Secret Invasion #4 (OF 8)

I just could not disagree more with the other reviews of this book. I was consumed with glee reading this and I thought it was a real benchmark for this event ratcheting up its storyline. First off, Reed Richard torture was disturbing and beautifully drawn - a harkening back to a similar Illuminati scene. And then those first few pages you're so anxious because you know - you just know - Ms. marvel is going to get a big reveal. She's a turncoat! But Bendis sends this up nicely, instead showing us how deeply paranoia has set in among the heroes as Nick Fury blasts her, not trusting she isn't a Skrull. Then another disturbing scene of Carol Danvers being swarmed by dozens of Skrulls. I also liked the way he played with paranoia regarding Tony Stark and the Srull queen, who is trying to convince Tony (and nearly convinced me) that he may in fact be a sleeper Skrull. I had not for a minute bought into that before but my faith was pleasantly shaken in just that short exchange. I will admit to not being terribly vested in the Agent brand stuff but it makes sense for her to be involved considering she's SHIELD's top space cop right now. And the art was great again. I have a huge Yu bias and he's really been bringing it on this his shining moment so far. Thor at the end was worked as a cheer moment for me in a way that the same moment didn't work in Civil War. There it felt contrived but here it has an air of importance as to what will come. Good to see Bucky getting involved in the greater Marvel U. Thumbs down? Nay! Thumbs up!