Secret Warriors #6 *Spoilers*

[The Phoenix King]

Another great installment in what has become the best new series at Marvel. The opening arc ends off very strong, with another big twist that's sure to raise some eyebrows.

Here's a small summary:



* The Secret Warriors are hanging around their base when the panic button is pushed, summoning them to Fury. Stonewall is initially relucant to go, as he's been looking after the still-comatose Slingshot, but Daisy convinces him to come and take revenge on the Gorgon
* Back in present time, the Secret Warriors assist the HC PMC against HYDRA and HAMMER at The Dock. Stonewall and Gorgon go at it for a while, with the latter winning, until Stonewall suddenly grows thirty feet tall, muscles-up Hulk style and pounds the crap out of him. Dum Dum also manages to hack into the Helicarrier's control systems, bringing them online
* Meanwhile, Madame Hydra and Viper are in Japan, extorting the Yashidas into giving them control of their factories, as well as a mysterious golden box, in return for the lives of their women and children. The box is reportedly as old as Japan itself, and "no one who has opened the box has lived to see it closed." Silver Samurai is there, and he's definitely not happy that his lover has betrayed him like this.
* Back at the Dock, HYDRA pulls out over the Gorgon's objections. Kraken says that they will have to deal with a traitor before they can proceed with their plans further. The HAMMER agents turn on Fury, but he offers an ultimatum; defect over to the Howling Commandos, or he beats all 3,000 of them to death. They choose Option A.
* With the battle over and the Helicarriers in Fury's hands, he tells Dugan that they'll need to raise an army in order to fight HYDRA and HAMMER, and tells him to start recruiting, and ensuring the loyalty of those already present
* Afterwards, Daisy confronts Fury over all the stuff that's been happening, including the possibility that other teams of Secret Warriors exist, as well as bringing in the Howling Commandos PMC. While Fury tells her that he is proud of her and the team, he's not going to answer those questions, and that while he wants to fully trust her, he can't. He also tells her that he didn't press the panic button.
* Finally, Fury gets a call from the Contessa, and they discuss what's been happening.

And then we get the reveal.

Contessa Valentina Allegro De Fontaine is the new Madame Hydra. We don't know if Fury knows or not.

Definitely a first-class issue, filled with all the great action, spy drama and dramatic intensity that we've come to expect from Bendis and Hickman on this series. Casseli's art is great as always, and the colour work is pretty good as well.

It's also a big relief that the war with HYDRA has not simply wrapped up within the first arc. Bendis and Hickman have definitely put a lot of time into this, and this plot-thread is going to extend out for quite some time, allowing it to get the proper resolution and development. It's been set up nice in this first arc, and subsequent ones should continue the story in the same fashion. Good to see the Gorgon get a taste of his just desserts too, and the story is well-plotted and paced.

Overall, I'd give this issue a 9 out of 10. If you haven't started reading Secret Warriors already, then you are definitely missing something great. Also, you probably smell like poo :biggrin:

[Monty_Cristo]

this issue was a definite step up from what came before, for me. i still don't like any of the Secret Warriors (besides potentially Eden). but it's a good story.

[mata-leao]

couldn't help but read this review even though i have no idea what the secret warriors is or about.

just started reading comics again, so is this a completely new series? can someone briefly explain the idea behind the team, if it's even a team?

it's only at #6, so i'm considering catching up. will i need to know anything prior to picking up secret warriors?

thanks! sounds like an awesome read!

[The Phoenix King]

couldn't help but read this review even though i have no idea what the secret warriors is or about.

just started reading comics again, so is this a completely new series? can someone briefly explain the idea behind the team, if it's even a team?

it's only at #6, so i'm considering catching up. will i need to know anything prior to picking up secret warriors?

thanks! sounds like an awesome read!

Yeah, it's a brand new series, spinning out of Secret Invasion. In essence, it's a superhero/spy series, with a heavy emphasis on big conspiracies, long-running story threads, betrayal and survival in the world of the Dark Reign.

Basically, after the Secret War, Nick Fury found out about the Skrull inflitration before the other heroes did. Not being able to trust them, he assembled a team of "Caterpillars", superhuman individuals whose talents have not been tapped by any intelligence/law-enforcement agency, terrorist organization or superhero team. In essence, nobodies. These Caterpillars become the Secret Warriors, who are trained by Fury to help deal with the Skrulls. After the invasion, Fury keeps them around as his own little counter-terrorist force, dealing with stuff like HYDRA while hiding under the radar of HAMMER and the rest of the world.

There's a big emphasis on the age-old rivalry between SHIELD and HYDRA, as well as how the presence of HAMMER is affecting things. There are a lot of mysteries and issues of trust, with themes of betrayal and duty being a major part of the series. There are some major plot twists that had major implications for the Marvel Universe, the one at the end of the first issue being the biggest. Plus, the interactions between the various Secret Warriors and Fury is a major part of the series, with his authority being challenged and tested by some of the team, and these individuals who otherwise don't have much in common being forced to work together and team up in a high-stakes, high-stress environment.

If you're a fan of the TV series Alias or of spy-related fiction or of techno-thrillers, you'll love this. If you like big action and high-stakes drama, you'll love this. If you're a Fury fan, run out and get it. Secret Warriors is really multilayered, there's a lot of different plot threads, the stories can be approached from a couple different angles, and there are always new mysteries to keep you guessing and invested in the story.

