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==Reception==
==Reception==
{{expand section|date=April 2017}}
{{expand section|date=April 2017}}
Secret Empire #0 and #1 have both received largely positive reviews. [[IGN]] rated Secret Empire #0 a score of 8.9, calling it "great", with a verdict stating that "Secret Empire probably isn't going to be for all readers. If you haven't been won over by Captain America: Steve Rogers over the past year, Secret Empire #0 likely won't change your mind. But for those who can roll with the concept of Marvel's brightest hero becoming its greatest betrayer, this issue serves as a strong start to what promises to be a very epic and emotionally charged conflict." The review also praised the artwork on the book.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/19/secret-empire-0-review|title=Secret Empire #0 Review|first=Jesse|last=Schedeen|date=19 April 2017|publisher=}}</ref> James Whitbrook of [[io9]] called it "Confusing," "gutwrenching," and "baffling," praising the dark tone of the story, saying "the sense of unease and despair that pervades Secret Empire #0 is phenomenal," and stating that "while Secret Empire’s 0-issue nails the gut-wrenching feeling of inevitable doom, it’s also perhaps tackling a little too much all at once" and noting that the series would likely be confusing for new readers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://io9.gizmodo.com/marvels-secret-empire-event-is-off-to-a-gutwrenching-c-1794497110|title=Marvel's Secret Empire Event Is Off to a Gutwrenching, Confusing Start|author=James Whitbrook|date=20 April 2017}}</ref> IGN called Issue #1 "great", stating, "While the art in this issue isn't quite as consistent as it needs to be, in general Secret Empire is shaping up to be one of the rare crossover events that actually delivers on the hype. This opening chapter sets the stage well, establishing a drastically different Marvel Universe that's already feeling the influence of Hydra's reign. It offers a winning blend of character drama, superhero spectacle, and even significant humor to balance out the darker moments. If that balance can be maintained over the long haul, readers are in for a treat this summer."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/03/secret-empire-1-review|title=Secret Empire #1 Review|first=Jesse|last=Schedeen|date=3 May 2017|publisher=}}</ref> ComicsVerse also gave the first issue a positive review, praising Nick Spencer's writing, calling it "fearless" as well as praising Steve McNiven's artwork, saying, "the team behind this book took a huge chance and it paid off. Lovingly crafted and obviously a passion project, this issue was worth the wait."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicsverse.com/secret-empire-1-review-bold-beginning/|title=SECRET EMPIRE #1 Review: A Bold Beginning|first=Nadia|last=Shammas|date=3 May 2017|publisher=}}</ref> The Comics Beat stated of Issue #1, "Secret Empire delivers as Spencer and McNiven devote the time and attention to their craft to deliver on the absurd premise baked within this massive crossover." IGN gave it an 8.6 with a verdict "Secret Empire #1 suffers from a few visual quirks, but otherwise starts off Marvel's newest event with a bang". <ref>http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/03/secret-empire-1-review</ref>
Secret Empire #0 and #1 have both received largely positive reviews. [[IGN]] rated Secret Empire #0 a score of 8.9, calling it "great", with a verdict stating that "Secret Empire probably isn't going to be for all readers. If you haven't been won over by Captain America: Steve Rogers over the past year, Secret Empire #0 likely won't change your mind. But for those who can roll with the concept of Marvel's brightest hero becoming its greatest betrayer, this issue serves as a strong start to what promises to be a very epic and emotionally charged conflict." The review also praised the artwork on the book.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/19/secret-empire-0-review|title=Secret Empire #0 Review|first=Jesse|last=Schedeen|date=19 April 2017|publisher=}}</ref> James Whitbrook of [[io9]] called it "Confusing," "gutwrenching," and "baffling," praising the dark tone of the story, saying "the sense of unease and despair that pervades Secret Empire #0 is phenomenal," and stating that "while Secret Empire’s 0-issue nails the gut-wrenching feeling of inevitable doom, it’s also perhaps tackling a little too much all at once" and noting that the series would likely be confusing for new readers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://io9.gizmodo.com/marvels-secret-empire-event-is-off-to-a-gutwrenching-c-1794497110|title=Marvel's Secret Empire Event Is Off to a Gutwrenching, Confusing Start|author=James Whitbrook|date=20 April 2017}}</ref> IGN called Issue #1 "great", stating, "While the art in this issue isn't quite as consistent as it needs to be, in general Secret Empire is shaping up to be one of the rare crossover events that actually delivers on the hype. This opening chapter sets the stage well, establishing a drastically different Marvel Universe that's already feeling the influence of Hydra's reign. It offers a winning blend of character drama, superhero spectacle, and even significant humor to balance out the darker moments. If that balance can be maintained over the long haul, readers are in for a treat this summer."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/03/secret-empire-1-review|title=Secret Empire #1 Review|first=Jesse|last=Schedeen|date=3 May 2017|publisher=}}</ref> ComicsVerse also gave the first issue a positive review, praising Nick Spencer's writing, calling it "fearless" as well as praising Steve McNiven's artwork, saying, "the team behind this book took a huge chance and it paid off. Lovingly crafted and obviously a passion project, this issue was worth the wait."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicsverse.com/secret-empire-1-review-bold-beginning/|title=SECRET EMPIRE #1 Review: A Bold Beginning|first=Nadia|last=Shammas|date=3 May 2017|publisher=}}</ref> The Comics Beat stated of Issue #1, "Secret Empire delivers as Spencer and McNiven devote the time and attention to their craft to deliver on the absurd premise baked within this massive crossover."


