Welcome to the seventh edition of Team Venom’s Greatest Graphic Novel Guide. For today’s spotlight I’m going to be talking about one of my favourite Comic Book events of all time, Secret Invasion

Published: 2007-2008 by Marvel Comics

Original Format: Secret Invasion #1-7

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Lenil Yu

Overview: Ever since the New Avengers was founded back in 2004 there had been hints at something major happening within the Marvel Universe that the Avengers couldn’t quite figure out. Fast forward to the first post-Civil War volume of New Avengers and we finally found out what that was; the shape-shifting alien race, the Skrulls had secretly infiltrated several groups within the Marvel Universe including replacing Elektra and Black Bolt, the leaders of the Hand and the Inhumans, respectively.

By the time the event kicked off, the Avengers were fractured and Captain America had been killed so the Earth was seemingly easy pickings for the Skrulls.

This event had everything – a fantastic plot and theme (who do you trust?), returns of characters long-thought dead, the deaths of other major characters, the reunion of the Avengers, Bucky stepping up as the new Captain America to help the Avengers in their time of need and a massive change to the status quo that was felt for several years after.

Influence In Other Media: The Secret Invasion story arc was loosely adapted (with a few changes here and there) for the second season of the animated series, Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

Our Verdict:

Rory Bailey “It’s no secret that Secret Invasion is my all-time favourite Marvel event. I swear this is probably the tenth time I’ve written about it for this site. Lenil Yu is one of my favourite artists and Brian Michael Bendis did a superb job with the New Avengers leading into this event (and following it). Secret Invasion set a very high standard for Marvel events which sadly has not been met since. Easiest book to rate – 10/10”