Secret Empire (2017 comic): Difference between revisions
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==Plot== |
==Plot== |
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===Issue 0=== |
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Since the incident at Pleasant Hill, Captain America's memory was rewritten by [[Red Skull]]'s clone using the powers of Kobik. A "flashback" to 1945 during [[World War II]] reveals a meeting between Captain America and his [[Hydra (comics)|Hydra]] mentor [[Kraken (character)|Kraken]]. They visit a chained-up [[Nostradamus]] who warns Captain America of an upcoming American plot to rewrite reality so that Hydra will lose the war and Rogers will become the symbol he has merely been pretending to be. In the present day as the [[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 [[Carol Danvers|Captain Marvel]], the [[Ultimates (2015 team)|Ultimates]], the [[Guardians of the Galaxy (2008 team)|Guardians of the Galaxy]], [[Hyperion (comics)|Hyperion]], and [[Quasar (comics)|Quasar]] to intercept the Chitauri outside Earth's atmosphere as [[Riri Williams]] and the Tony Stark A.I. prepare an attempt to establish a planetary defense shield. At the same time, the [[Defenders (comics)|Defenders]] members [[Luke Cage]], [[Daredevil (Marvel Comics character)|Daredevil]], [[Iron Fist (comics)|Iron Fist]], [[Jessica Jones]], [[Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew)|Spider-Woman]], and [[Cloak and Dagger (comics)|Cloak and Dagger]] oppose an assault by various members of the Army of Evil in protest of the [[Avengers: Standoff!|events of Pleasant Hill]]. While Hyperion and Quasar are taken out of the battle by the Chitauri, Nitro explodes enough to defeat the Defenders. The villains disappear upon the [[Uncanny Avengers|Avenger Unity Division]]'s arrival and the Chitauri starts heading towards the Earth. Just as the shield is brought online which stops the approaching Chitauri ship, Steve plays his hand and reveals his "true" allegiance to Hydra. The shield leaves Danvers' forces trapped outside of Earth's atmosphere while those heroes in Manhattan are trapped in the [[Darkforce]] that was unleashed by Baron Helmut Zemo who used the [[Darkhold]] to enhance Blackout's abilities. The Tony Stark A.I. sends a signal out to the other Marvel heroes to meet Riri in [[Washington, D.C.]] as fast as they can.<ref>''Secret Empire'' #0</ref> |
Since the incident at Pleasant Hill, Captain America's memory was rewritten by [[Red Skull]]'s clone using the powers of Kobik. A "flashback" to 1945 during [[World War II]] reveals a meeting between Captain America and his [[Hydra (comics)|Hydra]] mentor [[Kraken (character)|Kraken]]. They visit a chained-up [[Nostradamus]] who warns Captain America of an upcoming American plot to rewrite reality so that Hydra will lose the war and Rogers will become the symbol he has merely been pretending to be. In the present day as the [[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 [[Carol Danvers|Captain Marvel]], the [[Ultimates (2015 team)|Ultimates]], the [[Guardians of the Galaxy (2008 team)|Guardians of the Galaxy]], [[Hyperion (comics)|Hyperion]], and [[Quasar (comics)|Quasar]] to intercept the Chitauri outside Earth's atmosphere as [[Riri Williams]] and the Tony Stark A.I. prepare an attempt to establish a planetary defense shield. At the same time, the [[Defenders (comics)|Defenders]] members [[Luke Cage]], [[Daredevil (Marvel Comics character)|Daredevil]], [[Iron Fist (comics)|Iron Fist]], [[Jessica Jones]], [[Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew)|Spider-Woman]], and [[Cloak and Dagger (comics)|Cloak and Dagger]] oppose an assault by various members of the Army of Evil in protest of the [[Avengers: Standoff!|events of Pleasant Hill]]. While Hyperion and Quasar are taken out of the battle by the Chitauri, Nitro explodes enough to defeat the Defenders. The villains disappear upon the [[Uncanny Avengers|Avenger Unity Division]]'s arrival and the Chitauri starts heading towards the Earth. Just as the shield is brought online which stops the approaching Chitauri ship, Steve plays his hand and reveals his "true" allegiance to Hydra. The shield leaves Danvers' forces trapped outside of Earth's atmosphere while those heroes in Manhattan are trapped in the [[Darkforce]] that was unleashed by Baron Helmut Zemo who used the [[Darkhold]] to enhance Blackout's abilities. The Tony Stark A.I. sends a signal out to the other Marvel heroes to meet Riri in [[Washington, D.C.]] as fast as they can.<ref>''Secret Empire'' #0</ref> |