===Commercial Performance===
===Commercial Performance===

Revision as of 02:52, 8 May 2017

For the supervillain group, see Secret Empire.
Secret Empire
Cover of Secret Empire #1 (May 2017). Art by Mark Brooks.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
FormatLimited series
Publication dateApril 2017
Main character(s)Alpha Flight Space Program
Army of Evil
Avengers
Captain America
Champions
Defenders
Guardians of the Galaxy
HYDRA
Sharon Carter
S.H.I.E.L.D.
Ultimates
Uncanny Avengers
U.S.Avengers
Creative team
Written byNick Spencer
Artist(s)Rod Reis
Daniel Acuña
Steve McNiven
Andrea Sorrentino
Letterer(s)Travis Lanham
Editor(s)Axel Alonso
Tom Brevoort
Alanna Smith

Secret Empire is a 2017 Marvel Comics storyline. This limited series event addresses the aftermath of the crossover event Avengers: Standoff! and the ongoing series Captain America: Steve Rogers, in which Captain America has been transformed into a sleeper agent loyal to Hydra and has been covertly setting the stage to establish Hydra as the main world-power.

Publication History

The initial groundwork for Secret Empire was laid in the 2016 limited crossover series Avengers: Standoff! by Nick Spencer, Mark Bagley, and Jesus Saiz. In Standoff there was a moment when Captain America was transformed into his "former" self by Kobik, reverting him from a 90-year-old man to a young fit adult.[1] This transformation was explored further in the ensuing ongoing series Captain America: Steve Rogers where the transformation is revealed to have restored Captain America's memories as a HYDRA agent and set forth a plan to bring the American government to its knees and enable for HYDRA to become the world-power that it was always meant to be.[2] Throughout the rest of 2016 and the first half of 2017, subsequent issues of Sam Wilson and Steve Rogers along with certain issues of Uncanny Avengers and U.S. Avengers and the limited series event Civil War II unveiled how Captain America planned to alter the playing field covertly without the rest of the heroes becoming aware of his plan.

One of the many posters that was released as a teaser for Secret Empire

In early 2017 Marvel began to release teaser posters in anticipation for the Secret Empire event.[3] One month after the posters were released it was announced that the limited series would be sold bi-monthly and would be a total of nine issues including a prelude issue serving as #0, with issue #1 set to be released in May 2017 and issue #8 would end the limited series in August that same year.[4]. Editor-in-cheif Axel Alonso went on to mention that one of the main purposes for this event was to bring the heroes within Marvel back together ever since the divisive events of Civil War II and Inhumans vs X-Men as a unified group against a common foe as the Avengers, Defenders, Gaurdians of the Galaxy, Inhumans, X-Men, Ultimates, and Champions would all have a stake in this event.[5] In March it was revealed that some of the members of the creative team included Steve McNiven (Monsters Unleashed), Nick Spencer (Captain America: Steve Rogers), Andrea Sorrentino (Old Man Logan), and Leinil Yu (Star Wars).[6] In April it was announced that following the close of Secret Empire would be an 18-month hiatus for Marvel from big crossover events, the company's longest consecutive gap without any major crossovers in twelve years.[7] Issue #0 was released on April 19, 2017 and the first issue was released on May 3.

