Greetings, true believers! As we gear up for the highly anticipated Secret Invasion series on Disney Plus, it's time to dive into the comic book origins that set the stage for this thrilling saga. In the pages of Marvel Comics, Secret Invasion unfolded as a mind-bending crossover event, where the Skrulls, those sneaky shape-shifters, infiltrated Earth, leaving our beloved heroes in a state of paranoia and uncertainty. But hold onto your capes, for the Disney Plus show promises a fresh twist on this iconic storyline, delivering a sensational mix of familiar faces, new surprises, and Skrull-tastic mayhem!
It all begins after the Kree-Skrull War, a cosmic conflict that left our heroes shaken. Iron Man, Mister Fantastic, Namor, Black Bolt, Professor Charles Xavier, and Doctor Strange, a mighty group known as the Illuminati, form in secret to confront the Skrulls. These luminaries launch an audacious attack on the Skrull Empire, issuing a warning that any future invasion attempts would meet dire consequences. Alas, they are captured and subjected to intense scrutiny before making their daring escape.
Enter Princess Veranke, a Skrull with a bone to pick. She claims a prophecy foretells the annihilation of the Skrull homeworld and is subsequently exiled for inciting religious extremism. But destiny has other plans for Veranke, as the destruction of the Skrull Throneworld by the mighty Galactus grants her the throne. Armed with knowledge gained from studying the Illuminati, Veranke guides an invasion of Earth, donning the guise of the heroic Spider-Woman.
In a twist of fate, a breakout at the Raft prison forces Veranke to join the New Avengers, throwing a wrench into her grand plans. The Skrulls continue their infiltration, capturing superhumans left and right, while Veranke's machinations sow distrust among the superhero community. Elektra, leader of the Hand, is revealed as a Skrull named Pagon, adding yet another layer of deception to the mix.
As chaos ensues, the Skrull invasion wreaks havoc on the superhuman community. The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier and The Peak are disabled, the Baxter Building is whisked away to the Negative Zone, and Thunderbolt Mountain falls under attack. Skrulls posing as heroes run amok in the Savage Land, and the Avengers find themselves embroiled in battles against their shape-shifting foes.
But fear not, true believers! The heroes rally, with Mr. Fantastic devising a device to detect the Skrulls amidst the chaos. The criminal mastermind known as the Hood decides that "no more Earth is bad for business" and joins forces with the heroes. In a climactic showdown, Veranke and her forces clash with the united front of the Avengers, Nick Fury's Commandos, and an assortment of super teams.
Hawkeye takes aim and wounds Veranke, while Criti Noll activates a deadly trap that claims the life of the heroic Wasp. But fear not, for Norman Osborn steps up and puts an end to Veranke's reign, dealing a lethal blow. The remnants of the Skrull armada meet their doom, and Iron Man locates the missing heroes. However, the dark cloud of "Dark Reign" looms on the horizon.
As the dust settles, S.H.I.E.L.D. is dissolved, and Norman Osborn seizes control of the newly formed H.A.M.M.E.R., bringing together a secret group that includes Emma Frost, Namor, Doctor Doom, The Hood, and Loki. And thus, the "Dark Reign" storyline begins, setting the stage for more thrilling adventures.
In the upcoming Disney Plus series, Secret Invasion takes on a life of its own. While the core premise remains intact—Skrulls impersonating key figures and sowing distrust among our heroes—the show expands upon the comic book narrative, weaving its own web of intrigue. With a stellar cast including Marvel Cinematic Universe veterans Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Ben Mendelsohn as the shape-shifting Skrull Talos, the series delves deeper into the mysterious world of Skrull infiltration.
Drawing inspiration from the comic book source material, the Disney Plus show puts its own spin on the story, offering surprises even for die-hard fans. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe's trademark blend of action, humor, and heart, expect the unexpected as the lines between friend and foe blur, alliances are tested, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Brace yourselves for an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster ride packed with shape-shifting shenanigans and Skrull-tastic surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Remember, fellow comic book enthusiasts, to stay in the know and join the vibrant discussions surrounding Secret Invasion and more on That! Comic Podcast. Tune in every Wednesday and Friday for all the latest comic book buzz, insightful analysis, and the most entertaining banter this side of the multiverse. Embrace the invasion, and let the Skrull-tastic journey begin!