View source for Imperial Guard (Marvel Comics)

{{Short description|Fictional superhero team}}
{{Infobox comics organization
<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
|name         = Imperial Guard
|image        = Imperial Guard 1.jpg
|imagesize    =
|caption      = The cover of ''Imperial Guard'' #1 (Jan. 1997). Artwork by Chuck Wojtkiewicz and Ray Snyder.
|publisher    = [[Marvel Comics]]
|debut        = ''[[Uncanny X-Men|X-Men]]'' #107
|debutmo      = October
|debutyr      = 1977
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|creators     = [[Chris Claremont]] <br>[[Dave Cockrum]] 
|type         =
|business     =
|organisation =
|organization =
|team         =
|base         = Chandilar (Shi'ar throneworld)
|owners       =
|employees    =
|members      = [[Gladiator (Kallark)|Gladiator]]<br />[[Oracle (Marvel Comics)|Oracle]]<br />[[Starbolt]]<br />[[Neutron (Marvel Comics)|Neutron]]<br />[[Smasher (Marvel Comics)|Smasher]]<br />[[Flashfire (comics)|Flashfire]]<br />[[Warstar (comics)|Warstar]]<br />[[Electron (comics)|Electron]]<br />[[Manta (comics)|Manta]]<br />[[Mentor (Imperial Guard)|Mentor]]<br />[[Titan (Imperial Guard)|Titan]]<br />[[Pulsar (Marvel Comics)|Pulsar]]<br />[[Hussar (comics)|Hussar]]<br />[[Nightside (comics)|Nightside]]<br />[[Fang (comics)|Fang]]
|fullroster   = [[#Membership|Full roster]]
|cat          = teams
|subcat       = Marvel Comics
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|sortkey      = Imperial Guard
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The '''Imperial Guard''' (the so-called '''Superguardians''') is a fictional superhero team appearing in American [[comic books]] published by [[Marvel Comics]]. The Imperial Guard are a multi-ethnic group of alien beings who act as enforcers of the laws of the [[Shi'ar]] Empire; the Superguardians are the personal guard of the leader of the Empire.

Created by writer [[Chris Claremont]] and artist [[Dave Cockrum]], the original Imperial Guard characters were pastiches of prominent members of rival publisher [[DC Comics]]' superhero team the [[Legion of Super-Heroes]].<ref name=CBR /><ref name=Fuller /><ref name=Cronin2>Cronin, Brian. [https://www.cbr.com/wolverine-costume-gallery/ "Wolverine: Every Costume Marvel's Latest Resurrected Mutant Has Worn, Ever,"] ''CBR'' (AUG. 25, 2018).</ref><ref name=Blumberg>Blumberg, Arnold T. [https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/07/05/x-men-dark-phoenixs-lilandra-explained "Lilandra Explained: Who Is the X-Men: Dark Phoenix Character?,"] ''IGN'' (5 Jul 2017).</ref> Many other characters were later added to the roster, not all of whom are based on Legionnaires.

The Imperial Guard first appeared in ''The [[Uncanny X-Men]]'' #107 (October 1977). Since then, they have been featured periodically in the X-Men titles; crossed paths with the [[Starjammers]], the [[Kree]], the [[Skrulls]], [[Nova Corps]], the [[Inhumans]], and the [[Guardians of the Galaxy]]; and been featured in a number of [[Limited series (comics)|limited series]], including ''Imperial Guard'' (1997), the ''[[War of Kings]]'' [[Crossover (comic books)|crossover]] series (2009), and ''[[Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard]]'' (2010).<ref name=Fuller>Fuller, Kevin. [https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/11/12/realm-of-kings-imperial-guard-1-review "Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #1 Review: Marvel's cosmos deal with the effects of its war,"] ''IGN'' (12 Nov 2009).</ref>

More than 50 Imperial Guard Superguardians have appeared in Marvel Comics' titles; the core members number about 20, with the most notable being [[Gladiator (Kallark)|Gladiator]], [[Oracle (Marvel Comics)|Oracle]], [[Starbolt]], [[Neutron (Marvel Comics)|Neutron]], [[Smasher (Marvel Comics)|Smasher]], [[Flashfire (comics)|Flashfire]], [[Warstar (comics)|Warstar]], [[Electron (comics)|Electron]], [[Manta (comics)|Manta]], [[Mentor (Imperial Guard)|Mentor]], [[Titan (Imperial Guard)|Titan]], [[Pulsar (Marvel Comics)|Pulsar]],{{efn|Not to be confused with the rogue Space Knight Pulsar, introduced in ''[[Rom the Space Knight|Rom]] Annual'' #4 (Dec. 1985).}} [[Hussar (comics)|Hussar]], [[Nightside (comics)|Nightside]], and [[Fang (comics)|Fang]].

==Structure and organization==
The Imperial Guard numbers about 300 members, and is made up of elite soldiers from throughout the Empire.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Brevoort |first1=Tom |last2=DeFalco |first2=Tom |last3=Manning |first3=Matthew K. |last4=Sanderson |first4=Peter |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |title=Marvel Year By Year: A Visual History |date=2017 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1465455505 |page=181}}</ref> The Imperial Guard is led by a [[praetor]].

The '''Superguardians''' (who comprise the vast majority of the named characters) are the guards of the [[Shi'ar]] leader.<ref name=Blumberg /><ref name=Austin>Austin, Michael. [https://www.cbr.com/x-men-most-dangerous-members-shiar-imperial-guard/ "X-Men: The 10 Most Dangerous Members of The Shi’ar Imperial Guard: The X-Men Comics are filled with powerful and dangerous people. But few are as dangerous as the members of the Shi-ar Imperial Guard,"] ''CBR'' (AUG. 18, 2019).</ref><ref name=Hemming /><ref>Arrant, Chris. [https://www.space.com/starjammers-imperial-guard-returning-to-marvel.html "Marvel Hints at 'Very Cool' (and Space-y) Future for Starjammers & Imperial Guard,"] Space.com (August 29, 2019).</ref> Those closest to the leader are known as the Royal Elite.