Premise

The storyline deals with HYDRA's takeover of the Marvel Universe after Captain America is revealed to one of their agents ever since the Cosmic Cube Kobik affected his memories.[8] This causes the rest of the superheroes to join forces and rebel against their former leader and friend to prevent the world from falling under Hydra's control.

Plot

Issue 0

Since the incident at Pleasant Hill, Captain America's memory was rewritten by Red Skull's clone using the powers of the sentient Cosmic Cube Kobik where he was made to think he was a Hydra sleeper agent during World War II. As Chitauri forces launch a massive attack on Earth, Steve Rogers is now head of S.H.I.E.L.D. where he is appointed head of Earth's defense forces during the assault. He dispatches Captain Marvel, the Ultimates, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Hyperion, and Quasar to intercept the Chitauri outside Earth's atmosphere as Riri Williams and the A.I. based on Tony Stark's consciousness prepare an attempt to establish an indestructible forcefield around the planet. At the same time, the Defenders oppose an assault by various members of Baron Helmut Zemo's Army of Evil. While Hyperion and Quasar are taken out of the battle by the Chitauri, Nitro explodes defeating the Defenders. The villains disappear upon the Avenger Unity Division's arrival. Just as the shield around the Earth is brought online, Steve Rogers reveals his allegiance to Hydra trapping Danvers' forces outside of Earth's atmosphere. Meanwhile, all of Manhattan is imprisoned within the Darkforce after Baron Helmut Zemo uses the Darkhold to enhance Blackout's abilities. The Tony Stark A.I. sends a signal out to the other Marvel heroes to meet in Washington, D.C. as fast as they can.[9]

Issue 1

Hydra's influence has spread to various facets of American society. Inhumans now must submit for registration as soon as their powers manifest or face arrest. A hacker named Rayshaun Lucas is entrusted with key data by Rick Jones that Jones says will prove the truth about Captain America. Lucas successfully makes contact with the Champions, who lead him to a base in Las Vegas housing various heroes who make up a underground resistance to the HYDRA regime. Manhattan remains trapped in the Darkforce and Carol Danvers' team of heroes remain trapped in space as she sends a distress signal for any space heroes to come help her. Captain America leads Hydra's version of the Avengers consisting of Black Ant, Deadpool, Odinson, Superior Octopus, Scarlet Witch, Taskmaster, and Vision who ruthlessly deal with any incursions on American soil. At a meeting with the Hydra council, Captain America rejects the option to reaffirm control of the populace through mental manipulation. Both Sharon Carter and Rick Jones refuse to believe that Steve Rogers is truly loyal to HYDRA. To make a statement, Captain America has Rick Jones sentenced to death by firing squad and dispatches Hydra Helicarriers to raze the city of Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Madame Hydra and Captain America continue seeking a Cosmic Cube to reverse the Allies' victory in World War II.[10]

Issues involved

Opening Salvo

Main plot

  • Secret Empire #0–9

Tie-in issues

  • All-New Guardians of the Galaxy Annual #1
  • Amazing Spider-Man Vol 4 #29–30
  • Avengers Vol 7 #9
  • Captain America: Sam Wilson #22–24
  • Captain America: Steve Rogers #17–19
  • Deadpool Vol 4 #31–34
  • Doctor Strange Vol 4 #21–23
  • Mighty Captain Marvel #5–7
  • Occupy Avengers #8–9
  • Secret Empire: Brave New World #1–5
  • Secret Empire: Underground #1
  • Secret Empire: United #1
  • Secret Empire: Uprising #1
  • Secret Warriors Vol 2 #1–4
  • U.S.Avengers #6–8
  • Ultimates 2 Vol 2 #7
  • Uncanny Avengers Vol 3 #24–25
  • X-Men Blue #7–8
  • X-Men Gold #7–8

