentor | Unknown | Unidentified (humanoid) | Super-genius intellect; strategist and tactician. While not a physical powerhouse, his mind is his greatest weapon. | Often serves as the Guard's tactical coordinator, similar to Brainiac 5 from the Legion of Super-Heroes. |
If the Imperial Guard were adapted for the MCU, their structure and roster would likely be condensed for narrative clarity.
The Imperial Guard's primary and, in many ways, only true alliance is with the Shi'ar Throne. Their relationship is not one of friendship but of sworn duty.
The Imperial Guard's sole affiliation is to the Shi'ar Empire. They are not an independent entity; they are a direct extension of the throne's will. Their entire existence, training, and purpose are defined by their service to the Empire. They have no other formal ties. Any interactions with groups like the avengers or the guardians_of_the_galaxy are typically as adversaries or, in rare emergencies, as temporary, untrusting allies.
This is the quintessential Imperial Guard story and their most defining moment in Marvel history. After the Phoenix Force, inhabiting the body of jean_grey, consumes a star and wipes out the 5 billion inhabitants of a D'Bari system, Empress Lilandra decrees that the Phoenix must be destroyed to prevent further galactic devastation. The Imperial Guard is dispatched to enforce this sentence. They intercept the X-Men on the Blue Area of the Moon for a trial by combat, or Arin'n Haelar. The battle is brutal and showcases the Guard's immense power and tactical coordination. They systematically defeat most of the X-Men, with only Cyclops and Jean Grey left standing against Gladiator. The fight demonstrates that the X-Men, for all their power, are outmatched by this elite cosmic legion. The event culminates in Jean Grey's tragic sacrifice, a direct result of the confrontation initiated by the Guard's arrival. This storyline cemented the Guard's reputation as a top-tier cosmic force.
This massive cosmic crossover event pitted the Shi'ar Empire, led by the omega-level mutant Vulcan, against the Kree Empire, led by the Inhuman king Black Bolt. The Imperial Guard was forced by their oath to serve as Vulcan's primary weapon in his war of conquest. This storyline placed Gladiator in a deep moral conflict. He was bound by honor to serve a tyrant he despised, forcing him to lead the Guard in a war of aggression. The event explored the dark side of the Guard's unwavering loyalty. The war culminates in the apparent deaths of both Vulcan and Black Bolt, leaving the Shi'ar Empire in chaos. In the ensuing power vacuum, the war-weary Imperial Guard, led by Gladiator, steps in to restore order. In a shocking turn, Gladiator accepts the title of Majestor, reluctantly taking the throne he was sworn to protect.
Years later, when a young, time-displaced Jean Grey is discovered to be on Earth, the modern Shi'ar, now led again by Gladiator, decide to hold her accountable for the future crimes of her adult self as the Dark Phoenix. The Imperial Guard ambushes the All-New X-Men and kidnaps Jean, taking her to Chandilar for a public trial. This sparks a massive conflict, drawing in the X-Men and the Guardians of the Galaxy, who team up to rescue their friend. The storyline features a spectacular battle between the combined hero teams and the full might of the Imperial Guard. It serves as a powerful echo of the original Dark Phoenix Saga, re-examining themes of justice, responsibility, and pre-emptive punishment, while showcasing a more modern, battle-hardened Imperial Guard under Gladiator's command.