As for issues you need to get beforehand, they were introduced in two issues of Mighty Avengers (the numbers I have forgotten), but by and large, Bendis and Hickman do a good job of introducing things for people who haven't read those issues before.

Not really a brief explanation, but I hope this helps!

[mdg1]

Called it:
http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=9182962&postcount=41

[Monty_Cristo]

Called it:
http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=9182962&postcount=41

so did i. :biggrin:
http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=9182962&postcount=41

[Jason Abbadon]

Phht. I called it back in issue ONE.

It's worth it though...it's unclear if Nick knows- I'm thinking NOT.


Hey! See Stonewall open the industrial can of whoop ass on the guy that deserves it most!

[Monty_Cristo]

Phht. I called it back in issue ONE.

It's worth it though...it's unclear if Nick knows- I'm thinking NOT.


Hey! See Stonewall open the industrial can of whoop ass on the guy that deserves it most!

he barely scratched the guy.

[mata-leao]

Yeah, it's a brand new series, spinning out of Secret Invasion. In essence, it's a superhero/spy series, with a heavy emphasis on big conspiracies, long-running story threads, betrayal and survival in the world of the Dark Reign.

Basically, after the Secret War, Nick Fury found out about the Skrull inflitration before the other heroes did. Not being able to trust them, he assembled a team of "Caterpillars", superhuman individuals whose talents have not been tapped by any intelligence/law-enforcement agency, terrorist organization or superhero team. In essence, nobodies. These Caterpillars become the Secret Warriors, who are trained by Fury to help deal with the Skrulls. After the invasion, Fury keeps them around as his own little counter-terrorist force, dealing with stuff like HYDRA while hiding under the radar of HAMMER and the rest of the world.

There's a big emphasis on the age-old rivalry between SHIELD and HYDRA, as well as how the presence of HAMMER is affecting things. There are a lot of mysteries and issues of trust, with themes of betrayal and duty being a major part of the series. There are some major plot twists that had major implications for the Marvel Universe, the one at the end of the first issue being the biggest. Plus, the interactions between the various Secret Warriors and Fury is a major part of the series, with his authority being challenged and tested by some of the team, and these individuals who otherwise don't have much in common being forced to work together and team up in a high-stakes, high-stress environment.

If you're a fan of the TV series Alias or of spy-related fiction or of techno-thrillers, you'll love this. If you like big action and high-stakes drama, you'll love this. If you're a Fury fan, run out and get it. Secret Warriors is really multilayered, there's a lot of different plot threads, the stories can be approached from a couple different angles, and there are always new mysteries to keep you guessing and invested in the story.

As for issues you need to get beforehand, they were introduced in two issues of Mighty Avengers (the numbers I have forgotten), but by and large, Bendis and Hickman do a good job of introducing things for people who haven't read those issues before.

Not really a brief explanation, but I hope this helps!

i really appreciate the detailed explanation! definitely seems like something i would enjoy reading, you've sold me.

thank you!

[LordEd1976]

Contessa Valentina Allegro De Fontaine is the new Madame Hydra. We don't know if Fury knows or not.

I am so calling BS on this. I thought Marvel was done with crap like this after turning the Scarlet Witch into an insane freak . I guess not, what next? Reveal Jarvis is secretly a crystal meth dealer?

[Jason Abbadon]

he barely scratched the guy.

He did far better than almost everything Wolvering or Electra ever managed- and it's looking like the size-power thing makes up for Gorgon's precognition gag (assuming he still has that).
Blood dripping from his mouth and everything.

See Druid make some Hydra guys all spikey and dead as hell on pg.10
Man, I really thought they were gonna give him a heart attack or something and kill him off- there was some bit of foreshadowing back in SI that looked that way to me.

Methinks Stonewall's dad is Nuke (or Nuklo) -the 1970's guy that got all big and glowy, not the daredevil guy.

[The Cool Thatguy]

I am so calling BS on this. I thought Marvel was done with crap like this after turning the Scarlet Witch into an insane freak . I guess not, what next? Reveal Jarvis is secretly a crystal meth dealer?

They'd never do that. Jarvis is male.

[Monty_Cristo]

He did far better than almost everything Wolvering or Electra ever managed- and it's looking like the size-power thing makes up for Gorgon's precognition gag (assuming he still has that).
Blood dripping from his mouth and everything.

See Druid make some Hydra guys all spikey and dead as hell on pg.10
Man, I really thought they were gonna give him a heart attack or something and kill him off- there was some bit of foreshadowing back in SI that looked that way to me.

Methinks Stonewall's dad is Nuke (or Nuklo) -the 1970's guy that got all big and glowy, not the daredevil guy.

Nuklo was mentally disabled. his dad's probably Ben Grimm or the Absorbing Man since it's supposed to be someone a little more mainstream.

[Expletive Deleted]

I am so calling BS on this. I thought Marvel was done with crap like this after turning the Scarlet Witch into an insane freak . I guess not, what next? Reveal Jarvis is secretly a crystal meth dealer?You're upset that a character in a spy book may be a double (or triple) agent?

[mdg1]

The real question is... if said character is a double agent... which side is being betrayed?

[The Phoenix King]

You're upset that a character in a spy book may be a double (or triple) agent?