Reception

Secret Empire #0 and #1 have both received largely positive reviews. IGN rated Secret Empire #0 a score of 8.9, calling it "great", with a verdict stating that "Secret Empire probably isn't going to be for all readers. If you haven't been won over by Captain America: Steve Rogers over the past year, Secret Empire #0 likely won't change your mind. But for those who can roll with the concept of Marvel's brightest hero becoming its greatest betrayer, this issue serves as a strong start to what promises to be a very epic and emotionally charged conflict." The review also praised the artwork on the book.[11] James Whitbrook of io9 called it "Confusing," "gutwrenching," and "baffling," praising the dark tone of the story, saying "the sense of unease and despair that pervades Secret Empire #0 is phenomenal," and stating that "while Secret Empire’s 0-issue nails the gut-wrenching feeling of inevitable doom, it’s also perhaps tackling a little too much all at once" and noting that the series would likely be confusing for new readers.[12] IGN called Issue #1 "great", stating, "While the art in this issue isn't quite as consistent as it needs to be, in general Secret Empire is shaping up to be one of the rare crossover events that actually delivers on the hype. This opening chapter sets the stage well, establishing a drastically different Marvel Universe that's already feeling the influence of Hydra's reign. It offers a winning blend of character drama, superhero spectacle, and even significant humor to balance out the darker moments. If that balance can be maintained over the long haul, readers are in for a treat this summer."[13] ComicsVerse also gave the first issue a positive review, praising Nick Spencer's writing, calling it "fearless" as well as praising Steve McNiven's artwork, saying, "the team behind this book took a huge chance and it paid off. Lovingly crafted and obviously a passion project, this issue was worth the wait."[14] The Comics Beat stated of Issue #1, "Secret Empire delivers as Spencer and McNiven devote the time and attention to their craft to deliver on the absurd premise baked within this massive crossover."

Commercial Performance

The series so far has been a commercial success, with issue #0 being the best-selling comic book of April 2017.[15][16]

Controversy

Marvel created controversy when it invited retailers to wear HYDRA shirts to promote the event.[17][18]

In other media

Season 4 of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired concurrently with the early issues of "Secret Empire" and featured the "Agents of Hydra" story arc that shared many similiarities with it. Both depict an American society being successfully taken over by Hydra after a heroic character was made to believe his allegiance was to Hydra his whole life due to a reality-altering device. Both storylines also feature lines that could be interpreted as references to then-current American politics as well as exploration of the lives of everyday citizens under the fascist regime. Although "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." focused on a different cast of characters, the similiarities between two storylines were noted by several reviewers.[19][20]

References

  1. ^ Captain America: Sam Wilson #7
  2. ^ Captain America: Steve Rogers #1-16
  3. ^ Schedeen, Jesse (6 Jan 2017). "MARVEL TEASES EVENT COMIC FEATURING EVIL CAPTAIN AMERICA FOR 2017". ign.com. IGN. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  4. ^ Schedeen, Jesse (10 Feb 2017). "MARVEL'S SECRET EMPIRE EVENT COMIC TO FEATURE 'THE WORST DAY IN THE MARVEL UNIVERSE'". ign.com. IGN. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  5. ^ White, Brett (10 Feb 2017). "Marvel Announces Secret Empire From Spencer, McNiven, More". cbr.com. CBR. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  6. ^ Dandy, Jim (15 March 2017). "Secret Empire: What We Know About Marvel's Next Event". denofgeek.com. Den of Geek. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  7. ^ Arrant, Chris (11 April 2017). "18-Month Event Hiatus For MARVEL After SECRET EMPIRE? Retailers Respond". newsarama.com. Newsarama. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  8. ^ "Secret Empire Unites the Marvel Universe this May".
  9. ^ Secret Empire #0
  10. ^ Secret Empire #1
  11. ^ Schedeen, Jesse (19 April 2017). "Secret Empire #0 Review".
  12. ^ James Whitbrook (20 April 2017). "Marvel's Secret Empire Event Is Off to a Gutwrenching, Confusing Start".
  13. ^ Schedeen, Jesse (3 May 2017). "Secret Empire #1 Review".
  14. ^ Shammas, Nadia (3 May 2017). "SECRET EMPIRE #1 Review: A Bold Beginning".
  15. ^ Mueller, Matthew (5 May 2017). "Controversy Creates Cash: Marvel's Secret Empire #0 Tops April's Sales Charts".
  16. ^ MacDonald, Heidi (5 May 2017). "April Sales: Secret Empire #0 Lifts Marvel; GNs fall".
  17. ^ Arturo Garcia (22 April 2017). "Marvel Promotes Captain America 'Event' With Shirts Promoting Nazi-Linked Group".
  18. ^ Susana Polo (25 April 2017). "Leaked comic reignites criticism of Marvel's Secret Empire arc".
  19. ^ Tom Bacon (23 April 2017). "From 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' To 'Secret Empire': How Marvel Has Embraced Politics In The Age Of Donald Trump".
  20. ^ Rich Johnston (May 2, 2017). "In Defence Of… Secret Empire".
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