The Guard academy trains replacements called '''Subguardians''' for Superguardians who are killed or incapacitated.<ref name=Avengers5-1 />

===Imperial Guard oath of allegiance===
This is the Imperial Guard's oath of allegiance to the Shi'ar Empire:

{{cquote|I will not falter, and I will not swerve. From the rising of the suns to the setting of the stars. With [[Sharra]] and [[K'ythri]] to guide me, I will serve out the term of my duty with courage and conviction, for it is the greatest honor any being of any species can know to be allowed to guard the Imperium of the Shi'ar and stand, each of us, as a light in the darkness. So I make my oath of allegiance.<ref name=RoKIG5>''Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard'' #5 (May 2010).</ref>}}

==Concept and creation==
As ''X-Men'' creators Claremont and Cockrum were devising a team to battle the X-Men in the first part of the [[Phoenix Saga]], Cockrum suggested modeling their powers and costumes after characters from DC's [[Legion of Super-Heroes]].<ref name=Scoop>[https://www.diamondcomics.com/Home/1/1/3/116?articleID=35434 "X-Men's Imperial Guard and Cockrum's Legion of Super-Heroes,"] ''The Scoop'' (Gemstone Publishing, Dec. 1).</ref> Cockrum previously had a two-year run as artist on the [[Legion of Super-Heroes]] backup feature in the ''[[Superboy (comic book)|Superboy]]'' comic book.<ref name="ComicsReporter">{{cite web |url= http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/resources/longbox/6958/|title= Dave Cockrum, 1943-2006|first= Tom|last= Spurgeon|date= December 1, 2006|publisher= The Comics Reporter|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130810150615/http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/resources/longbox/6958/|archive-date= August 10, 2013|url-status= live|df=mdy-all|access-date= April 25, 2009}}</ref>

In a 2002 interview, Cockrum said that he showed the character designs to ''Legion'' writer [[Paul Levitz]]. Asked if he thought there might be trouble between the companies, Cockrum said, "Not really... I showed the designs to Paul Levitz, and he didn't say, 'You can't do that.' If anything, he said, 'Geez, these costumes are better than the ones the Legionnaires are wearing.' No, I don't think we ever once thought that we were going to get in trouble over it."<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cadigan |first1=Glen |title=The Legion Companion |date=2003 |publisher=[[TwoMorrows Publishing]] |isbn=9781893905221 |page=74 |chapter=Dave Cockrum interview}}</ref>

The first Guardsmen introduced (with their [[Legion of Super-Heroes]] analog in parentheses) were '''[[Gladiator (Kallark)|Gladiator]]''' ([[Superboy]]),<ref>Sanderson, Peter. "Interview With Dave Cockrum," ''The X-Men Companion'' (Fantagraphics Books, 1982), p. 82: Sanderson asks Gladiator co-creator Dave Cockrum, "How about the Imperial Guard? Can you give a key as to who’s who? The leader, Gladiator, is supposed to be Superboy...?" Cockrum answers, "Superboy, sure."</ref><ref name=Cronin2 /><ref name=CBR /> '''[[Astra (Marvel Comics)|Astra]]''' ([[Phantom Girl]]), '''[[Electron (comics)|Electron]]''' ([[Cosmic Boy]]), '''[[Fang (comics)|Fang]]''' ([[Timber Wolf (character)|Timber Wolf]]),<ref>Johnson, Jim. [https://www.cbr.com/legion-of-super-heroes-new-timber-wolf-influenced-by-darick-robertson-wolverine/ "Legion of Super-Heroes' New Timber Wolf Influenced by a Specific Wolverine: Wolverine isn't a surprising inspiration for the Legion of Super-Heroes' Timber Wolf, but there's a classic irony behind it,"] ''CBR'' (AUG. 29, 2019).</ref><ref name=Cronin2 /><ref name=Scoop /><ref name=CBR /> '''[[Hobgoblin (Imperial Guard)|Hobgoblin]]'''{{efn|Not to be confused with several fictional supervillains also with the alias of [[Hobgoblin (Marvel Comics)|Hobgoblin]], commonly depicted as enemies of [[Spider-Man]].}} ([[Chameleon Boy]]), '''Impulse''' ([[Wildfire (Drake Burroughs)|Wildfire]]), '''Magic''' ([[Princess Projectra]]), '''[[Mentor (Imperial Guard)|Mentor]]'''{{efn|Not to be confused with Mentor, the member of the [[Eternals (comics)|Eternals]], father of [[Thanos]] and [[Starfox (comics)|Starfox]]}} ([[Brainiac 5]]),<ref name=CBR /> '''Midget''' ([[Shrinking Violet (comics)|Shrinking Violet]]), '''Nightshade''' ([[Shadow Lass]]), '''[[Oracle (Marvel Comics)|Oracle]]''' ([[Saturn Girl]]),<ref name=CBR /><ref name=Cronin2 /> '''Quasar'''{{efn|Not to be confused with the Marvel character [[Quasar (Wendell Vaughn)]], who was introduced shortly thereafter.}} ([[Star Boy]]), '''[[Smasher (Marvel Comics)|Smasher]]''' ([[Ultra Boy]]), '''[[Starbolt]]''' ([[Sun Boy]]),<ref name=CBR /> '''Tempest''' ([[Lightning Lad]]), and '''[[Titan (Imperial Guard)|Titan]]''' ([[Colossal Boy]]).<ref name=CBR>Cronin, Brian. [https://www.cbr.com/x-men-dark-phoenix-saga-shiar-imperial-guard/ "Comic Legends: Why New Imperial Guard Members in Dark Phoenix Saga?"], ''CBR'' (APR 09, 2018).</ref>

Over time, for various reasons, some of the members' code-names were changed: Nightshade to '''[[Nightside (comics)|Nightside]]''',<ref name=XMen157>X-Men #157 (May 1982).</ref> Magic to '''[[Magique (Marvel Comics)|Magique]]''',<ref name=Quasar33 /> Midget to '''[[List of Marvel Comics characters: S#Scintilla|Scintilla]]''',<ref name=Quasar33>''Quasar'' #33 (April 1992).</ref> Quasar to '''[[Neutron (Marvel Comics)|Neutron]]''',<ref name=Quasar33 /> Tempest to '''[[Flashfire (comics)|Flashfire]]''',<ref name=ImperialGuard1 /> and Impulse to '''[[Pulsar (Marvel Comics)|Pulsar]]'''.<ref name=Avengers5-1 />

==Reception and characterization==
Nick Hemming of [[Looper (website)|Looper]] described the Imperial Guard as perhaps "the most interesting facet of the Shi'ar," describing them as "an elite team of super soldiers who enforce the law within the empire. The Guard has played both friend and foe to Earth's favorite heroes over time, boasting a diverse roster of various species."<ref name=Hemming>{{cite web |last1=Hemming |first1=Nick |title=Alien races we want to see in the MCU |url=https://www.looper.com/258280/alien-races-we-want-to-see-in-the-mcu/ |website=Looper.com |access-date=24 November 2020 |date=7 October 2020}}</ref>

==Fictional team history==
Many centuries ago, the [[Phoenix Force (comics)|Phoenix Force]] entity ends up in [[Shi'ar]] space, where it bonds with a citizen of the Empire named Rook'shir. In conjunction with his blade, Rook'shir learns to control the Phoenix Force, but is ultimately overwhelmed by its power, becoming the first known host to succumb to and go insane from its destructive impulses. Becoming the first being known as the [[Dark Phoenix]], Rook'shir rampages throughout the Empire, destroying many planets in the process.

