Best Shots Extra: Secret Invasion #5

Secret Invasion #5
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils: Leinil Francis Yu
Inks: Mark Morales
Colors: Laura Martin
From: Marvel Comics

In this month’s installment of Marvel’s summer event, Brian Bendis moves the story forward in quick succession; he manages to get the heroes on the same page while the Skrulls explain their plan to the human masses. Leinil Yu continues to improve on the art front as all hell breaks loose. He captures these moments expertly.

To date, I am completely enjoying Secret Invasion; the story is easy enough to understand and the creative players involved have proven there mettle time and again. Bendis nicely blends a mix of old and new characters to give the readers something more than “the same old thing.” By incorporating newer characters and giving them a chance to take center stage, Bendis is able to introduce them to potentially new readers in style.

With this issue, Bendis also deftly brings plot points from the first issue to fruition in a believable fashion. From dealing with Agent Brand and Reed Richards in space to the heroes in the Savage Land and the Bermuda Triangle, Bendis captures all of the important moments and ties them off as we prepare to enter Act Three. It was nice to see Mr. Fantastic acting emotionally, but still remembering his discovery from the first issue (How to identify Skrulls, a discovery that should prove very beneficial).

Bendis should be complimented on his handling of secret agent ladies this issue, as he allows Agent Abigail Brand and Agent Maria Hill to play pivotal roles and gives them some much-needed credibility. Agent Brand’s skillful manipulation of the Skrulls by utilizing her SWORD training was nicely handled; Agent Hill takes a piece of Nick Fury’s advice and attempts to one-up Jarvis the Skrull to great effect.

The biggest drawback to the story has to be the over-abundantly large cast of characters, as some of the major players make appearances, but say little to nothing, throughout the issue. It should also be mentioned that Bendis’ portrayal of Norman Osborne is a bit stiff as he comes across as way too normal.

One character that does get a lot of focus is Clint Barton (aka Hawkeye) as he goes through an emotionally tumultuous ride that, by issue’s end, seems to change the character completely. Yu nicely captures Clint’s inner turmoil with his expressive art.

Mark Morales and Laura Martin continue to make Yu’s art shine, but I can’t help but feel that a few of the pages were a bit rushed. Body proportions seem awkward in certain scenes, particularly those that take place in the Savage Land. Overall, Yu maintains a consistent look, and his emotional handling of Clint and Reed are well-done throughout the issue. It is obvious that Morales is getting more comfortable with Yu’s pencils as their collaboration looks cleaner and more focused.

Secret Invasion remains an entertaining read, and some of the revelations that come from this issue will make the reader question what could possibly happen next (but in a good way). Never once does the reader feel overwhelmed with the story as everything seems to be happening in a linear fashion. Also, the pronouncement by the Skrulls should have a lot of readers wondering what the future of the Marvel U might look like when this event ends.

Secret Invasion continues to be a compelling read with a lot of revelations taking place in quick succession. It’s a must read for any true Marvel Zombie.