The Imperial Guard of the Shi'ar Empire was originally created for X-Men #106 (August 1977) by artist Dave Cockrum as an homage to his work on DC Comics' Legion of Superheroes. Far from being a mere off-handed spoof, the Imperial Guard proved popular with fans and became a fixture within the cosmic reaches of the Marvel Universe.

Foremost among the Imperial Guard is Gladiator, the team's super-powerful leader. Capable of standing toe-to-toe with Marvel's most powerful super heroes (and villains), Gladiator is as likely to approach Earth as friend or foe, depending on his current mission.

With arrogant sneer and fist clenched, the Gladiator mini-bust from Bowen Designs is sculpted by Erick Sosa, and available in a limited edition of 2,000 pieces.