ROAD TO EMPYRE
Before reading the massive cosmic conflict that will see the Kree, Skrull, and Cotati enter the theater of war, read the comic stories that lay the foundational history to Empyre! Two of the galaxy’s most prominent forces, the Kree and the Skrull, unite against Earth! But what’s led to this alliance?
PRELUDE TO WAR
Meet the Warners
In Meet the Skrulls (2019) #1
The Warners are your typical family. Dad works at Stark. Mom works in a senator’s office. Jennifer and Alice are students at Stamford High School. The only thing that makes them different is that they’re shape-shifting Skrulls and have infiltrated our society to pave the way for an invasion.
“Road To” One-Shot
In Road To Empyre: The Kree/Skrull War (2020) #1
The Warner parents from 2019’s MEET THE SKRULLS must educate their children on how and why the Kree and Skrulls first went to war! The future of their family, and people, rely on it.
A Secret War
In Incoming! (2019) #1
When a complicated murder required the attention of some of the best minds in the Marvel Universe, a mystery was kicked into motion of space-sized scale. The victim turned out to be none other than Bel-Dann, who had been working on Earth with Raksor on a mission to bring peace to their races! Before dying, Bel-Dann left a message not to trust the trees…
A History of Violence
In Avengers (1963) #133
Though most fans will remember the shape-changing Skrulls who debuted in FANTASTIC FOUR #2 and the Kree who first appeared in FANTASTIC FOUR #65, the Cotati might be more of a mystery. Readers first heard about the Cotati in this issue, when it was revealed that the telepathic plant-like race lived on the other side of Kree home world Hala.
The Kree/Skrull War
In Avengers (1963) #89
Read through issue #97! Intergalactic enemies, the merciless Kree and the shape-changing Skrulls, have gone to war! Can the Avengers bring about an end to the fighting before humanity falls? And what good are a dozen super-powered champions against the military machines of two of the great empires of the cosmos? One of the most important, star-spanning sagas in Avengers history.
Illuminati Involvement
In New Avengers: Illuminati (2006) #1
After the Kree/Skrull War, several Earth heroes—Mister Fantastic, Professor X, Doctor Strange, Namor, Iron Man and Black Bolt—gathered together and formed the Illuminati. This group covertly traveled to the Skrull home world to pressure them to leave Earth alone. Instead, the Skrulls got the drop on the heroes, tortured them, and extracted information that led to a major moment in the history between these worlds.
Avengers: Celestial Quest
In Avengers: Celestial Quest (2001) #1
Set the stage for the Cotati’s involvement in EMPYRE with Mantis’ starring series! This is a pivotal arc for fans of the Celestial Madonna, plus introduces her son, Quoi. For even more Kree-Cotati-Skrull history, read GIANT-SIZE AVENGERS #4.
Bel-Dann and Raksor
In Fantastic Four Annual (1963) #18
In the wake of the Trial of the Phoenix in the classic UNCANNY X-MEN #137, Bel-Dann the Kree and Skrull Raksor were left behind. They battled fiercely day in and day out even after the time when the Inhumans landed Attilan on top of their old city. Eventually, they were told by each of their leaders that they would decide the entire war between the two races with the Watcher playing referee.
Hulkling’s Origin
In Young Avengers (2005) #9
Unbeknownst to just about everyone, the Kree Captain Mar-Vell conceived a child with Skrull princess Annelle prior to the first Kree/Skrull War. That baby turned out to be none other than Young Avenger AKA Teddy Altman, AKA Hulkling, though his true nature remained a mystery until YOUNG AVENGERS #9-12.
War of Kings
In War of Kings (2009) #1
During WAR OF KINGS, the newly unified Kree faced off against another longtime threat, the Shi'ar and their new leader Vulcan, also from Earth. Even more recently, stories like ROYALS and DEATH OF THE INHUMANS have further influenced the Kree and their current status.