Secret Invasion #3 (OF 8)

The critical comments about this series that really leave me scratching my head are the ones where the commenter is complaining that they're not sure who is who, and they're not sure what is truth and what is not, and that there are some actions occurring they just don't understand the motivations for, and dammit, they want answers! If this describes you and your reaction to "Secret Invasion" so far, might I suggest you walk away from the book now and wait for the trade, because I don't think these questions of yours are going to be addressed until at least issue six or so (probably even later.) The ad campaign tagline was what again? Ah, yes... "Who Do You Trust?" This entire series is based on misdirection and mistrust. Not just among the characters; clearly, Bendis wants his readers to be not... quite... sure who is who they say they are and who is not. If you don't like this in your comics, again, you should perhaps not be reading this book. As for this specific issue, here's what you get: beautifully drawn action, a few great character moments, some deaths, some slaughter, a couple of neat cliffhangers, heros and heros-in-training getting their butts kicked, a badass last page... and more questions. I just can't pass judgement on this story until it's done and we see what has been satisfactorily resolved. So far, I'm more than pleased with the ride, and this issue kept things rollicking along like a high-octane summer movie. One more note that will move me into spoiler territory... I have been saying for months, "Oh, there's no way Iron Man is a Skrull, that would undermine all of Civil War." (Personally, I have always felt that mom who was pushing Tony to pass registration throughout Civil War would end up being the Skrull.) The knee-jerk reaction if Tony is a Skrull will be to call Marvel on a cop-out. I can understand that thinking. Here's my feelings on it, though: from a character and story stand point, doesn't it make perfect sense? Of COURSE Tony is a Skrull. This is why he's been such a douche. "Cop-out!" you scream. "Bad writing!" If Tony is a Skrull, and I'm not saying I think he is, then it's just like the Spider-Woman reveal: so friggin' obvious you can't believe you didn't see it coming. I would honestly have no problem with it; in fact, I think it would make perfect sense. One more, "one more" note: Lenil Yu, I am a believer. This was a gorgeously drawn issue. The inks don't hurt, but give credit to Yu for creating some fantastic images. The image of Wiccan being punched out by Giant-Skrull in particular... and the death of Young Vision. Really a great looking issue.