T'korr, Majestor of the Shi'ar Empire, creates the Imperial Guard to battle Rook'shir;<ref>Arrant, Chris. [https://www.gamesradar.com/phoenix-force-hosts-xmen-jean-grey/ "Marvel's best Phoenix Force hosts: Who wore it best?,"] ''GamesRadar+'' (September 03, 2020).</ref> some of the first members are [[Gladiator (Kallark)|Gladiator]], [[Magique (Marvel Comics)|Magic]], [[Mentor (Imperial Guard)|Mentor]], and [[Neutron (Marvel Comics)|Quasar]].<ref name="wok1mc">''War of Kings: Warriors'' #1 (Sept. 2009).</ref> Defeating Rook'shir, the Guard becomes the first line of defense of the Shi'ar Empire.<ref name="Uncanny X-Men #479">''The Uncanny X-Men'' #479 (Dec. 2006).</ref>

In ''The [[Uncanny X-Men|X-Men]]'' #107 (Oct. 1977),<ref name="X-Men #107. Marvel Comics">''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107 (Oct. 1977).</ref> the Shi'ar empire comes into conflict with the [[X-Men]] regarding the [[Phoenix (comics)|Phoenix]] entity, with the Guard battling them at the command of Emperor [[D'Ken]] and his sister, the Grand Admiral, Princess [[Lilandra Neramani]].<ref name=Connell>Connell, Mike. [https://www.cbr.com/x-men-phoenix-saga-dken/ "X-Men: Whatever Happened to the Phoenix Saga's Original Villain? The original Phoenix Saga is one of the most important X-Men stories of all time, but its primary villain disappeared after a few appearances,"] ''CBR'' (MAY 28, 2020).</ref><ref>''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107-108 (Oct–Dec. 1977).</ref>

Some time later during "[[The Dark Phoenix Saga]]", the Guardsmen again come into conflict with the X-Men regarding [[Dark Phoenix]], this time at the behest of Lilandra.<ref>Beat Staff. [https://www.comicsbeat.com/marvel-retro-rundown-x-men-the-dark-phoenix-saga/ "The Marvel Retro Rundown: The X-Men reach an early high note with THE DARK PHOENIX SAGA: The fall of Jean Grey,"] ''The Beat'' (June 10, 2020).</ref><ref name=Connell /><ref name=XMen137>''The Uncanny X-Men'' #137 (Sept. 1980).</ref>

The '''Borderers''' division is introduced — a group of Guardsman stationed on one of the Shi'ar's conquered worlds to help its governor enforce Shi'ar law. A renegade faction of the Imperial Guard — mainly made up of Borderers, but also including [[Fang (comics)|Fang]], [[Hussar (comics)|Hussar]], [[Neutron (Marvel Comics)|Quasar]], and [[Warstar (comics)|Warstar]] — become traitors, deciding to serve Lord Samédàr, [[Deathbird]], and the [[Brood (comics)|Brood]] in a conspiracy to overthrow Shi'ar Princess-Majestrix Lilandra. The renegades battle the Guardsman who remain loyal to Lilandra and the X-Men. After defeating the Brood and the renegades, Lilandra resumes her position as the head of the Shi'ar Empire. Despite many of the Imperial Guard having joined with Deathbird against Lilandra, most team members are pardoned for their actions,<ref name=RoKIG4>''Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard'' #4 (Apr. 2010).</ref> although Quasar, Warstar, Hussar, and Webwing are later banished.<ref name=XMen157-158>''The Uncanny X-Men'' #157–158 (May–June 1982).</ref><ref name=XMen162>''The Uncanny X-Men'' #162 (Oct. 1982).</ref>

Some time later, [[Deathbird]] stages a successful coup and becomes the new Shi'ar Empress.<ref name=RomAnnual4>''Rom'' Annual #4 (Dec. 1985).</ref> She sends the Imperial Guard to Earth to battle the combined forces of the [[Starjammers]] and the superhero team [[Excalibur (comics)|Excalibur]], so that she can claim the power of the [[Phoenix Force (comics)|Phoenix Force]] for herself. The Guard are forced to retreat when Deathbird realizes the Starjammers are led by Lilandra.<ref name=xmsos2 />

Later, [[Skrull|War Skrulls]] impersonating [[Charles Xavier]] and the Starjammers depose Deathbird and restore Lilandra to the throne. Deathbird cedes the empire back to Lilandra as she has grown bored of the bureaucracy.<ref>''The Uncanny X-Men'' #274-277 (Mar.–June 1991).</ref>

When the Shi'ar and the Kree wage an intergalactic war, the Imperial Guard are commissioned to lead the fight. The Guard steals the original [[Mar-Vell|Captain Marvel]]'s [[Nega-Bands]] from the dead hero's tomb.<ref>''[[Quasar (comics)|Quasar]]'' #32–33 (Apr.–May 1992).</ref> Using Kree artifacts, including the Bands, the Sh'iar create a massive superweapon, the "Nega-Bomb." Ultimately, the Nega-Bomb device is successfully detonated, devastating the Kree Empire, with billions dying instantaneously (98% of the Kree population).<ref>''[[Wonder Man]]'' #9 (May 1992).</ref> The Shi'ar annex the remnants of the Kree Empire, with Deathbird becoming [[viceroy]] of the Kree territories.<ref>''The Avengers'' #347 (May 1992).</ref>

Some time later, the Imperial Guard are informed about a hijacked Shi'ar craft, and join Quasar in a battle against a group of interplanetary marauders known as the Starblasters, who attempt to push the moon away from Earth's orbit.<ref>''[[Starblast]]'' #1–4 (Jan.-Apr. 1994).</ref>

When many of Earth's heroes vanish (sent to the [[pocket universe]]<ref>''[[Heroes Reborn (1996 comic)|Heroes Reborn]]: The Return'' #4 (Dec. 1997).</ref> after defeating [[Onslaught (Marvel Comics)|Onslaught]]),{{efn|Not the member of the Imperial Guard with the same name, who was introduced some years earlier.}}  Lilandra orders the Imperial Guard to help protect Earth.<ref>''Imperial Guard'' #1-3 (Jan.- Mar. 1997).</ref>

