A Gift from the Primarch: Fulgrim’s Twisted Legacy
A Gift from the Primarch
This striking black-and-white comic panel from “If Doom Slayer Joins the Imperium of Man” showcases the twisted elegance of Fulgrim, the Primarch of the Emperor’s Children, in all his decadent glory. At the center of the scene, Fulgrim presents a grotesque yet beautifully crafted sword, claiming it was fashioned from his own bone. His expression is one of both amusement and superiority, his unnatural beauty contrasting with the eerie corruption that lurks beneath. The surrounding environment reflects his warped aesthetic, filled with serpentine and organic shapes, as if reality itself is bending under the influence of Slaanesh. His gesture is both a reward and a manipulation, as he sends a chosen warrior on a mission with this powerful but undoubtedly cursed weapon. It is a moment filled with temptation and ambition, setting the stage for a dangerous task.
A Mission of Chaos and Betrayal
The conversation takes a darker turn as Fulgrim commands his warrior to plunge the sword into an Ork, severing its psychic link to an unknown entity. The stakes are high—success in this mission could lead to ascension, a tantalizing promise that Fulgrim dangles like a prize. The scene is framed with tension, the warrior caught between duty and ambition, yearning for the approval of his Primarch. Yet, in the background, another presence looms—Lucius the Eternal, the infamous duelist of the Emperor’s Children, questions why an inexperienced neophyte was chosen over him. His frustration is palpable, revealing both envy and arrogance, as he believes he deserves such a mission. Fulgrim, however, remains cold yet affectionate, reminding Lucius of his own role and the favoritism that only fuels his descent into damnation.
Twisted Affection and a Father’s Love
As the conversation shifts, Fulgrim’s cruel nature becomes more evident, as he strokes Lucius’ head with both mockery and genuine fondness. He reassures Lucius of his worth, but also delivers a veiled insult, calling him envious and naïve. This moment reveals the deeply manipulative dynamic within the Emperor’s Children, where loyalty is rewarded with both praise and humiliation. Fulgrim’s final words carry a chilling truth—he would never send a beloved son to Nurgle’s realm, emphasizing the disgust and rivalry between the followers of Slaanesh and the Plague God. Meanwhile, the neophyte, overwhelmed by the Primarch’s attention, expresses desperate affection, reaching out with childlike devotion. The scene ends with a twisted father-son moment, a haunting reminder of how Chaos warps even the most fundamental bonds.