Well said. Personally, I thought the reveal was excellent; it added another mystery for us, the readers, to solve; it further highlighted the treacherous and unpredictable nature of the plot that has been so engrossing; and it amps up the tension and leaves me wanting more. Personally, I have no idea if she's working for Fury as a mole inside HYDRA, working as a double-agent to betray Fury and is committed to the cause of HYDRA, or some combination thereof. For all we know, she could be pitting Fury and Strucker against one another, so that when the dust settles, she can pick up the pieces. I don't know and I want to find out. Thus, the reveal was a good one, for me at least.

i really appreciate the detailed explanation! definitely seems like something i would enjoy reading, you've sold me.

thank you!

Glad to be of service! Anytime.

[The Cool Thatguy]

Nuklo was mentally disabled. his dad's probably Ben Grimm or the Absorbing Man since it's supposed to be someone a little more mainstream.

Do you really think that they'd give Thing an illegitmate son?

[Monty_Cristo]

Do you really think that they'd give Thing an illegitmate son?

Wolverine has a few illegitimate kids. Nick Fury didn't really have much of a presence in his own son's life. why not?

[The Cool Thatguy]

Wolverine has a few illegitimate kids. Nick Fury didn't really have much of a presence in his own son's life. why not?

Fury and Logan are a little more grim and gritty than the blue eyed Thing ;)

[BugsySig]

Do you really think that they'd give Thing an illegitmate son?

Agreed...Besides, the Thing isn't old enough by Marvel's sliding time-line standards to have a child Stonewall's age--unless he sired him before he turned into the Thing. That wouldn't explain his powers, though, unless he got them from the Power Broker or something. Plus, all the other SWs have parents who are "villains".

Wolverine has a few illegitimate kids.

Wolverine has been alive since the late 1800s, so he's had plenty of time to father a few kids.

[Monty_Cristo]

Fury and Logan are a little more grim and gritty than the blue eyed Thing ;)

he's a street tough from Yancy Street who has had similar military experiences to Fury and Logan. his last name is 'Grimm.' he's made of 'grit.' :biggrin:

[Monty_Cristo]

Agreed...Besides, the Thing isn't old enough by Marvel's sliding time-line standards to have a child Stonewall's age--unless he sired him before he turned into the Thing. That wouldn't explain his powers, though, unless he got them from the Power Broker or something. Plus, all the other SWs have parents who are "villains".


that's why i also mentioned Absorbing Man. but you're acting like the caterpillars makes sense, to begin with. how old do you think Daisy Johnson is? does it line up with Calvin Zabo becoming Mister Hyde? how about Hellfire having a flaming chain? how do you pass that down genetically?

[Moose967]

This issue was amazing. The reveal was great and never saw it coming. Though I am wondering if Fury is actually getting played that well. He has to know...

[Brother Justin Crowe]

They'd never do that. Jarvis is male.

Anna Watson sold poisoned milk to school children.

[CaptainOtter]

Loved the issue, and there are still plenty of unanswered questions. The one I want to ask from this issue is who pressed the panic button? It had to be someone there who knew what was going on. I doubt it was Dugan or Jones. The only other people there were HYDRA agents. We don't know if the Kraken or Hive is anyone we know, although I don't think it was one of them. I guess this ties into the bigger question of what is HYDRA's big goal, but this is definitely building up to something huge.

Also, I don't know if anyone has mentioned this, but all the passcodes deal with Zodiac. Fury in issue 1, Strucker in issue 2, and now Dugan when working with the carriers. A tie between the three, or just a common code used in the SHIELD system?

[Gitaroo_Dude]

Loved the issue, and there are still plenty of unanswered questions. The one I want to ask from this issue is who pressed the panic button? It had to be someone there who knew what was going on. I doubt it was Dugan or Jones. The only other people there were HYDRA agents. We don't know if the Kraken or Hive is anyone we know, although I don't think it was one of them. I guess this ties into the bigger question of what is HYDRA's big goal, but this is definitely building up to something huge.

Also, I don't know if anyone has mentioned this, but all the passcodes deal with Zodiac. Fury in issue 1, Strucker in issue 2, and now Dugan when working with the carriers. A tie between the three, or just a common code used in the SHIELD system?

My guess is that it was the Contessa. She's the traitor in HYDRA's ranks, and is basically playing everyone to further whatever agenda she has.

[Moose967]

Loved the issue, and there are still plenty of unanswered questions. The one I want to ask from this issue is who pressed the panic button? It had to be someone there who knew what was going on. I doubt it was Dugan or Jones. The only other people there were HYDRA agents. We don't know if the Kraken or Hive is anyone we know, although I don't think it was one of them. I guess this ties into the bigger question of what is HYDRA's big goal, but this is definitely building up to something huge.

Also, I don't know if anyone has mentioned this, but all the passcodes deal with Zodiac. Fury in issue 1, Strucker in issue 2, and now Dugan when working with the carriers. A tie between the three, or just a common code used in the SHIELD system?

I think it's perfectly reasonable to assume that Kraken or Hive could be a double agent, who knows? BUT I really think It's Strucker. He and Fury could be working towards a common goal or something. Strucker may not like the new Madame Hydra...

[doublewhiskeycokenoice]

Wolverine has a few illegitimate kids. Nick Fury didn't really have much of a presence in his own son's life. why not?

here's the thing, i wouldn't say no, as that's the nature of comics, but i'd be pretty surprised if Marvel ok'd a member of a family based team with a somewhat reputable image, to have a kid he'd never heard of. again, it could totally happen, but if it does, i'll be pretty surprised.

although, i could totally see him being the kid of Absorbing Man, and Titania if the time lines match up.

