In Comics: Secret Invasion

 

 

Written By Brian Michael Bendis

Art by Leinil Francis Yu

 

I've always held a bias toward Marvel Comics over DC.  I like some DC characters but DC stories and art always seemed otherworldly to me, more sci-fi than real world whereas Marvel was the first to be gritty and more set in the real world. 

 

DC is changing a bit, getting more gritty, but overall the locations are still not real cities and there's a lot of sci-fi elements that just don't appeal to me as much in comic book form.  Of course there are some characters in the DC U that I dearly love such as Batman and Green Lantern and I do follow them monthly. 

 

I say this in an attempt to be completely open with my Marvel bias before getting into my review of this first episode of the new limited series Secret Invasion from Marvel.

 

The Book

 

Many months ago it was revealed in The New Avengers comic that the Skrulls have invaded Earth and have apparently begun taking over the identities of several of the Earth's mightiest heroes.  Months and months went by with no real action on this revelation other than paranoia growing among the New Avengers.  Finally after way to long a wait a new installment of Marvel's "Secret" series, Secret Invasion, of story arcs landed and kick started the Skrull invasion story arc.

 

The story is written by Brian Michael Bendis, one of the best writers working in comics today, and he doesn't disappoint here.  Few writers can do so little in an issue and make it so exciting.  This first issue of eight is basically a set up story, setting the stage for what is to come in the next seven issues.  The process of setting the stage though does manage to do one thing that so many fans have been waiting for; it reveals several of the heroes that are in fact Skrulls as they get "activated".  Without just spoiling the list of revealed heroes let me just vaguely mention one reveal in particular.  This reveal is of a Skrull that's in fact not a hero at all but is still someone integral to the inner workings of many of heroes and someone who could fairly easily have a profound effect on the heroes.  It's a brilliant move by Bendis and it has me thrilled to see what happens next.

 

The only concern we should all have is just what kind of effect this invasion is going to have on the Marvel universe.  A lot has happened over the last year, not the least of which is the Civil War, the signing of the hero registration act, and the murder of Captain America.  Obviously all of these events are tied to the Skrull invasion but that doesn't mean that beating the Skrulls has to erase everything that's happened.  Weak writing could allow just that to happen.  Marvel has done this before; the original Secret Wars comes to mind.  Admittedly I wouldn't mind if the Captain America that was murdered ended up being a Skrull and the real one is being held captive somewhere along with all of the other heroes who have been replaced.  I really hope that everything doesn't just get tied up in a neat little bow at the end of this eight episode run.

 

Not a lot happened action-wise in this issue but the reveals were thrilling and the writing for the characters was top notch, what we've come to expect from Brian Michael Bendis.

 

9/10

 

The Artwork

 

Leinil Francis Yu has been doing solid work for Bendis on The New Avengers and that partnership continues to work in Secret Invasion.  Yu melds comic book art with cinematic realistic style to create a fun and kinetic art experience.  The only quibbles I have are that the dark color pallet and lower detail in the small panels makes it a bit tough to see what's happening in those tiny panes.  Overall though, great artwork here.

 

8/10

 

Issue one of Secret Invasion is a great start to what should be an incredibly important mini series in the Marvel universe.  Secret Invasion looks to be required reading for Marvel fans.  By the time you read this issue two may be hitting shelves so it's time to play catch up!

Overall ( Not an Average) 8.5/10

 

The Review

The Story 9/10

The Artwork 8/10

Overall (Not an Average) 8.5/10

 

-Stephen Lackey