Marvel: 9 best Secret Invasion stories to read after the MCU show

7. New Avengers: Illuminati No. 1, No. 4, No. 5

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Tony Stark, Stephen Strange, Charles Xavier, Black Bolt, Namor, and Reed Richards decided that they’d protect the world in secret. When they first came together, T’Challa refused their request to join them. Before leaving, he told them this was a mistake, adding that they had no right to make this decision for the entire planet on their own. Of course, they didn’t listen. These are the most narcissistic men in Marvel Comics. That narcissism in Illuminati No. 1 leads to the events of Secret Invasion.

After the Kree/Skrull War, the Illuminati decided to attack the Skrulls to send a message. Their plan doesn’t work. They were caught and eventually experimented on. If they didn’t attack the Skrulls, their enemies wouldn’t have gained the information needed to remain undetected by magic, mutant abilities, and technology.

In Illuminati No. 4, the group goes after Marvel Boy (Noh-Varr) to teach him a lesson. Namor attacks him while the others telepathically talk to him. After their “lesson,” Noh-Varr realizes that he could be more. When the final Skrull battle occurs, he shows up right on time to shift the war in Earth’s favor. This was one of the few things the Illuminati did right.

Lastly, Illuminati No. 5 shows Tony telling his colleagues that the Skrulls have invaded. While he’s talking to them, Black Bolt reveals himself to be a Skrull. After their battle, the team disbands again because they can’t trust each other. This is a theme that’s remained throughout Secret Invasion.