[doublewhiskeycokenoice]

also, as a side note, i've been enjoying Hickman's run on this so much, i'm deff. gonna pick up F4 when he starts on it.

[Imraith Nimphais]

Well said. Personally, I thought the reveal was excellent; it added another mystery for us, the readers, to solve; it further highlighted the treacherous and unpredictable nature of the plot that has been so engrossing; and it amps up the tension and leaves me wanting more. Personally, I have no idea if she's working for Fury as a mole inside HYDRA, working as a double-agent to betray Fury and is committed to the cause of HYDRA, or some combination thereof. For all we know, she could be pitting Fury and Strucker against one another, so that when the dust settles, she can pick up the pieces. I don't know and I want to find out. Thus, the reveal was a good one, for me at least.

I am absolutley loving this title...and truth to tell, before issue one I was never a fan of Fury (barely ever read anything with him in it), I could not care less about Hydra and as far as I was concerned, SI happened in some alternate world's dream scape...I only picked it up because I was looking for something new and different from wot I was reading at the time (mainly mutant stuff)...And now? Now I cannot wait to get my hands on the next issue...:smile:

[Methalius]

also, as a side note, i've been enjoying Hickman's run on this so much, i'm deff. gonna pick up F4 when he starts on it.

Does he start that with #570?

[RunningWithJuanPablo]

This was great. Finally, Druid's baphomets were back in action. I was also surprised that the HC guy with the glasses who was pwned by the Gorgon's sword when he saved Fury survived, which is awesome because he seems like a cool cat. This book has been great so far, something I highly recommend. Props to all of you who had Contessa pegged as Madame Hydra.

[Monty_Cristo]

This was great. Finally, Druid's baphomets were back in action. I was also surprised that the HC guy with the glasses who was pwned by the Gorgon's sword when he saved Fury survived, which is awesome because he seems like a cool cat. This book has been great so far, something I highly recommend. Props to all of you who had Contessa pegged as Madame Hydra.

that's Jasper Sitwell. he's been around a long long time; used to show up a lot in Iron Man's book.

[Phantom Druid]

This was great. Finally, Druid's baphomets were back in action. Yeah that was bad ass. I wish we can get a little more info on his power set though. So far it seems his main power is the ability to summon otherworldy creatures like monster/demons. One time he appeared to summon some kind of green storm that made the bad guy's jetpacks putter out. They havn't gotten into his dad's ritual book yet, so i'm assuming he's still using his natural powers from his DNA. Excellant issue all around though.

[jackolover]

that's why i also mentioned Absorbing Man. but you're acting like the caterpillars makes sense, to begin with. how old do you think Daisy Johnson is? does it line up with Calvin Zabo becoming Mister Hyde? how about Hellfire having a flaming chain? how do you pass that down genetically?

Calvin Zabo just got pawned by Punisher in Remenders book. I wonder if Mr Hyde knows his daughter works for Nick Fury. Hyde works for the Hood.

[jackolover]

Loved the issue, and there are still plenty of unanswered questions. The one I want to ask from this issue is who pressed the panic button? It had to be someone there who knew what was going on. I doubt it was Dugan or Jones. The only other people there were HYDRA agents. We don't know if the Kraken or Hive is anyone we know, although I don't think it was one of them. I guess this ties into the bigger question of what is HYDRA's big goal, but this is definitely building up to something huge.

Also, I don't know if anyone has mentioned this, but all the passcodes deal with Zodiac. Fury in issue 1, Strucker in issue 2, and now Dugan when working with the carriers. A tie between the three, or just a common code used in the SHIELD system?

I noticed this too. Zodiac is a common thread, but I don't think it refers to the Dark Reign:Zodiac character currently in publication? Wasn't there another one somewhere?

[jackolover]

I think it's perfectly reasonable to assume that Kraken or Hive could be a double agent, who knows? BUT I really think It's Strucker. He and Fury could be working towards a common goal or something. Strucker may not like the new Madame Hydra...

Strucker put Mada Hydra on the spot, to launch HYDRAs attack against Fury, so Strucker may have already smelt a rat. Madam Hydra never flinched, and said, "lets do it", and as she's the Contessa, it makes you wonder maybe she wants this to come to a head. Either the Contessa fought the real MH for the title, or, the Contessa kidnapped her and took her place. My feeling is Strucker knows what happened because he knows everyone's business, so he knows about MH. Strucker is playing along, because even though HYDRA may not kill Fury's resistance off, it just means that the REAL HYDRA agenda will come to the fore.

[jackolover]

I am absolutley loving this title...and truth to tell, before issue one I was never a fan of Fury (barely ever read anything with him in it), I could not care less about Hydra and as far as I was concerned, SI happened in some alternate world's dream scape...I only picked it up because I was looking for something new and different from wot I was reading at the time (mainly mutant stuff)...And now? Now I cannot wait to get my hands on the next issue...:smile:

This is the SHIELD book, and it has returned in force. We used to get these kind of stories way back with Stan Lee and Steranko, where there were no super heroes, and just agents who got killed. Now we are getting a mixture of the secret agents (Fury, Howlers, Contessa), and the super heroes (Secret Warriors) in one book, and this transforms it up a scale. I hope this leads to the reformation of SHIELD, and it's redeemed standing in the world community.

