Warning: contains preview images for Secret Invasion #2!
In 2008, the Skrulls attempted a takeover of Earth in Secret Invasion and now they have returned to try again in a new sequel miniseries for Marvel Comics. Written by Ryan North, with art by Francesco Mobili, the five-issue miniseries will be in stores and digital later this year, just in time for Secret Invasion to hit the Marvel Cinematic Universe, in a new series on Disney +.
The first Secret Invasion shook the Marvel Universe to its core, with the revelations that some of Earth’s heroes had been captured and replaced by the shape-shifting Skrulls, as a prelude to a takeover; the Skrulls’ original home world had been destroyed by Galactus, leading to repeated attempts to conquer Earth. The Avengers learned that prominent heroes, such as Elektra, Hank Pym and Spider-Woman, had been replaced by Skrulls. The heroes were successful in stopping the Skrull invasion, but as with all events, there were long-term ramifications, namely Norman Osborn ascending to head of SHIELD as well as the formation of Nick Fury’s Secret Warriors. Secret Invasion will be coming to the MCU later this year, and to coincide, Marvel is releasing a sequel series starring Nick Fury, Maria Hill and Iron Man.
An article on IGN gave readers tantalizing details about the forthcoming miniseries. While no specific plot details were revealed, writer Ryan North mentioned that unlike the first Secret Invasion, which was a large, ensemble story, the sequel will focus on a handful of heroes: Nick Fury, Maria Hill and Iron Man, with North saying it “is really Maria’s story.” North also revealed that the heroes learned their lesson from the previous Secret Invasion, and that it would be “less Avenger vs Avenger,” instead focusing on the institutions in place to protect us and how they can “still fail under unexpected [loads].” North assured readers unfamiliar with the first Secret Invasion will still be able to enjoy the new series. North praised artist Francesco Mobili, particularly his use of mirrors throughout, tying into the book’s themes of identity.
Secret Invasion was an epic crossover event, continuing the momentum started with Civil War. Much like Civil War, Secret Invasion pitted hero against hero, but now with the fate of the entire planet in the balance. The heroes learned from the first Secret Invasion, developing new ways to detect and defeat Skrulls; they will not fall for it again. Themes of paranoia and distrust ran through the first Secret Invasion as the heroes learned who was a Skrull and who was not, and the sequel wisely avoids duplicating the formula that made the first a hit with fans and critics. North and Mobili will put a new and exciting spin on Secret Invasion, creating a stand-alone story that honors the spirit of the original.
Secret Invasion changed the Marvel Universe forever, and now with it set to the same to the MCU, a new sequel mini-series is being released, promising fans an epic new take on this classic story of Skrulls invading the Earth.