[[Ronan the Accuser]] leads the Kree in a surprise attack against the Shi'ar, using the [[Inhumans]] as an army to disrupt the Shi'ar control of the Kree. Ronan seizes control in a surprise attack. Threatening to destroy the Inhumans' home of [[Attilan]], he orders the Inhumans and their king, [[Black Bolt]], to obey. Ronan compels [[Karnak (comics)|Karnak]], [[Gorgon (Inhuman)|Gorgon]], and [[Triton (comics)|Triton]] to covertly join the Imperial Guard, while Black Bolt and [[Medusa (comics)|Medusa]] attempt the assassination of the Shi'ar ruler Lilandra at a ceremony ratifying an alliance between the Shi'ar and the Spartoi. Black Bolt manages to defeat Ronan in personal combat;<ref>''The Inhumans'' vol. 3 #1–4 (June–Oct. 2000).</ref> the attempt on Lilandra's life fails because the Imperial Guardsman [[Hobgoblin (Imperial Guard)|Hobgoblin]] dies in her place.<ref name=Inhumans4>''[[Inhumans]]'' vol. 3 #4 (Oct. 2000).</ref>

[[Cassandra Nova]], in [[Charles Xavier]]'s body, contacts Majestrix Lilandra, Xavier's lover. Cassandra drives Lilandra insane and uses her to make the Shi'ar fleet destroy the empire. Cassandra forces Lilandra to send the Shi'ar Superguardians to sterilize the entirety of mutantkind, starting with the X-Men.<ref name=NewXMen123>''New X-Men'' #123 (Apr. 2002).</ref> After a battle with the X-Men, the Imperial Guard come to realize Cassandra's treachery and the danger she poses. [[Jean Grey]], using Xavier's consciousness, and with the help of the Imperial Guard, is able to force Cassandra out of Xavier's body and imprison her.<ref>''New X-Men'' #124–126 (May–July 2002).</ref>

The Imperial Guard's loyalties are tested when [[Vulcan (Marvel Comics)|Vulcan]], a powerful mutant intent on conquering the Shi'ar Empire, comes on the scene at the start of the "[[Emperor Vulcan]]" storyline. He fights the Guard, killing and wounding a number of them, before he is defeated by [[Gladiator (Kallark)|Gladiator]], who puts out his left eye.<ref name=XMen480>''The Uncanny X-Men'' #480 (Jan. 2007).</ref><ref>Allan, Scott. [https://www.cbr.com/best-marvel-xmen-starjammers-comic-storylines/ "X-Men: 10 Storylines Featuring The Starjammers Fans Should Read,"] ''CBR'' (Oct. 13, 2020).</ref>

Ultimately, however, Vulcan returns and assumes the Shi'ar throne, and the Imperial Guard are honor-bound to do his bidding.<ref>''X-Mem: Emperor Vulcan'' #1–5 (Nov. 2007–Mar. 2008).</ref><ref name=XMenKingbreaker>''X-Men: Kingbreaker'' #1–4 (Feb.–May 2009).</ref> Emperor Vulcan and his fleet battle the Scy'ar Tal, who have devoted their culture and society to the destruction of the Shi'ar Empire. After many battles, including Vulcan fighting his brother [[Havok (comics)|Havok]] and the [[Starjammers]], the Shi'ar prevail. Vulcan declares that he will return the Shi'ar Empire to its former glory.<ref>''X-Men: Emperor Vulcan'' #5 (Mar. 2008).</ref>

Emperor Majestor Vulcan begins to expand the empire,<ref name=XMenKingbreaker /> leading to a [[War of Kings|war with the Kree]].<ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/03/24/marvels-cosmos-erupt-with-a-war-of-kings "Marvel's Cosmos Erupt With A War Of Kings,"] ''IGN'' (May 2012).</ref> Things start off well for the Imperial Guard when they slaughter a cadre of new recruits to the [[Nova Corps]].<ref name="Nova Vol 2009">''[[Nova (Richard Rider)|Nova]]'' vol. 4 #20–25 (Feb.–July 2009).</ref><ref>Schedeen, Jesse. [https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/04/30/nova-24-review "Nova #24 Review: The Nova Corps do battle with Vulcan's Imperial Guard,"] ''IGN'' (29 Apr 2009).</ref> The Guard follows this by attacking and hospitalizing [[Ronan the Accuser]] on his wedding day.<ref name=WoK1>''War of Kings'' #1 (May 2009).</ref> The Kree's retaliation, however, leads to the deaths of a number of Guardsmen.<ref>''X-Men: Kingbreaker'' #3 (Apr. 2009).</ref><ref>Schedeen, Jesse. [https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/05/06/war-of-kings-3-review "War of Kings #3 Review: The Kree go on the offensive with a little help from the Guardians of the Galaxy,"] ''IGN'' (6 May 2009).</ref> Two new [[Smasher (Marvel Comics)|Smashers]], recruited from the ranks of the Subguardians, die,<ref name=WoK1 /><ref name=WoK3>''War of Kings'' #3 (July 2009).</ref> as does Warstar.<ref>''Nova'' vol. 4 #26 (June 2009).</ref>

When ordered to kill Lilandra Neramani, Gladiator abandons his post to protect her.<ref>''War of Kings'' #4 (Aug 2009).</ref> Nonetheless, during an attempt to return her to the throne, Lilandra is assassinated.<ref>''War of Kings: Ascension'' #3 (Aug. 2009).</ref><ref>''War of Kings'' #5 (Sept 2009).</ref>

Vulcan is seemingly killed during a battle with [[Black Bolt]].<ref>''War of Kings'' #6 (Oct. 2009).</ref> With no one in line to inherit the throne, civil war threatens the Shi'ar empire. To avoid further conflict, the Imperial Guard's praetor, [[Gladiator (Kallark)|Gladiator]], accepts the offer to become Emperor; Mentor becomes praetor in his place.<ref name=WoKWWR />

During the "[[Realm of Kings]]" storyline, the Shi'ar team up with the Starjammers to investigate "The Fault," a space-time anomaly that not only threatens Shi'ar space but all of reality. This crisis leads to another spate of Imperial Guard deaths: [[Starbolt]] is killed by a group of mutants from the [[Cancerverse]],<ref name=RoKIG4 /> and Black Light, Neutron, and [[Titan (Imperial Guard)|Titan]] are killed in a later battle.<ref name=RoKIG5 /> The storyline ends with the Guardsmen [[Mentor (Imperial Guard)|Mentor]] and Plutonia choosing to bond with Raptor amulets; Mentor is taken over by '''Strel''' and Plutonia becomes the Raptor '''Kyte'''; both vanish.<ref name=RoKIG5 />

