Summary
Marvel Comics is one of the most expansive universes in fiction, having built an enormous catalog over the course of nearly one hundred years. Home to some of the most popular superheroes and villains in comics, Marvel is also home to multiple galaxies with their own societies, races, and empires.
The empires that comprise the Marvel universe can range from peaceful coalitions seeking enlightenment to violent and antagonistic collections of the most volatile worlds. Empires are a constant factor in the grand scheme of Marvel Comics and represent the primary causes of conflicts throughout multiple galaxies. Here are some of the strongest empires in Marvel Comics, ranked.
8Atlantis
The Mythic Sea Kingdom Of Legend
The Empire of Atlantis spans the entirety of the seven seas in the Marvel universe, residing on Earth and being ruled by the Atlantean king, Namor. Atlantis is the longest-reigning empire on Earth, having endured for thousands of years and witnessed multiple rulers. The Atlanteans are considered an evolved species of human beings, having adapted to underwater life, which grants them enhanced physical traits.
The Atlantean Empire is an incredibly advanced nation with powerful technological advancements kept secret from the surface world. Namor, their king, has a brilliant mind, is a former Avenger, recipient of the Phoenix Force, and half-Atlantean, half-human, making him one of the most formidable leaders in the world.
7Badoon
An Ever-Expanding Dark Horse Of The Galaxy
The Badoon Empire has a long and sinister history in the Marvel universe that has been a constant thorn in the side of multiple galaxies across the stars. The Badoon are a reptilian race and were the precursors to the Inhumans. Within a society divided by infighting and sexism, the Badoon have most commonly been portrayed as adversaries to the majority of the Marvel universe due to their allegiance to Thanos.
The Badoon exist with a dual government that separates the races by gender, with a brotherhood and sisterhood order of royals. As one of the oldest remaining empires, the Badoon are renowned for their aggressiveness and large numbers.
6Spartax
The Black Sheep Of The Universe
Spartax is a harsh Empire that resides in the Sol system, with a fair number of planets in its fold. The empire’s history is muddled in shady dealings, oppression, racism, and corruption. Even with its drawbacks, Spartax has accomplished monumental advancements, including interstellar travel and highly advanced technology such as universal translators.
Spartax was initially ruled by J’son, Peter Quil’s father. However, after his exposure as a traitor, he was stripped of his title, and now his son rules and has slowly repaired the empire’s reputation.
5The Kree Empire
A Borderline Warmongering Race That Hides Behind Class And Culture
The Kree Empire is one of the most well-known and frequently discussed empires in Marvel Comics, owing to its extensive history of conflict. During the Kree’s rapid uprising, they were initially involved in an extensive feud with the Skrull. The Kree are a highly intelligent race that has createdwondrous weaponsthat have reshaped the universe more than once.
However, due to the antagonistic nature of the Kree Empire, they do not get along with many other races in the galaxy. The Kree are formidable fighters and capable of catastrophic acts led under the rule of the Supreme Intelligence, a collective of the most brilliant Kree in history.
4The Shi’ar Empire
A Cosmic Level Threat
The Shi’ar Empire is one of the most prominent empires in Marvel Comics, entwined in the storylines of multiple characters, primarilythe X-Men. The modern-day Shi’ar Empire was ruled by Lilandra, a pragmatic intellectual who maintained a period of peace. Unfortunately, her rule came to an end after a coup, and with the dust finally settled, Vilcan had taken the throne.
The Shi’ar people are known for their oppressive nature and violent tendencies. The Shi’ar Empire encompasses over one million worlds that it has either joined or conquered. In terms of force, the Shi’ar have an exceptional arsenal at the ready, but their main threat is Gladiator, and an unstoppable force of nature.
3The Skrull Empire
A Sinister World Of Shape-Shifting Warriors
The Skrull Empireis a long-time antagonist in the Marvel universe, known for its centuries-long war with the Kree. The Skrull are a hive-based society where every citizen does their part to serve the queen. Additionally, the Skrull has one of the most formidable military forces in the universe.
The Skrull way of life is to bring peace to the cosmos — by force if necessary. For thousands of years, the Skrull have invaded and conquered worlds they deem threats, bringing them under subjugation. The Skrull people are loyal to a fault and possess several unique traits that make them incredibly formidable, including the Super-Skrull, one of the most dangerousvillains in Marvel Comics.
2Asgard
An Empire Of The Mightiest Beings In The Universe
Asgard is a name that spreads far and wide throughout the Marvel universe. Filled with unimaginably powerful god-like beings, Asgard is home to the Norse Pantheon. Founded by the All-Father, Odin himself, Asgard has been at the apex of empires for multiple millennia.
As a mystical race, Asgard is a society that combines magic and technology. Residing in a single realm, Asgardians are warriors by birth and have as long a history of conquering as they do at peace. Odin and Thor are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the strength and force of the Asgardian empire, and they are rarely antagonized out of fear.
1Intergalactic Empire Of Wakanda
A New But Imposing Empire
While the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda has a lineage spanning thousands of years, it is a newly formed pillar in the Marvel universe, created by a journey through time by present-day Wakandans. The impact Wakanda made in the past has ushered in a new era for the country and has elevated them into the cosmos, where they have garnered a coalition of worlds.
Being one of the most advanced civilizations on Earth, Wakanda now has relations with some of the most advanced worlds in the universe and has grown exponentially in all respects. T’Challa now sits upon a throne of millions and rules over one of the most formidable empires in Marvel Comics.