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===Issue 1=== |
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Following the revolution, Hydra swiftly establishes itself as a dominant power, with academics on the rise like teaching to a curriculum that praises Hydra and condemns such ideas as [[List of Marvel Comics characters: E#Abraham Erskine|Abraham Erskine]] being the creator of the super-soldier program. In addition, the [[Inhumans]] are under orders to submit for registration as soon as their powers manifest or face arrest. Hacker Rashaun Lucas is entrusted with key data by [[Rick Jones (comics)|Rick Jones]] that Jones says will prove the truth about Captain America, but while Lucas successfully makes contact with the underground resistance, consisting at this point of the Champions and various unaffiliated heroes. As Doctor Strange and his team remain trapped in New York, Carol Danvers attempts to transmit a call for assistance to the rest of the universe as the space-based heroes run low on surprise while Captain America's "new" Avengers (consisting of Black Ant, [[Deadpool]], the [[Doctor Octopus|Doctor Octopus duplicate's Superior Octopus form]], [[Scarlet Witch]], [[Taskmaster]], [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor Odinson]], and [[Vision (Marvel Comics)|Vision]]) ruthlessly deal with any incursions on his territory. At a meeting with the Hydra council, Captain America rejects options to reaffirm control of the populace that would rely on further mental manipulation. Captain America later appeals to Sharon to believe that he is still himself at a private dinner, but Sharon refuses to consider this unless he frees Rick Jones. As Rick Jones is sentenced to death by firing squad, Captain America dispatches Hydra Helicarriers to raze Las Vegas for harbouring the Champions while still seeking a Cosmic Cube to "reverse" the Allies' rewrite of reality that ensured their victory in World War II.<ref>''Secret Empire'' #1</ref>. |
Following the revolution, Hydra swiftly establishes itself as a dominant power, with academics on the rise like teaching to a curriculum that praises Hydra and condemns such ideas as [[List of Marvel Comics characters: E#Abraham Erskine|Abraham Erskine]] being the creator of the super-soldier program. In addition, the [[Inhumans]] are under orders to submit for registration as soon as their powers manifest or face arrest. Hacker Rashaun Lucas is entrusted with key data by [[Rick Jones (comics)|Rick Jones]] that Jones says will prove the truth about Captain America, but while Lucas successfully makes contact with the underground resistance, consisting at this point of the Champions and various unaffiliated heroes. As Doctor Strange and his team remain trapped in New York, Carol Danvers attempts to transmit a call for assistance to the rest of the universe as the space-based heroes run low on surprise while Captain America's "new" Avengers (consisting of Black Ant, [[Deadpool]], the [[Doctor Octopus|Doctor Octopus duplicate's Superior Octopus form]], [[Scarlet Witch]], [[Taskmaster]], [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor Odinson]], and [[Vision (Marvel Comics)|Vision]]) ruthlessly deal with any incursions on his territory. At a meeting with the Hydra council, Captain America rejects options to reaffirm control of the populace that would rely on further mental manipulation. Captain America later appeals to Sharon to believe that he is still himself at a private dinner, but Sharon refuses to consider this unless he frees Rick Jones. As Rick Jones is sentenced to death by firing squad, Captain America dispatches Hydra Helicarriers to raze Las Vegas for harbouring the Champions while still seeking a Cosmic Cube to "reverse" the Allies' rewrite of reality that ensured their victory in World War II.<ref>''Secret Empire'' #1</ref>. |
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Revision as of 22:25, 3 May 2017
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- For the supervillain group, see Secret Empire.
| Secret Empire | |
|---|---|
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| Format | Limited series |
| Publication date | May 2017 |
| Main character(s) | Army of Evil Captain America HYDRA |
| Creative team | |
| Created by | Nick Spencer |
Secret Empire is a 2017 Marvel Comics storyline.
