Secret Empire is a controversial but iconic Marvel Comics storyline that saw Captain America become a Hydra agent and take over the United States.
If you’re want to understand the Secret Empire storyline, you’ll want to check out this perfect reading list. But I’ll also provide insight into the impact this storyline has had on the Marvel Comics universe as a whole.
Get ready to dive into the world of Secret Empire with this curated reading list.
How Many Issues Of Secret Empire Are There?
The Secret Empire event is a Marvel comic crossover storyline published in 2017 with nine issues.
That’s right, the main storyline spans nine points, and each one is unique and includes different characters, story arcs, and other plot elements to keep readers entertained from beginning to end.
If you’re looking for an exciting Marvel story to immerse yourself in, this is it. Not only do you get nine issues, but they span over several months, so even if you’re an avid reader, there’s new material coming out every month or two!
That means not just your favorite heroes could be involved but also some old adversaries too!
So, if you’re looking for an epic adventure featuring some of the world’s most iconic superheroes, then make sure to check out the Secret Empire event! With nine thrilling issues under its belt, you won’t regret it!
Is Marvel’s Secret Empire Good?
The answer to this question depends mainly on personal opinion.
While it is true that the arcs in Secret Empire have solid visuals, there’s only a little continuity within the story itself.
This could be a significant turn-off for some readers who prioritize having all the pieces fit in properly before digesting a story.
On the other hand, Marvel achieved its goal of releasing most (if not all) Secret Empire issues on time.
This was undoubtedly a bonus for those looking to read each case without missing anything! Ultimately, deciding whether or not Secret Empire is good boils down to individual taste.
Suppose you’re willing to look past any lapses in logic or cohesion and prioritize visuals and timing instead. In that case, you might just enjoy Marvel’s latest adventure.
What Do I Need To Read Before Secret Empire?
To fully understand and appreciate the Secret Empire storyline, it’s recommended that you read several other Marvel Comics storylines that precede it.
Here are some of the key storylines that you should consider reading before jumping into Secret Empire:
- Captain America: Steve Rogers – This series, written by Nick Spencer, is the direct lead-in to the Secret Empire storyline. It introduces the major plot twist that Captain America is a secret agent of Hydra.
- Avengers: Standoff – This crossover event, written by Nick Spencer, introduces some key concepts and characters central to the Secret Empire storyline. It also provides some backstory for the nature of Kobik, who plays a significant role in Secret Empire.
- Civil War II – This crossover event, written by Brian Michael Bendis, sets up some of the political and ideological tensions explored in the Secret Empire. It also introduces the concept of the Inhumans’ predictive powers, which play a role in the story.
- The Ultimates – This series, written by Al Ewing, explores some cosmic concepts essential to the Secret Empire storyline, such as the Cosmic Cube and the nature of reality.
- Secret Warriors – This series, written by Matthew Rosenberg, features several younger Marvel heroes who play a significant role in the Secret Empire storyline.
While it’s optional to read all of these storylines before reading Secret Empire, doing so will give you a better understanding of the events leading up to the storyline and the context in which it takes place.
Secret Empire Reading Order
Deadpool #31 (tie-in)
Written by Gerry Duggan. Art by Matteo Lolli.
Thunderbolts #12 (Opening Salvo)
Written by Jim Zub. Art by Jon Malin.
U.S.Avengers #5 (Opening Salvo)
Written by Al Ewing. Art by Paco Medina.
Captain America: Steve Rogers #16 (Opening Salvo)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Kevin Libranda, Yıldıray Çınar and Jon Malin.
Secret Empire #0 (of 10)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Daniel Acuña.
Amazing Spider-Man #29 (tie-in)
Written by Dan Slott. Art by Stuart Immonen.
The Mighty Captain Marvel #5 (tie-in)
Written by Margaret Stohl. Art by Ramon Rosanas.
U.S.Avengers #6 (tie-in)
Written by Al Ewing. Art by Paco Medina.
Secret Empire Free Comic Book Day (Prelude)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Andrea Sorrentino.
Amazing Spider-Man #30 (tie-in)
Written by Dan Slott. Art by Stuart Immonen.
Secret Empire #1 (of 10)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Steve McNiven.
Champions #10 (tie-in)
Written by Mark Waid. Art by Humberto Ramos.
Secret Warriors #1 (tie-in)
Written by Matt Rosenberg. Art by Javier Garrón.
Secret Empire #2 (of 10)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Andrea Sorrentino and Rod Reis.
Champions #11 (tie-in)
Written by Mark Waid. Art by Humberto Ramos.
Ultimates 2 #7 (tie-in)
Written by Al Ewing. Art by Travel Foreman.
Captain America: Steve Rogers #17 (tie-in)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Andres Guinaldo.
