Comic Review – “Secret War: Book One”

It should be made clear right now that this new
quarterly Marvel Universe-spanning miniseries has
nothing to do with the Beyonder.

General Information

Title: Secret War: Book One

Author: Brian Michael Bendis

Illustrator(s): Gabriele Dell’Otto

Original Publication Date: Feburary 11, 2004

Cover Price: $3.99 US, $5.75 Can

Premise

S.H.I.E.L.D. agents uncover an oddity in the cost vs.
income
comparisons of some high-tech villains.

High Point

The art in the panel depicting Nick Fury before the
screen with the
Jack O’ Lantern, from the low angle view. That’s
just a great looking
panel.

Low Point

The only character prominently featured on the cover
isn’t even in
this issue!

The Scores

This is an original concept. I can’t think
of any other time
this seeming discrepancy has been mentioned, and it
makes a heck of a
lot of sense. It also uses the prominent figures in
the Marvel
Universe without immediately going to the more
marketable figures of
Spider-Man and Wolverine. I give it 6 out of 6.

The artwork is excellent. There are four or
fives cases
where I’m not impressed with Nick Fury’s face, but
for a painted
comic, it looks great. I give it 5 out of 6.

The story is very well assembled. The
attention to detail is
clear, from the premise right down to the problems
the doctors have.
It’s only the first chapter, but it’s got some great
potential. I
give it 5 out of 6.



The characterization is limited to Nick Fury
when it comes to
depth, but that works. Other characters are clear,
and just not used
enough to really dig deep. I give it 5 out of 6.

The emotional response this produced was
very good. I wasn’t
sure what to expect, but this wasn’t quite it. The
fact that this is
still very good says a lot. I give it 5 out of 6.

The flow was interrupted by a couple of
sudden flashbacks.
(The heavy action hasn’t started yet, so we can’t
judge that portion
of the art yet.) I give it 4 out of 6.

Overall, it’s a solid opening to a new
Bendis miniseries. I
give it 5 out of 6.

In total, Secret War: Book One receives 35
out of 42.