We were missing the soul of heroism when Steve Rogers was taken. We lost the integrity of the world when SHIELD was taken. Hopefully, these icons make their way back into the world, after a great struggle that puts them back on the stage.

[Mark_S]

I'm curious, if Nick is gathering an army to go after HYDRA and HAMMER how does he go after HAMMER without trying to stage a take over of the US? HAMMER is a US force with a presidential appointed commander. If Nick is going to take HAMMER down how can he do that without going against the US government? Also if he is recruiting HAMMER agents just how reliable are they?

Mark_S

[Monty_Cristo]

I'm curious, if Nick is gathering an army to go after HYDRA and HAMMER how does he go after HAMMER without trying to stage a take over of the US? HAMMER is a US force with a presidential appointed commander. If Nick is going to take HAMMER down how can he do that without going against the US government? Also if he is recruiting HAMMER agents just how reliable are they?

Mark_S

that's why he told Dugan to use Agent Hooks (their telepath) to weed out the disloyal.

[mdg1]

I noticed this too. Zodiac is a common thread, but I don't think it refers to the Dark Reign:Zodiac character currently in publication? Wasn't there another one somewhere?

Yes, the original crime syndicate, led by Scorpio (wielder of the Zodiac Key).

Scorpio's real name?

Jacob Fury....

[Green Griffin]

I'm picking up the series for the next Arc. I do love some Ares action, it will be my first time reading the series.

I've read Wikipedia about the team. Stone told Mr. Fantastic before being cut off that his Father name was Henry. Purhaps because of his size changing powers he is the son of Hank Pym.

[Monty_Cristo]

I'm picking up the series for the next Arc. I do love some Ares action, it will be my first time reading the series.

I've read Wikipedia about the team. Stone told Mr. Fantastic before being cut off that his Father name was Henry. Purhaps because of his size changing powers he is the son of Hank Pym.

he looks so not like what i would expect the son of hank pym to look like. and it sure as hell isn't Janet's kid. it would have to be Maria his first wife unless Pym hooked up with a villainess somewhere along the way.

[Green Griffin]

he looks so not like what i would expect the son of hank pym to look like. and it sure as hell isn't Janet's kid. it would have to be Maria his first wife unless Pym hooked up with a villainess somewhere along the way.

It was just a guess, but if it is right. Hooray for me and would that make pym both a woman beater and a deadbeat dad?

[Monty_Cristo]

It was just a guess, but if it is right. Hooray for me and would that make pym both a woman beater and a deadbeat dad?

he never played catch with Ultron and look how he turned out.

[Phantom Druid]

I'm picking up the series for the next Arc. I do love some Ares action, it will be my first time reading the series. The next arc does indeed sound exciting, judging by it's description. "Baron Strucker and Norman Osborn team up to drive out the Marvel Universe's ultimate covert superteam. It's wall-to-wall insanity as the Dark Avengers and the Thunderbolts go after the Secret Warriors. It's time for Ares to get his son back! GOD OF FEAR. GOD OF WAR. Part one of four!"

I hope you enjoy the title.

[Phantom Druid]

Secret warriors is my fist exposure to the villain the Gorgon. I think he is an intriguing villain, so I did a background check on wiki, etc. I was wondering, when Hellfire wrapped his fire chain around him, it did absolutely nothing. From what I understand, the Gorgon does have regenerative healing, but to what extent? Is it like Wolverine's or something? He took Hellfire's chain and was like... "Psyche!"

[Will.S]

I was surprised with how well this issue wrapped up.

While I would have liked to have seen a bit more action and seen the Secret Warriors handle the fight a bit more effectively, the arc moved all of the pieces in place effectively while still maintaining an air of menace surrounding Hydra, even in defeat.

The best parts of the issue mostly involve seeing Nick Fury and Dum Dum working together as well as the Howling Commandos pulling of a mission successfully. Every moment mattered and the battles felt like they had an air of danger and menace as well as overall general progress from one goal to another. The scene with Nick and the HAMMER agents giving up was very cool too.

I also enjoyed the smaller character moments between Daisy and Jerry as they watched over Yo Yo's recovery as well as Nick Fury and Daisy's conversation towards the end. The ending with Contessa was certainly a great reveal since most of the time Hickman had me wondering just who the hell took Madame Hydra's place with Viper right there along with her. But judging from Kraken's statement before teleporting out of the battlefield, it looks like he may already be onto her which makes her undercover assignment all the more dangerous for her.

Loved the cameo with Silver Samurai but I have to wonder if he got his hand back or if he's using some sort of prosthetic hand of some sort. It's refreshing to see Jerry kick Gorgon's ass, he's been quite a big threat to the team throughout this arc so he had it coming for a while. I'm not sure what to make of Eden though, he seems cool enough but he doesn't do much else than teleport but then again this was his first mission.

Caselli and Rudoni as always continue to kick ass the only way they could with the darker colors and more monotone color palettes which suit the book very well. Loved the way the sunset scenes looked too.

The upcoming Nick Fury/Ares arc is going to be really interesting to see play out since the Alexander thing was something that needed to be addressed at some point given how long both Alexander and Ares have fallen out of touch with each other.

This book continues to chew bubble gum and kick ass.

