Secret Empire

This a powerful story, and all the more poignant in the America of 2025. Hydra is a longstanding foe of Captain America, but never have they been this successful in their efforts. Never have they been able to sway others to their way of thinking in such numbers, nor had a leader which so many powerful and influential individuals would follow. It’s scary how quickly the status quo was flipped and destroyed, and just how many people were all for it. This story does a fantastic job of making you consider the “what if” of the scenario. As I read this in February of 2025, it hits differently than it would have had I read it when originally published. It is scarily prophetic. The introduction of Hydra Cap shows just how horrifying it would be if someone in power chose to use that power for something terrible. Making that person Steve Rogers really helps the reader understand the fear and disbelief of some of the characters, because for decades we, as readers, have known Cap to be the one guy you could always count on. Turning that on its head makes for a powerful story. And, in the end, we have a new nemesis for Cap that is not just another reincarnation of the Red Skull. I can only hope, in future appearances, Hydra Cap is not reduced to a stereotypical Red Skull stand-in. This character is scary. It would be a shame to lose the power of the message of this tale by just later making this villain two-dimensional.

I was a little skeptical at first about this book but it turned out to be an incredible read, 10/10

I liked it. I really like it. I would have given it 5 stars, but i must confess i felt a very specific sense of embarrassment while reading it because of the large amount of negative feedback i had come across while the event was being released month to month. While reading I kept thinking that it was cool and enjoyable and interesting and only the opinions of others which were in mind kept it from what i believe would have been my uninfluenced reaction. I'm not even sure what they were complaining about, but i assume its the usual. Comic book fans with a certain lack of self-confidence tend to pre-emptively attack their own interest because of how people look down on their enjoyment. It was a very cool event. I thought it was very ambitious and really huge in scope. Im not as attached as some to Captain America, so the change away from a goody-goody always spouting over-the-top rhetoric was welcome. It still had plenty of cheesy Cap feel though, but the danger seemed real, affecting and was communicated well. I really like the art direction and execution. It was dark and atmospheric and interesting and added a lot. The way they employed different artists to tell the different veins of the larger story came together really well. It made the entire scale of the story seem larger. There also seemed to be a lot going on in the larger event in other books which i would now be interested to investigate. In my opinion, of course, it is a great buy, especially at the Amazon big marvel sale price. It was a lengthy, interesting story which makes it just on the surface, if you enjoy the unique character and storytelling that comics allow, well worth the effort. Things are upended and change, but then nothing really changes, which is the endless complaint of the all-knowing, uber-art-and-story-structure-educated critic, but for me it was the journey which i enjoyed quite a lot and was quite glad i bought, especially after waiting to save money with this exact experience in mind. Maybe Marvel could cool the big events somewhat though. I do think something is missed in the individual character or team books with the constant tilling and upheaval.

The following contains some spoilers. This is the best crossover story Marvel has produced. The ultra loyal familial bonds (brotherly between Baron Zemo and Hydra Steve Rogers; mother/son between Madame Hydra and Hydra Steve Rogers) is incredibly compelling. Sam Wilson's elevation is truly a highlight (one of many in this story). I love what Nick Spencer did with this. Steve Rogers is the focal point of the story. He comes out of the story shining even more as the ultimate hero. At the same time, in the scenes Sam Wilson is in, he is displayed as every bit Steve Rogers's equal. They both do things in their own way. Secret Empire elevates Sam Wilson and Steve Rogers. Hydra Steve Rogers may be the most formidable villain now in the Marvel universe. He is written so well by Spencer. Much of his dialogue is written in such a top quality way. It helps to let the reader see the way he thinks and creates an understanding that overall makes sense. The art is excellent. Hopefully Marvel will put out more stories like this. It shows a creative freedom that is often times missing within the context of American comic book story telling.

Without trying to spoil anything - this comic handles some issues, especially against hubris, in a way that is very cool and admirable. It also reminds of the importance of hope, faith, and friendship - living for something better. Throw in some powerful superheroes and one of the scariest villains - this was one of my favorite comic book runs I've ever read.

Das kontroverse Event zur viel diskutierten Captain America Comic Reihe von Nick Spencer. "Hail Hydra" Die 2 Worte von Captain America, die dazu führten, dass selbst Nachrichten Sender wie CNN über dieses Comic berichteten. Was steckt dahinter? Dafür sollte man schon die Story lesen um die volle Geschichte zu erfahren. Meine Meinung: Empfehlenswert

Apesar de toda a controvérsia em torno desta estória, pode-se dizer que ela é bastante interessante pois desperta questionamentos pertinentes nestes tempos de "pós-verdade". Os pontos fracos são os seguintes: as edições de "Steve Rogers: Captain América" que são pertinentes à estória não estão incluídas neste volume e o desfecho da estória deixou um pouco a desejar (na impossibilidade de atribuir 3,5 estrelas, fica com 4 mesmo).

Got it for Christmas and yes, I am fully aware that this storyline got trashed when it was coming out in monthly installments and all the back-peddling Marvel (Disney) did during its run. That being said, I like the story so far (I'm only half-way into it). If you look at it as an alternate reality story (in the vein of DC's Elseworlds) and not a permanent change to the characters (especially Captain America) then you will enjoy it. If you view it as spitting on everything the character stands for (as some reviewers have) then stay away from it because it's not for you. I'm as Anti-Nazi as the next guy (probably a LOT more actually) but this story goes to great lengths to explain that forces are at work which have re-written history. It's very similar to the Hail Hydra storyline from the Agents of SHIELD TV show (which I also liked a lot). The writing isn't "lazy" at all and the art is great. Nick Spencer & his team craft an interesting story which so far has kept me on the edge of my seat. Will they drop the ball at the end? Maybe, but it wouldn't really affect my score by much as I am really enjoying it. Might cost them one star but it would have to be pretty bad at this point. Great packaging, nice collection. Highly recommended for anyone who isn't overly influenced by negative reviews from uber fans who are notoriously hard to please.

Very well written. A perfect story! Very relevant to modern politics in the era of Brexit and Trump. Really impressed.

Ha llegado en perfecto estado y antes de tiempo, listo para leer!!!