Secret Warriors #2 (tie-in)
Written by Matt Rosenberg. Art by Javier Garrón.
Secret Empire #3 (of 10)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Andrea Sorrentino and Rod Reis.
Secret Empire: Uprising #1 (one-shot) (tie-in)
Written by Derek Landy. Art by J. Cassara.
Captain America: Sam Wilson #22 (tie-in)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Sean Izaakse.
Doctor Strange #21 (tie-in)
Written by Dennis Hopeless. Art by Niko Henrichon.
Secret Empire: Brave New World #1 (of 5) (tie-in)
Written by Paul Allor, Jeremy Whitley, and Nick Kocher. Art by Brian Level, Diego Olortegui, and Will Robson.
Captain America: Sam Wilson #23 (tie-in)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Joe Bennett.
Secret Empire #4 (of 10)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Leinil Francis Yu and Rod Reis.
Secret Empire: United (one-shot) (tie-in)
Written by Jim Zub. Art by Ario Anindito.
Secret Warriors #3 (tie-in)
Written by Matt Rosenberg. Art by Javier Garrón.
Uncanny Avengers #24 (tie-in)
Written by Jim Zub. Art by Kim Jacinto.
Deadpool #32 (tie-in)
Written by Gerry Duggan. Art by Matteo Lolli.
Secret Empire: Underground (one-shot) (tie-in)
Written by Jeremy Whitley. Art by Eric Koda.
Captain America: Steve Rogers #18 (tie-in)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Javier Pina.
Secret Empire: Brave New World #2 (of 5) (tie-in)
Written by Paul Allor, Fabian Nicieza, and Rodney Barnes. Art by Brian Level, Tana Ford, and Juan M. Frigeri.
U.S.Avengers #7 (tie-in)
Written by Al Ewing. Art by Paco Medina.
Ultimates 2 #8 (tie-in) – TBC
Written by Al Ewing. Art by Christian Ward.
Doctor Strange #22 (tie-in)
Written by Dennis Hopeless. Art by Niko Henrichon.
Secret Empire #5 (of 10)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Andrea Sorrentino and Rod Reis.
The Mighty Captain Marvel #6 (tie-in)
Written by Margaret Stohl. Art by Michelle Bandini.
Occupy Avengers #8 (tie-in)
Written by David F. Walker. Art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta.
All-New Guardians of the Galaxy Annual #1 (tie-in)
Written by Chad Bowers and Chris Sims. Art by Danilo Beyruth.
Secret Empire: Brave New World #3 (of 5) (tie-in)
Written by Paul Allor, Ethan Sacks, and Magdalene Visaggio. Art by Brian Level and Sean Izaakse.
Avengers #9 (tie-in)
Written by Mark Waid. Art by Mike Del Mundo.
X-Men: Gold #7 (tie-in)
Written by Mark Guggenheim. Art by Ken Lashley.
Uncanny Avengers #25 (tie-in)
Written by Jim Zub. Art by Kim Jacinto, Jahnoy Lindsay, and Juanan Ramirez.
Secret Warriors #4 (tie-in)
Written by Matt Rosenberg. Art by Javier Garrón.
X-Men: Blue #7 (tie-in)
Written by Cullen Bunn. Art by Cory T. Smith.
Deadpool #33 (tie-in)
Written by Gerry Duggan. Art by Matteo Lolli.
Occupy Avengers #9 (tie-in)
Written by David F. Walker. Art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta.
Secret Empire #6 (of 10)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Leinil Francis Yu.
Secret Empire: Brave New World #4 (of 5) (tie-in)
Written by Paul Allor, Karla Pacheco and Amy Chu. Art by Brian Level and Katie Niemczyk
Doctor Strange #23 (tie-in)
Written by Dennis Hopeless. Art by Niko Henrichon.
X-Men: Gold #8 (tie-in)
Written by Mark Guggenheim. Art by Ken Lashley.
U.S.Avengers #8 (tie-in)
Written by Al Ewing. Art by Paco Medina.
Secret Empire #7 (of 10)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Andrea Sorrentino.
Captain America: Steve Rogers #19 (tie-in)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Jesus Saiz.
Captain America: Sam Wilson #24 (tie-in)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Joe Bennett.
X-Men: Blue #8 (tie-in)
Written by Cullen Bunn. Art by Cory T. Smith.
Deadpool #34 (tie-in)
Written by Gerry Duggan. Art by Matteo Lolli.
The Mighty Captain Marvel #7 (tie-in)
Written by Margaret Stohl. Art by Michelle Bandini.
Available from July 26th.
Avengers #10 (tie-in)
Written by Mark Waid. Art by Mike Del Mundo.
Captain America #25 (tie-in)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Jesus Saiz.