9/10

[Will.S]

Secret warriors is my fist exposure to the villain the Gorgon. I think he is an intriguing villain, so I did a background check on wiki, etc. I was wondering, when Hellfire wrapped his fire chain around him, it did absolutely nothing. From what I understand, the Gorgon does have regenerative healing, but to what extent? Is it like Wolverine's or something? He took Hellfire's chain and was like... "Psyche!"
Don't you mean The Hive?

The Davy Jones looking dude with the tentacles on his head?

[Phantom Druid]

Don't you mean The Hive?

The Davy Jones looking dude with the tentacles on his head? Oh, dude, you are totally right, my bad. Does Hive have insta-heal or something too? Why didn't Hellfire's chain mess up Hive's hand, I wonder? That's like Hellfire's signature weapon, and if it's that weak, well then, hmmm.

[Green Griffin]

he never played catch with Ultron and look how he turned out.

Poor Ultron, all he wanted was alittle attention.

[Jason Abbadon]

Yeah that was bad ass. I wish we can get a little more info on his power set though. So far it seems his main power is the ability to summon otherworldy creatures like monster/demons. One time he appeared to summon some kind of green storm that made the bad guy's jetpacks putter out. They havn't gotten into his dad's ritual book yet, so i'm assuming he's still using his natural powers from his DNA. Excellant issue all around though.

Dont forget that panel where he has huge spikes sprouting from inside those Hydra agents!

I'm thinking that his powers are probably magic-based but controlled by his physical uniqueness- smae with the Hellfire whip or Adam Warlock's current powers- no magic schooling or ancient texts needed to kick butt.

One thing I was kinda disapointed in was Strucker did nothing but defend againt Daisy in one panel....we also dont get to see Kracken fight (though he obviously does from the one panel he's facing Phobos and Hellfire (and the damage to his armor when the fight concludes).

It's a great issue but it really should have lasted another issue so we could see the fight in detail, IMHO.
Yes, the original crime syndicate, led by Scorpio (wielder of the Zodiac Key).

Scorpio's real name?

Jacob Fury....

Sorta.
The original Zodiac were losers that had a criminal empire and dressed up like zodiac symbols- Jacob Fury, useing an extrradimensional weapon called the Zodiac Key infiltrated the organization as Scorpio, eventually used the Key to kill the other Zodiac members, went after Nick and got himself killed.
Jacob had some link to the Key- and it ressurected him with an advanced LMD body and eventually used the Key to kill the other Zodiac members and,-get this- the Key could make Deltite-Level LMD's that represented (and embodied concepts of) the Zodiac sybbols.
jacob/Scorpion fought the West Coast Avengers and seemed unbeatable untill he ordered the Key to use it's teleportational abilities to send both the WCA and his Zodiac cartel to the dimension the Key came from.
The LMD bodies could not function in that other dimension and he "died" again.

Here's the oddest part- this other dimension is inhabited by robed monks of seemingly sinister purpose (possibly tied to HYDRA?) that worship the Key (which is itself alive).

Years later, Nick's son Mikel would try to kill him (he was brainwashed by his bitter mom, whom Nick had dumped hard years prior).
Mikel used a technological replica of the key (not alive, no powers other than massive plasma beam projection) in his guise as the second Scorpio.
Wolverine and Nick managed to capture mikel and Mikel was de-programmed by SHIELD, trained by Nick and became a freedom fighter in his native (fictional) european homeland- apparantly codenamed Scorpio.

No clue where Mikel, Jacob or the mystical Scorpio Key fit into anything yet.

As to Zodiac passwords, it's possible that they represent twelve highest ranking officers in the former SHIELD (Strucker being unkown to the others) or that (and this is medded up) Nick and Strucker are members of a new Zodiac cartel which manipulates world events- kinda a spy-illuminati, if you will.

Due to BAD WRITING, the Zodiac bozo in that dark reign limited series is shown to have killed the same zodiac cartel that Jacob Fury replaced with LMD's waaaay back in West Coast Avengers.
Seriously, I sometimes think writers look at old MU Handbooks for character ideas and dont bother to Wiki or whatever to learn a charcater's current disposition (like them haveing been dead for decades).
I guess you could say that a whole new group had assumed the old Zodiac roles and then got killed by this new guy calling himself Zodiac, but it's a big stretch.

[jackolover]

Yes, the original crime syndicate, led by Scorpio (wielder of the Zodiac Key).

Scorpio's real name?

Jacob Fury....

I don't know. Is Jacob Fury maybe some sleeper of some sort?

[mdg1]

I don't know. Is Jacob Fury maybe some sleeper of some sort?

Well, technically, he's dead. But that never stopped him before.

There's also the second Scorpio, Mikel Fury. He's Nick's son....

With regards to The Hive. He's a new character, so his abilities are unquantified. I wouldn't be surprised if he's also magical.

[mdg1]

Actually, all of this reminds me of this page:

http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix2/scorpiojakefury.htm

which suggests that Steranko originally planned for Scorpio to be Von Strucker himself.

[CaptainOtter]

Yes, the original crime syndicate, led by Scorpio (wielder of the Zodiac Key).

Scorpio's real name?

Jacob Fury....

Yeah, Fury has a strong emotional attachment to the Zodiac group. But what about Dugan or Strucker? They might, I don't know, but I there is a link between those codes. I still can't shake the feeling that maybe Strucker and Fury are somehow working for the same thing. I have no idea what this might be, as Strucker is rebuilding HYDRA while Nick seems to want to stop him.