During the "[[Infinity (comic book)|Infinity]]" storyline, a fourth Smasher is recruited by the Imperial Guard: a human member of [[Avengers (comics)|the Avengers]] named '''[[Smasher (Izzy Kane)|Izzy Kane]]'''.<ref name=Hemming /><ref>Joshua. [https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/06/the-avengers-5-review "The Avengers #5 Review: Meet Smasher. No, not the Hulk,"] ''IGN'' (6 Feb 2013).</ref><ref name=Avengers5-1>''Avengers'' vol. 5 #1 (Dec. 2012).</ref> Receiving an all-points distress signal on Earth, she comes with the Avengers to assist the Shi'ar in fighting off a new threat: the [[List of alien races in Marvel Comics#B|Builders]]. The Builders threaten all the galactic civilizations, leading the Shi'ar to join forces with the Kree, Skrulls, Spartoi, Brood, and [[Annihilus]]' [[Annihilation Wave]] to resist them.<ref name=Infinity>''[[Infinity (comic book)|Infinity]]'' #1–6 (Oct. 2013–Jan. 2014).</ref>

After many battles and losses — including the death of [[Earthquake (comics)|Earthquake]]<ref name=Avengers21>''Avengers'' vol. 5 #21 (Dec. 2013).</ref> — the Avengers and Imperial Guard earn a convincing victory against the main Builders' fleet. [[Mentor (Imperial Guard)|Mentor]] helps take command of a Builder World Killer and turn it against the Builders. The Imperial Guard and the Avengers proceed to free the occupied worlds — including Earth, which has fallen to [[Thanos]] in their absence. The Imperial Guard helps retake the Peak, the [[S.W.O.R.D. (comics)|S.W.O.R.D.]] space station headquarters.<ref>''Avengers'' vol. 5 #23 (Jan. 2014).</ref>

Soon afterward, Gladiator kidnaps the time-displaced incarnation of [[Jean Grey]], placing her on trial for the destruction done by the [[Phoenix Force (comics)|Phoenix Force]] [[The Dark Phoenix Saga|years earlier]]. The [[All-New X-Men]] team up with the [[Guardians of the Galaxy (2008 team)|Guardians of the Galaxy]] to rescue Jean from the Shi'ar homeworld, but Jean ends up awakening a new power, enabling her to absorb massive amounts of psionic energy from others and combine her telepathy and telekinesis, which she uses to defeat Gladiator and the Imperial Guard.<ref name="Guardians of the Galaxy #13">''Guardians of the Galaxy'' #13 (May 2014).</ref><ref>Yehl, Joshua. [https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/19/marvel-finally-ends-6-year-x-men-time-travel-story "Marvel Finally Ends 6-Year X-Men Time Travel Story: In the pages of Extermination #5,"] ''IGN'' (19 Dec 2018).</ref>

When the Shi'ar find out that the reason for the "decay of the universe" is on Earth, they decide to destroy the planet.<ref>''Avengers'' vol. 5 #41 (Apr. 2015).</ref> The [[Guardians of the Galaxy (2008 team)|Guardians of the Galaxy]], [[Sunspot (comics)|Sunspot]], [[Advanced Idea Mechanics#Avengers Idea Mechanics|A.I.M.]], and [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]]'s Avengers fight back, planning to use a Planetkiller against the Shi'ar. The Planetkiller, however, overheats and explodes, destroyed by [[Annihilus]]' [[Annihilation Wave]]. The Avengers are ready to meet their end, but the [[Illuminati (comics)|Illuminati]] intervenes, using the controller disk of a rogue planet that shares the same space with Earth, while [[Iron Man]] uses Sol's Hammer to destroy the Shi'ar fleet, including the Imperial Guards.<ref>''Avengers'' vol. 5 #43-44 (June 2015).</ref>

The Guard are resurrected, along with the rest of the universe, as part of the [[All-New, All-Different Marvel]] relaunch.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}