Premise
The storyline deals with HYDRA's takeover of the Marvel Universe after Captain America is transformed into a agent for the organization by the Red Skull.[1]
Plot
Issue 0
Since the incident at Pleasant Hill, Captain America's memory was rewritten by Red Skull's clone using the powers of Kobik. A "flashback" to 1945 during World War II reveals a meeting between Captain America and his Hydra mentor Kraken. They visit a chained-up Nostradamus who warns Captain America of an upcoming American plot to rewrite reality so that Hydra will lose the war and Rogers will become the symbol he has merely been pretending to be. In the present day as the 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 Tony Stark A.I. prepare an attempt to establish a planetary defense shield. At the same time, the Defenders members Luke Cage, Daredevil, Iron Fist, Jessica Jones, Spider-Woman, and Cloak and Dagger oppose an assault by various members of the Army of Evil in protest of the events of Pleasant Hill. While Hyperion and Quasar are taken out of the battle by the Chitauri, Nitro explodes enough to defeat the Defenders. The villains disappear upon the Avenger Unity Division's arrival and the Chitauri starts heading towards the Earth. Just as the shield is brought online which stops the approaching Chitauri ship, Steve plays his hand and reveals his "true" allegiance to Hydra. The shield leaves Danvers' forces trapped outside of Earth's atmosphere while those heroes in Manhattan are trapped in the Darkforce that was unleashed by Baron Helmut Zemo who used the Darkhold to enhance Blackout's abilities. The Tony Stark A.I. sends a signal out to the other Marvel heroes to meet Riri in Washington, D.C. as fast as they can.[2]
Issue 1
Following the revolution, Hydra swiftly establishes itself as a dominant power, with academics on the rise like teaching to a curriculum that praises Hydra and condemns such ideas as Abraham Erskine being the creator of the super-soldier program. In addition, the Inhumans are under orders to submit for registration as soon as their powers manifest or face arrest. Hacker Rashaun Lucas is entrusted with key data by Rick Jones that Jones says will prove the truth about Captain America, but while Lucas successfully makes contact with the underground resistance, consisting at this point of the Champions and various unaffiliated heroes. As Doctor Strange and his team remain trapped in New York, Carol Danvers attempts to transmit a call for assistance to the rest of the universe as the space-based heroes run low on surprise while Captain America's "new" Avengers (consisting of Black Ant, Deadpool, the Doctor Octopus duplicate's Superior Octopus form, Scarlet Witch, Taskmaster, Thor Odinson, and Vision) ruthlessly deal with any incursions on his territory. At a meeting with the Hydra council, Captain America rejects options to reaffirm control of the populace that would rely on further mental manipulation. Captain America later appeals to Sharon to believe that he is still himself at a private dinner, but Sharon refuses to consider this unless he frees Rick Jones. As Rick Jones is sentenced to death by firing squad, Captain America dispatches Hydra Helicarriers to raze Las Vegas for harbouring the Champions while still seeking a Cosmic Cube to "reverse" the Allies' rewrite of reality that ensured their victory in World War II.[3].
Issues involved
Opening Salvo
- Captain America: Steve Rogers #16
- Thunderbolts Vol. 3 #12
- U.S.Avengers #5
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
![[icon]](/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (April 2017) |
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.[4] 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.[5]
Controversy
The premise of the Secret Empire event itself has drawn ire from some fans online, with some claiming on Twitter that they would boycott Marvel comics as a result.[6] Adding to this was Marvel asking comic retailers to wear HYDRA shirts to promote the event.[7][8]
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.[9][10]
References
- ^ "Secret Empire Unites the Marvel Universe this May".
- ^ Secret Empire #0
- ^ Secret Empire #1
- ^ Schedeen, Jesse (19 April 2017). "Secret Empire #0 Review".
- ^ James Whitbrook (20 April 2017). "Marvel's Secret Empire Event Is Off to a Gutwrenching, Confusing Start".
- ^ Ian Miles Cheong (23 April 2017). "Comic Fans Boycott Marvel's 'Secret Empire' Because Captain America Joins the Nazis".
- ^ Arturo Garcia (22 April 2017). "Marvel Promotes Captain America 'Event' With Shirts Promoting Nazi-Linked Group".
- ^ Susana Polo (25 April 2017). "Leaked comic reignites criticism of Marvel's Secret Empire arc".
- ^ 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".
- ^ Rich Johnston (May 2, 2017). "In Defence Of… Secret Empire".
External links
- Secret Empire at Marvel Wiki