And I don't think Madame Hydra/Contessa pressed the switch. She would have no idea what's going on, seeing as she wasn't in the battle. Unless she just wanted to be safe that is, but that sounds like a cop out. Unless the two new guys are double agents, Strucker is the only one left. Keep in mind the Kraken new about the assault but never told his source. It could be him just being sneaky, or it could be a collaberation between him and Fury.

[Will.S]

How much you guys wanna bet that Yo Yo gets bionic limbs?

If they manage to reattach her arms I'll be very impressed given how bionic/prosthetic limbs seem to be all the rage these days.

[jackolover]

Yeah, Fury has a strong emotional attachment to the Zodiac group. But what about Dugan or Strucker? They might, I don't know, but I there is a link between those codes. I still can't shake the feeling that maybe Strucker and Fury are somehow working for the same thing. I have no idea what this might be, as Strucker is rebuilding HYDRA while Nick seems to want to stop him.

And I don't think Madame Hydra/Contessa pressed the switch. She would have no idea what's going on, seeing as she wasn't in the battle. Unless she just wanted to be safe that is, but that sounds like a cop out. Unless the two new guys are double agents, Strucker is the only one left. Keep in mind the Kraken new about the assault but never told his source. It could be him just being sneaky, or it could be a collaberation between him and Fury.

Keep in mind Nick Fury snubbed both Dugan and the Contessa when they came out of that Skrull ship. Maybe Nick already knew one or both of them was a traitor, and all bets were off. I never trusted that Contessa, and it doesn't surprise me one bit that she is Madam Hydra. Maybe Nick was right to be suspicious of her. Sleeping with her is one thing. Trusting her is another thing. You can sleep with the enemy, but you can't cooperate with them.

[Phantom Druid]

Dont forget that panel where he has huge spikes sprouting from inside those Hydra agents! yeah, when I saw that I was like , "whoah", dudes apparently got some pretty potent abilites.

I'm thinking that his powers are probably magic-based but controlled by his physical uniqueness- same with the Hellfire whip or Adam Warlock's current powers- no magic schooling or ancient texts needed to kick butt. Yeah, I like how he has his current powers, but they also left room for development by giving him Doctor Druid's book of rituals, which could further enhance his esoteric and mystical knowledge as well, and perhaps give him the ability to call aid from the gods.

[Omega Alpha]

What a great issue. Always great to see Dum Dum and Nick working together, and it introduced a lot of very interesting new mysteries. Can't wait to see where it goes.

[Sighphi]

Alright, so HAMMER keeping the horrendous security overrides from SHIELD was the equivalent of Red Hulk punching out an Elder of the Universe................AKA stooooopid.

The reveal was ..... well, like Red Hulk punching the Watcher.Contessa JUST stepped off a Skrull ship because she was replaced and somehow she infiltrated HYDRA as one of the top heads? Either she is THAT good or HYDRA is THAT dumb which makes SHIELD and Fury ULTRA dumb for not knowing the rebuilt SHIELD was filled with HYDRA agents.

The levels of dumb in this book are off the chart.

At least Stoneman was interesting. I'm guessing he is the Grey Gargoyle's son.

[mdg1]

Well, they probably don't have the funds or time to completely rewire those helicarriers. The idea would be that if they were ever hijacked, the person who stole them wouldn't be able to easily remove that backdoor. Given SHIELD's history with stolen carriers, it's a logical security measure.

Of course, nobody ever _dreamed_ Dugan would be the one doing the hijacking. :)

As for all the Zodiac references...I wonder if the signs they use have meaning.

Nick: Gemini. Cunning & adaptable
Strucker: Sagittarius. Opportunistic & charismatic
Dugan: Libra. Perceptive & easygoing.

[Sighphi]

Well, they probably don't have the funds or time to completely rewire those helicarriers. The idea would be that if they were ever hijacked, the person who stole them wouldn't be able to easily remove that backdoor. Given SHIELD's history with stolen carriers, it's a logical security measure.

Of course, nobody ever _dreamed_ Dugan would be the one doing the hijacking. :)


So the idea is that since they are going to be stolen anyway let's make them easy to get back?

If HAMMMER can't replace that horrible security system they should scrap them. I mean, come on.

[mdg1]

Basically, yeah.

Given how quickly Stark had his made, I'm actually shocked HAMMER doesn't have some green & purple 'carriers yet.

[Sighphi]

LOL! Marvel has some of the worst spy organizations ever.

[Imraith Nimphais]

...I am crushing big-time on Eden...after just two appearances.

[coconutphone]

Yeah Hickman's run on FF starts this month with 570. I'm picking it up too.

[The Confessor]

Well, just like last issue, this one was better...and by that, I mean it was less dull than issues #1 - #4, but I'm dropping this series.

It's been on the edge for a while now with me, but I've hung on in there because I know that there's a truly great series lurking within this set up somewhere...but we're just not getting that great series IMO.

I don't know, maybe this kind of series isn't really for me after all but I don't think any of the issues of the main series have matched the standard of the team's early appearances in issues in Mighty Avengers during Secret Invasion. It's a shame, I had high hopes for Secret Warriors when it was announced but for me, it's failed to deliver.

[Faded]

Eden is amazing fun.