==Membership==
===Core members===
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Code Name (Original name) !! Legion of Super-Heroes analog !! Powers and abilities !! Species !! First appearance !! Notes
|-
| '''[[Astra (Marvel Comics)|Astra]]''' || [[Phantom Girl]] || Phasing || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107 (Oct. 1977) || Founding member of the Imperial Guard
|-
| '''[[Earthquake (comics)|Earthquake]]''' || rowspan=2 | — || rowspan=2 | Geokinesis (psionically create tremors and small quakes on the surface of a planet)<ref name=Austin /> || rowspan=2 | Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #137 (Sept. 1980) || Killed in ''Avengers'' vol. 5 #21 (Dec. 2013)
|-
| '''Earthquake II''' || ''Guardians of the Galaxy'' vol. 5 #1 (Dec. 2012) ||
|-
| '''[[Electron (comics)|Electron]]''' || [[Cosmic Boy]] || Magnetism manipulation, projection of bolts of electrical energy || Shi'ar || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107 (Oct. 1977) || 
|-
| '''[[Fang (comics)|Fang]]''' || rowspan=2 | [[Timber Wolf (character)|Timber Wolf]]|| rowspan="2" | Superhuman senses, strength, speed, stamina, durability, agility, and reflexes; claws and fangs; teleportation; flight; energy projection/matter manipulation || rowspan=2 | Lupak || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107 (Oct. 1977) || Member of the Royal Elite; transformed into one of the Brood and then killed by [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]] in ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #162 (Oct. 1982)
|-
| '''[[Fang (comics)|Fang II]]''' || ''[[Starjammers]]'' #4 (Jan. 1996) || Alter-ego is Nev-Darr
|-
| '''[[Flashfire (comics)|Flashfire]]''' ('''Tempest''') || [[Lightning Lad]]<ref name=CBR /> || Generate and fire bursts of light and electricity || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107 (Oct. 1977) || At one point engaged to marry fellow Guardsman Oracle<ref name=Inhumans>''Inhumans'' vol. 3 #3 (Aug. 2000).</ref> (an analog of [[Saturn Girl]], to whom Lightning Lad was also romantically linked); alter-ego is Grannz<ref>{{comicbookdb|type=character|id=7479|title=Tempest (Grannz)}}</ref> (Lightning Lad's alter-ego is Garth Ranzz); renamed Flashfire because of the DC Comics character [[Joshua Clay|Joshua Clay (Tempest)]]
|-
| '''[[Gladiator (Kallark)|Gladiator]]''' || [[Superboy]] (or [[Lar Gand|Mon-El]]) || Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, agility, reflexes, and durability; psionic abilities; flight<ref name=Austin /> || Strontian || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107 (Oct. 1977) || Commander (praetor) of the Imperial Guard; alter-ego is Kallark
|-
| '''[[Hobgoblin (Imperial Guard)|Hobgoblin]]''' || [[Reep Daggle|Chameleon Boy]]<ref name=CBR /> || [[Shapeshifting]] || Chameloid || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107 (Oct. 1977) || Killed posing as [[Lilandra Neramani]] in ''[[Inhumans]]'' vol. 3 #4 (Oct. 2000)
|-
| '''[[Hussar (comics)|Hussar]]''' || — || Channeling of [[bioelectricity]] into other living beings to shock and paralyze || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #137 (Sept. 1980) ||
|-
| '''[[Magique (Marvel Comics)|Magique]]''' ('''Magic''') || rowspan=2 | [[Princess Projectra]] || rowspan=2 | Ability to create realistic illusions || rowspan=2 | Shi'ar || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107 (Oct. 1977) || Killed in ''[[Guardians of the Galaxy (2008 team)|Guardians of the Galaxy]]'' vol. 2 #15 (June 2009)
|-
| '''[[Magique (Marvel Comics)|Magique II]]''' || ''Guardians of the Galaxy'' vol. 5 #1 (Dec. 2012) || Replaced the original Magique, who died in ''Guardians of the Galaxy'' vol. 2 #15
|-
| '''[[Manta (comics)|Manta]]''' || — || Infrared and ultraviolet vision, [[photokinesis]] || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #137 (Sept. 1980) ||
|- 
| '''[[Mentor (Imperial Guard)|Mentor]]''' || [[Brainiac 5]] || Instantaneous processing of vast amounts of information || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107 (Oct. 1977) || Becomes praetor in ''War of Kings: Who Will Rule'' [[One-shot (comics)|one-shot]];<ref name=WoKWWR>''War of Kings: Who Will Rule'' [[One-shot (comics)|one-shot]] (Nov. 2009)</ref> taken over by Strel and vanishes at the end of ''[[Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard]]
|-
| '''[[Neutron (Marvel Comics)|Neutron]]''' ('''Quasar''') || [[Thom Kallor|Star Boy]]|| Superhuman strength, stamina, and durability; capable of increasing the mass, density or gravity of an object<ref name=Austin /> || Stygian || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107 (Oct. 1977) || Killed in battle in ''Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard'' #5 (May 2010)
|-
| '''[[Nightside (comics)|Nightside]]''' ('''Nightshade''') || rowspan = 2 | [[Shadow Lass]] || rowspan = 2 | Ability to tap into the [[Darkforce]] dimension, giving her the ability to conjure absolute darkness within a radius around her or her enemies; displace projectile attacks against her person by opening small apertures into the Darkforce<ref name=Austin /> || rowspan = 2 | Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107 (Oct. 1977) || Killed in ''War of Kings'' #1 (May 2009)
|- 
| '''[[Nightside (comics)|Nightside II]]''' || ''Avengers'' vol. 5 #35 (Sept. 2014) || Recruited from the Subguardians to replace the original Nightside, who was killed in ''War of Kings'' #1
|- 
| '''[[Oracle (Marvel Comics)|Oracle]]''' || [[Saturn Girl]] || Telepathy, mind control, psychic energy projection, [[Psychometry (paranormal)|psychometry]]<ref name=Austin /> || Shi'ar || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107 (Oct. 1977) || Long-time member; part of the Royal Elite;{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} alter-ego is Lady Sybil; originally romantically linked with Starbolt;<ref name="X-Men #107. Marvel Comics" /> later engaged to marry Tempest/Flashfire<ref name=Inhumans />
|-
| rowspan= 2 | '''Plutonia''' || rowspan=2 | — || rowspan=2 | Phasing || rowspan=2 | Unidentified extraterrestrial race|| ''[[New X-Men (2001 series)|New X-Men]]'' #124 (May 2002) || Alter-ego is N'zyr; romantically linked with fellow Guardsman Smasher, then romantically linked with fellow Guardsman Mentor; chose to bond with Raptor amulet at cost of her free will, becoming the Raptor Kyte;<ref name=RoKIG5 /> current whereabouts unknown
|-
| ''Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard'' #5 (May 2010) || Added to Imperial Guard after N'zyr became the Raptor Kyte and vanished
|-
| '''[[Pulsar (Marvel Comics)|Pulsar]]''' ('''Impulse''') || [[Wildfire (Drake Burroughs)|Wildfire]] || Energy being: flight, projection of energy blasts || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107 (Oct. 1977) || Seemingly killed by [[Vulcan (Marvel Comics)|Vulcan]] in ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #480 (Jan. 2007), but reappears later
|-
| '''[[Scintilla (comics)|Scintilla]]''' ('''Midget''') || [[Salu Digby|Shrinking Violet]]|| Shrinking from normal size to five percent of her normal size (and any size in between) || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107 (Oct. 1977) ||
|- 
| rowspan=5 | '''[[Smasher (Marvel Comics)|Smasher]]''' || rowspan=5 | [[Ultra Boy]] || rowspan=5 | Superhuman strength via cosmic radiation absorption, ability to download additional powers (one at a time) via "Exospex," flight via anti-gravity "flight patches"<ref name=Austin /> || rowspan=3 | Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107 (Oct. 1977) || Romantically linked with fellow Guardsman Plutonia; alter-ego is [[Smasher (Marvel Comics)#Vril Rokk|Vril Rokk]]; killed by [[Vulcan (Marvel Comics)|Vulcan]] in ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #480 (Jan. 2007)
|- 
| ''[[War of Kings]]'' #1 (Mar. 2009) || Alter-ego is [[Smasher (Marvel Comics)#Salac Tuur|Salac Tuur]]; killed by [[Karnak (comics)|Karnak]] in ''[[War of Kings]]'' #1 (May 2009)
|- 
| ''[[War of Kings]]'' #3 (July 2009) || Killed by [[Gladiator (Kallark)|Gladiator]] in ''[[War of Kings]]'' #3 (July 2009)
|- 
| Human || ''[[The Avengers (comic book)|Avengers]]'' vol. 5 #1 (Feb. 2013) || Alter-ego is [[Smasher (Marvel Comics)#Izzy Kane|Izzy Kane]]; left the Imperial Guard to return to the Avengers
|-
| Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''[[All-New X-Men]]'' #23 (Apr. 2014) || Replaced Izzy Kane in the Imperial Guard
|-
| '''[[Starbolt]]''' || [[Sun Boy]] or [[Wildfire (Drake Burroughs)|Wildfire]] || Energy protection<ref name=Austin /> || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''X-Men'' #107 (Oct. 1977) || Originally romantically linked with Oracle;<ref name="X-Men #107. Marvel Comics" /> killed in ''[[Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard]]'' #4 (Apr. 2010)
|-
| '''[[Titan (Imperial Guard)|Titan]]''' || rowspan = 2 | [[Colossal Boy]] ||  rowspan = 2 | Expand his body to giant size, superhuman strength and mass ||  rowspan = 2 | Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107 (Oct. 1977) || Killed by a swarm of mutated bugs in ''[[Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard]]'' #5 (May 2010)
|-
| '''[[Titan (Imperial Guard)|Titan]] II''' || TK (sometime during the "[[Infinity (comic book)|Infinity]]" storyline) || Replaced the first Titan who was killed in ''Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard'' #5
|-
| '''[[Warstar (comics)|Warstar]]''' || — || B'nee: electricity generation; C’cil: gigantic, superhuman strength and durability<ref name=Austin /> || Two symbiotically linked sentient mechanoids<ref name=Austin /> || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #137 (Sept. 1980) || Alter-egos are B'nee and C'cil; their names are an homage to the 1960s animated television program ''[[Beany and Cecil]]''; killed (along with the entire Shi'ar fleet) by [[Iron Man]] using Sol's Hammer in ''[[The Avengers (comic book)|Avengers]]'' vol. 5 #44 (June 2015), resurrected (along with the rest of the universe) in ''[[The Ultimates (comic book)|The Ultimates]]'' vol. 2 #3 (Mar. 2017)
|-
|}