Doctor Strange #24 (tie-in)
Written by Dennis Hopeless. Art by Niko Henrichon.
Secret Empire #8 (of 10)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Daniel Acuña.
Secret Warriors #5 (tie-in)
Written by Matt Rosenberg. Art by Javier Garrón.
Amazing Spider-Man #31 (tie-in)
Written by Dan Slott. Art by Stuart Immonen.
Secret Empire: Brave New World #5 (of 5) (tie-in)
Written by Paul Allor and Anthony Piper. Art by Brian Level and Anthony Piper.
X-Men: Blue #9 (tie-in)
Written by Cullen Bunn. Art by Cory T. Smith.
U.S.Avengers #9 (tie-in)
Written by Al Ewing. Art by Paco Medina.
Secret Empire #9 (of 10)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Leinil Yu.
The Mighty Captain Marvel #8 (tie-in)
Written by Margaret Stohl. Art by Michelle Bandini.
Secret Empire #10 (of 10)
Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Steve McNiven.
Deadpool #35 (Set during Secret Empire #10)
Written by Gerry Duggan. Art by Mike Hawthorne.
What Is The Reading Order Of The Marvel Comics For Someone Who Is Just Started?
If you’re new to Marvel Comics and want to start reading, here’s an essential reading order to help get you started:
- Marvel Comics #1 – This is the first comic book published by Marvel Comics, and it introduces the original Human Torch, Namor the Sub-Mariner, and other early Marvel characters.
- Fantastic Four #1 – This is the first appearance of Marvel’s first family, the Fantastic Four, and it’s often considered the start of the Marvel Universe as we know it.
- The Amazing Spider-Man #1 is the first appearance of Spider-Man, one of Marvel’s most popular characters.
- The Avengers #1 – This comic book introduces the Avengers, Marvel’s premiere superhero team.
- X-Men #1 – This comic book introduces the X-Men, Marvel’s mutant superheroes.
- Iron Man #1 – This comic book introduces Tony Stark, the genius billionaire who becomes the armored superhero known as Iron Man.
- The Incredible Hulk #1 – This comic book introduces the Hulk, a scientist who transforms into a raging monster when angry.
- Captain America #100 – This comic book marks the return of Captain America to the Marvel Universe after a hiatus.
- Daredevil #1 – This comic book introduces Daredevil, a blind lawyer who fights crime at night.
This reading order should give you a good starting point for exploring the Marvel Universe and getting to know some of its iconic characters.
From there, you can explore different textures, and series that interest you or dive into Marvel’s many crossover events and storylines.
Will There Be A Secret Empire Movie?
The possibility of a Secret Empire movie has been the subject of much debate amongst Marvel fans. While it could have potential, its lack of popularity and the backlash have made such an adaptation a long shot.
Despite some outstanding issues in Captain America that tied into the event and its general entertaining quality, Secret Empire wasn’t well received by many fans due to its political nature and the action scenes that depicted it in an embarrassing light.
The setup for Secret Empire also rested upon two events (Standoff and Civil War II) along with some ongoing series – something that would need to be condensed or altered significantly to become a movie.
Throw in storylines involving Cosmic Cubes, plus any element from the “What If…?” series on Disney+, and you’re looking at a reasonably unique undertaking for any filmmakers. In short – don’t expect to see a Secret Empire movie coming anytime soon.
Is Secret Empire Earth 616?
The Secret Empire Marvel Comics is set in Earth-616, the primary continuity of the Marvel Comics universe. It was first published in 2017 as a nine-issue limited series crossover event.
At the story’s center was a plot focusing on Captain America being an agent for Hydra with drastic results for the entire Marvel universe.
So, yes, Secret Empire does take place in Earth-616, and fans should check out this storyline as it is indeed of epic proportions!
Secret Empire Read Or Skip
If you’re a fan of the Marvel universe and interested in political dramas, then Secret Empire is definitely worth reading.
It’s not your typical fast-paced summer blockbuster like most events are, but it offers an engaging storyline that follows the fall of personal liberties and the rise of fascism.
Unfortunately, it’s not the best story ever told along these lines, but if those themes appeal to you, this book is worth checking out.
You can expect an immersive experience with lots of plot twists and surprises along the way.
Plus, plenty of references to different worlds within the Marvel universe add even more depth to this engrossing read! So if you’re looking for a well-crafted story about how power corrupts, give Secret Empire a read – you won’t regret it.
Conclusion
reading all Secret Wars comics in order can be a daunting task, but with the right resources and guidance, it can be a rewarding experience for any comic book fan.
By following a specific reading order and exploring the characters, themes, and alternate universes, readers can fully immerse themselves in the complex narrative of Secret Wars.
I hope this article has provided valuable insights and resources for anyone looking to embark on this epic reading journey. Happy reading!