[Phantom Druid]

............edit.....

[Phantom Druid]

Well, just like last issue, this one was better...and by that, I mean it was less dull than issues #1 - #4, but I'm dropping this series.

It's been on the edge for a while now with me, but I've hung on in there because I know that there's a truly great series lurking within this set up somewhere...but we're just not getting that great series IMO.

I don't know, maybe this kind of series isn't really for me after all but I don't think any of the issues of the main series have matched the standard of the team's early appearances in issues in Mighty Avengers during Secret Invasion. It's a shame, I had high hopes for Secret Warriors when it was announced but for me, it's failed to deliver. Personally, I probably would have dropped a title by the fourth issue if i didn't like it, so you gave it a pretty good shot.

[Jason Abbadon]

If HAMMMER can't replace that horrible security system they should scrap them. I mean, come on.

I had the impression that the Helicarriers were there just or that reason- or possibly because the HAMMER (bozo) organization is a US-only entity and SHIELD was a UN entity- HAMMER might not have had legal rights to operate the Helicarriers....

Or they are just old tech- HAMMER is operating some giant flying thing in Utopia and Captain America #601.

Also consider thatthe 'ol Voice Override gag has been used forever- Avengers, Starktech and X-Men stuff all use it to some extent- it's kinda a comic's staple.
I think it started with the Star trek TV show and comics guys just use it to move the story along.

[Sighphi]

It's a spy book,man, if all you need to do to steal stuff is walk in...... that's no fun. This why in Bond, MI, and JB movies make it so hard to get to the objective. It's supposed to show how much of a kick @$$ superspy you are.

[The Cool Thatguy]

It's a spy book,man, if all you need to do to steal stuff is walk in...... that's no fun. This why in Bond, MI, and JB movies make it so hard to get to the objective. It's supposed to show how much of a kick @$$ superspy you are.

Agreed, but have we seen anything that approaches spy level plotting in this book yet?

Hell, we still don't know how Hydra's been running Shield all these years.

[Sighphi]

Agreed, but have we seen anything that approaches spy level plotting in this book yet?

Hell, we still don't know how Hydra's been running Shield all these years.

Well i was throwing is as a spy book from all the files and things that were thrown about from the start. All those charts and graphs and stuff.

I guess the book is sort of following the SHIELD story line method in that there is spying at the start and at end it's just a big all out fight but they way it was done here the spying and the fighting weren't really that connected. Fury learns that he build SHIELD with HYDRA people, daisy learns that they are more kids and then there is a big fight to get troops......

[AJ Valliant]

I was surprised with how well this issue wrapped up.


I'm not sure what to make of Eden though, he seems cool enough but he doesn't do much else than teleport but then again this was his first mission.


9/10

(Long time reader, first time poster)

I believe he also kicked a dude in the face...and was quite thrilled about it. Still, I'm glad to see Gateway's bloodline explored more: I've been intrigued by him since the X-men's siege perilous induced outback days. Though I thought he was a mutant, and that Bishiop was his mutant descendant. Which begs the question: why isn't Eden?

In general the whole: these kids have innate powers but are not mutants thing seems a pretty arbitrary and needlessly complex distinction. By the standard of having non mutant superhuman parents shouldn't Franklin Richards be a caterpillar, instead of a mutant...which he is?

That minor quibble aside I am really enjoying this series and pleased that Hickman/Bendis are injecting some much needed new blood into marvel continuity.

[mdg1]

There's no reason to believe Eden is related to Gateway. Only that he was trained/protected by him.

[The Confessor]

Personally, I probably would have dropped a title by the fourth issue if i didn't like it, so you gave it a pretty good shot.


Well, as I say, I know that this book has the potential to really be kick-ass, that's why I hung on in there because I really wanted it to work its magic on me. But after six issues, its just not achieving that potential for me.

[ThunderKat]

good stuff! lovely end. i didn't even think that maybe Fury doesn't know Contessa is Madame Hydra!
i get a weird feeling that gabriel jones maybe slightly dodgy; jus the way he questioned Fury and the uncomfortable apology.

so caselli isn't doing the next arc, i wonder what the artwork will be like.

Every warrior is slowly getting there spotlight shine and i'm looking forward to Druids turn. Shame though he won't get to play with Dr. Strange now; would've been interesting to see.
I'm curious, is Druid more powerful then Strange in the grand scheme of things, now with Strange's changes?

I really hope yo-yo gets her hands back somehow, another bionic arms would be ridiculous.

next story should be good, finally get to see Ares do something! apart from his "RAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! god of WAR!" over in dark avengers.
interesting to see how Strucker views Norman Osborn.

[doublewhiskeycokenoice]

Does he start that with #570?

yeah, i think so. whatever will the "latest" issue, as the last one was the double sized wrap on, i think it was millar's run.

[ThunderKat]

#570 is hickman's start on F4

[Phantom Druid]

Every warrior is slowly getting there spotlight shine and i'm looking forward to Druids turn. Shame though he won't get to play with Dr. Strange now; would've been interesting to see. Word :cool:

[The Phoenix King]

How much you guys wanna bet that Yo Yo gets bionic limbs?

If they manage to reattach her arms I'll be very impressed given how bionic/prosthetic limbs seem to be all the rage these days.

I hope she gets bionic limbs. From what we've seen of her, Yo Yo is a pretty cool character, and I hope she gets back in the action soon.