===Other members===
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Code Name !! Legion of Super-Heroes analog !! Powers and abilities !! Species !! First appearance !! Notes
|-
| '''Arc''' || — || Bio-[[electrokinesis]] || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''[[New X-Men (2001 series)|New X-Men]]'' #123 (Apr. 2002) || 
|-
| '''Binder''' || — || Binding objects || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''[[Rom the Space Knight|Rom]]'' Annual #4 (Dec. 1985) || Killed by disintegration in ''Rom'' Annual #4 (Dec. 1985)
|-
| '''Black Light''' || — || Dark energy blasts || Shi'ar (mutated) || ''X-Men: Spotlight on... Starjammers'' #2 (June 1990) || Twin brother of White Noise;<ref name=xmsos2>''X-Men: Spotlight on... Starjammers'' #2 (June 1990).</ref> killed in ''[[Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard]]'' #5 (May 2010)
|-
| '''Blackthorn''' || — || Botanopathy (Communication with and command of plant life like himself) || Extraterrestrial sentient humanoid plant || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #157 (May 1982) || Member of the Borderers division
|-
| '''Blimp''' || [[Bouncing Boy]] || Bio-helium body contained within a specially constructed space suit || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''New X-Men'' #124 (May 2002) || 
|-
| '''Chakar''' || — || Flight, superhuman strength and durability || Shi'ar || ''Rom Annual'' #4 (Dec. 1985) || Praetor of the Imperial Guard; killed in ''Rom'' Annual #4 (Dec. 1985)
|-
| '''Commando''' || — || Nega-Radiation that gives him superhuman strength, durability, and intellect || [[Kree]] || ''Imperial Guard'' #1 (Jan. 1997) || Alter-ego is M'Nell<ref name=ImperialGuard1>''Imperial Guard'' #1 (Jan. 1997).</ref>
|-
| '''Cosmo''' || — ||  Flight, superhuman strength and durability || Stygian || ''New X-Men'' #123 (Apr. 2002) || Killed by [[Vulcan (Marvel Comics)|Vulcan]] in ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #480 (Jan. 2007)
|-
| '''Delphos''' || [[Nura Nal|Dream Girl]]|| [[Precognition]] || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''Inhumans'' vol. 3 #3 (Aug. 2000) || 
|-
| '''Fader''' || [[Invisible Kid]] || Invisibility || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''New X-Men'' #124 (May 2002) || 
|-
| '''Glom''' || [[Matter-Eater Lad]] || Giant jaws with the ability to bite through and consume all forms of matter || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''[[Quasar (comics)|Quasar]]'' #33 (Apr. 1992) || 
|-
| '''God-Killer''' || — || Telepathy, claws, quills, superhuman strength and durability || [[Uncreated (comics)|The Uncreated]] || ''[[X-Men: Kingbreaker]] #2'' (Mar. 2009) || Recruited by [[Vulcan (Marvel Comics)|Vulcan]] to his Praetorians faction of the Imperial Guard;<ref name=Kingbreaker2>''X-Men: Kingbreaker'' #2 (Mar. 2009)</ref> later imprisoned by the [[Nova Corps]] for war crimes, and finally transferred to Zan Philo's Corps starship ''Resolute Duty''
|-
| '''G-Type''' || — || Project body's intense energy through wrist-mounted flamethrowers || Hodinn || ''New X-Men'' #124 (May 2002) || 
|-
| '''Hardball''' || [[Bouncing Boy]] || Rubbery body which gives him superhuman durability and leaping power || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''Thor'' #446 (Apr. 1992) || 
|-
| '''Kwill''' || — || Projection of stun rays || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''Rom'' Annual #4 (Dec. 1985) || Killed by Tyreseus in ''Rom'' Annual #4 (Dec. 1985)
|-
| '''Mammoth''' || — || Superhuman strength and durability || Unidentified [[mammoth]]-like extraterrestrial race || ''New X-Men'' #117 (Oct. 2001) || Killed in battle with [[Cassandra Nova]] in ''New X-Men'' #122 (March 2002)
|-
| '''Monstra''' || Monstress || Superhuman strength and durability || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''New X-Men'' #123 (Apr. 2002) || 
|- 
| '''Moondancer''' || [[Dawnstar]] || Flight, long-range tracking || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''Quasar'' #33 (Apr. 1992) || Alter-ego is Myla; forced to resign from the Imperial Guard in ''Quasar'' #57 (Apr. 1994)
|- 
| '''Neosaurus''' || — || Projection of consciousness from one exo-body form to another || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''New X-Men'' #124 (May 2002) || 
|- 
| '''N'rill'irēē''' || — || Superhuman strength and durability; claws and teeth || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #155 (Mar. 1982) || Member of the Borderers division
|- 
| '''Onslaught''' || [[Karate Kid (character)|Karate Kid]]|| Skilled martial artist, superhuman strength<ref name=Austin /> || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''Quasar'' #33 (Apr. 1992)  ||
|- 
| '''Schism''' || [[Luornu Durgo|Duo Damsel]]|| Ability to divide into two bodies || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''New X-Men'' #124 (May 2002) ||
|-
| '''Sea Spine''' || — || Pheromones contained in her upper epidermis that can stun, poison, or incapacitate her opponents || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #157 (May 1982) || Member of the Borderers division
|-
| '''Solar Wind''' || — || Projection of energy blast from chest || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''Quasar'' #33 (Apr. 1992) || Forced to resign from the Imperial Guard in ''Quasar'' #57 (Apr. 1994)
|-
| '''Sp'yxx''' || — || Large creature with three heads; superhuman strength || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #157 (May 1982) || Member of the Borderers division
|-
| '''Squorm''' || — || Flight || Hive of thousands of vastly intelligent tiny worm-like creatures || ''New X-Men'' #123 (Apr. 2002) || 
|-
| '''Stuff''' || — || [[Shapeshifting]] || Extraterrestrial bio-computer || ''New X-Men'' #123 (Apr. 2002) || 
|-
| '''Trypthe''' || — || Enormous tripod creature with superhuman strength || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #157 (May 1982) || Member of the Borderers division 
|-
| '''Voltar''' || — || Razor-sharp blades (possibly replacing hands) with the ability to electrify || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''[[Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard]]'' #1 (Nov. 2009) || Killed while retaking the Imperial shipyards after the war with the [[Kree]] in ''Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard'' #1 (Nov. 2009)
|-
| '''Voltor''' || — || Projection of electrical blasts from hands || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''Rom'' Annual #4 (Dec. 1985) || Killed by Tyreseus in ''Rom'' Annual #4 (Dec. 1985)
|-
| '''Voyager''' || — || Teleportation || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''Quasar'' #33 (Apr. 1992) || Alter-ego is Divad; forced to resign from the Imperial Guard in ''Quasar'' #57 (Apr. 1994)
|-
| '''Webwing''' || — || Tentacles with sedative excretion, can capture others in body, flight || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #157 (May 1982) || Member of the Borderers division
|-
| '''White Noise''' || — || Sound wave projection and manipulation|| Shi'ar || ''X-Men: Spotlight on... Starjammers'' #2 (June 1990) || Twin sister of Black Light<ref name=xmsos2 />
|-
| '''Zenith''' || — || Capability to access and utilize the maximum potential of an energy-wielder's power<ref name=Austin /> || Unidentified extraterrestrial race || ''X-Men: Spotlight on... Starjammers'' #2 (June 1990) || Brother of [[Raza Longknife]] from the [[Starjammers]]; killed in ''X-Men: Spotlight on... Starjammers'' #2 (June 1990)
|-
|}

