Product Description: The Illuminati is a secret organization comprised of several of the world's most powerful heroes: Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme; Black Bolt, king of the Inhumans, Charles Xavier, founder of the X-Men and mutant-rights activist; Reed Richards, founding member of the Fantastic Four; Namor the Sub-Mariner, king of Atlantis; and Iron Man Tony Stark, founding member of the Avengers. These six men have worked together to mold and shape the status of the superhuman world and the world around it. How and what they have done together has remained a mystery...until now! Writers Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers, Ultimate Spider-Man) and Brian Reed (Ms. Marvel) have joined together with Jim Cheung (Young Avengers) to reveal this untold story of the Marvel Universe and how the Illuminati's actions affect today! Collects New Avengers: Illuminati #1-5.
for the most part This collection provides a "secret" look at some behind-the-scenes work done by Iron Man, Professor Xavier, Black Bolt, Namor, Reed Richards, and Dr. Strange. Most of the issues provide a set-up for the upcoming "Secret Invasion" event, especially the first and last issues. Following the classic "Kree-Skrull War" story back from the '70s, this group invades the Skrull Throneworld, declaring itself to be the protectors of Earth. This sets in motion events that lead up to a Skrull invasion of the Earth (which is in-publication as of this writing). For the most part, the stories enhance the existing stories, showing that Bendis and Reed have done their homework. Unfortunately, it seems they didn't pay any attention to Secret War 2 or 3 (which was a single issue of Fantastic Four), as they completely retell the Beyonder's origin and ignore his (or her, as it chose a female form) original beginning as a sentient Cosmic Cube. A mutant Inhuman? Come on, Bendis, how far can you stretch? But the art is top-notch by Jim Cheung (known notably for his work on Young Avengers) and the storytelling, for the most part, is excellent. Definitely worth picking up for the long-time fan and the newbie.
Best of 2008 This does what all great comics should do; makes you think, makes you laugh and the art and action are excellent. It is the best I've read this year; absolutely fantastic.
The invasion begins... With Marvel gearing up for the mega-event that is Secret Invasion, writer Brian Michael Bendis sets more things up for his mega-event with New Avengers: Illuminati. Collecting the five-issue mini-series, New Avengers: Illuminati begins with the Illuminati (Tony "Iron Man" Stark, Professor Xavier, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Reed "Mr. Fantastic" Richards, Doctor Strange, and the Black Bolt) ticking off the Skrull empiresome years ago, which sets the stage for what is to come. What follows then are the Illuminati's behind-the-scenes style dealings with such otherworldly beings such as the Beyonder and Marvel Boy, as well as Reed attempting to master the power of the Infinity Gauntlet. The series concludes in the present day, post-Civil War universe, as one of the Illuminati is revealed to be a Skrull, and things are set to get even worse for our heroes. The way that Bendis and co-writer Brian Reed (Ms. Marvel) manage to weave the impact of the Illuminati in Marvel lore is reason enough to check this series out, but the way it sets the stage for Secret Invasion is even better. Also wonderful is the artwork of Jim Cheung (Young Avengers), who never seems to disappoint. While not entirely necessary, New Avengers: Illuminati is a nevertheless important chapter on the road to Secret Invasion, as Bendis promises that things are only going to get better from this point forward.
haha this cracks me up. the writers and people behind this are laughing at all of us regular citizens for failing to realize all of the truth that is all around is in plain view. It is also a whitewash of the very real secret society of the Illuminati within freemasonry that I hear does ritual sacrifice and orchestrates bombings of twin towers. Quit reading your comics that are exploiting you are do some REAL investigating you bums! (I say this with love, I promise)
Defenders for the New Millennium Brian Michael Bendis rarely disappoints and this gem is no exception. Less Avengers and more Defenders in its line-up, Bendis combines the best of breed and "mature" heroes: Submariner, Reed Richards, Prof X, Dr Strange, Black Bolt and Iron Man - who form Marvel's pillars of strength, wisdom and faith. Few team ups manage to have fun with its characters, wreak havoc on the universe and deliver the goods at the same time. Rather than being earnest and serious about it, the creative team takes their high faluting heroic crew with a pinch of salt, and the results are like an old gathering of bedfellows who never really fought together, yet fit like a glove. Even the Skrulls - the battle weary hordes from Marvel's past - are interesting in this one. Recommended.
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