==Other versions==
===Age of Apocalypse===
In an alternate reality depicted in the miniseries, ''[[Age of Apocalypse]]'', Lilandra became the Admiral of the Shi'ar Grand Fleet and leader of the Imperial Guard. However, she was killed by her brother D'ken before she could stop him from taking control of the [[M'Kraan Crystal]].<ref>''[[Gambit and the X-Ternals]]'' #2 (Apr. 1995).</ref>

===Heroes Reborn===
In an alternate reality depicted in the miniseries "[[Heroes Reborn (2021 comic)|Heroes Reborn]]", the Imperial Guard is associated with [[Hyperion (comics)|Hyperion]] and most of its members were infected by the [[Brood (comics)|Brood]].<ref>''Heroes Reborn'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Heroes Reborn: Hyperion & the Imperial Guard'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===MC2===
An older, alternate reality version of the original Lilandra appears in [[Marvel Comics 2|MC2]] miniseries, ''[[Last Planet Standing]]'', escaping the Shi'ar Empire after it is attacked and devoured by [[Galactus]].{{issue|date=April 2024}}

==In other media==
* The Imperial Guard appear in ''[[X-Men: The Animated Series]]'' and ''[[X-Men '97]]'', consisting of [[Gladiator (Kallark)|Gladiator]], [[Starbolt]], [[Flashfire (comics)|Flashfire]], [[Oracle (Marvel Comics)|Oracle]], [[Smasher (Marvel Comics)|Smasher]], [[Titan (Imperial Guard)|Titan]], [[Hobgoblin (Imperial Guard)|Hobgoblin]], [[Warstar (comics)|Warstar]], Earthquake, [[Hussar (comics)|Hussar]], [[List of Marvel Comics characters: A#Astra|Astra]], [[Manta (comics)|Manta]], and [[Vulcan (Marvel Comics)|Vulcan]].{{cn|date=April 2024}}
* The Imperial Guard appear in the video game ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/10/17/ultimate-alliance-caged-lightning|title=Ultimate Alliance: Caged Lightning|last=Nix|first=Marc|website=[[IGN]]|date=October 17, 2006|access-date=January 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114142430/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/10/17/ultimate-alliance-caged-lightning|archive-date=January 14, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> consisting of Gladiator, [[Neutron (Marvel Comics)|Neutron]], Hussar, Starbolt, and Warstar. Several members of the Imperial Guard assisted [[Deathbird]] in taking the [[Shi'ar]] Empire's throne from her sister [[Lilandra]] while others refused to take part. Meanwhile, a group of heroes come to obtain a shard of the [[M'Kraan Crystal]] and defeat the traitorous guards, Shi'ar soldiers, and Deathbird in the process.
* The Imperial Guard appear in the [[Christopher L. Bennett]] novel, ''X-Men: Watchers on the Walls'',<ref>Bennett, Christopher L. ''X-Men: Watchers on the Walls'' (Simon and Schuster, 2006).</ref> consisting of Smasher, Manta, Flashfire, Astra, [[Nightside (comics)|Nightside]], [[Magique (Marvel Comics)|Magique]], Blackthorn, N'rill'iree, and Empress Lilandra.

==See also==
* [[Shi'ar]]
* [[Squadron Supreme]]
* [[List of Marvel Comics teams and organizations#Death Commandos|Death Commandos]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix4/imperialguard.htm Imperial Guard entry], The Appendix to the ''Handbook of the Marvel Universe''
* [https://uncannyxmen.net/groups/imperial-guard-superguardians UncannyXMen.net article on the Imperial Guard / Superguardians]

{{X-Men characters}}
{{Guardians of the Galaxy}}
{{Marvel Cosmic}}
[[Category:Characters created by Chris Claremont]]
[[Category:Characters created by Dave Cockrum]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1977]]
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[[Category:Shi'ar]]
[[Category:Space opera comics]]
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