Secret War

Author:Brian Michael Bendis and Gabriele Dell'Otto

ISBN:978-0785142287

Publication Information:Marvel Comics

Plot Summary: Marvel gathers all of its famous comic book characters in Secret War. Super spy Nick Fury finds out about a covert group of super villains that are trying to commit terrorist attacks on American soil. After informing the government of the villains' secret plan, and getting shut down by the higher ranking officials, Fury goes rogue and recruits a group of superheros to take on the villains and save the U.S. Spiderman, Wolverine, Captain America, Daredevil and more are featured in this fast paced comic as they race against the clock to defeat a vicious group of masterminds, and save humanity in the process.

Critical Evaluation: Although similar to the DC graphic novel Identity Crisis, and not as well written, this graphic novel still packs somewhat of a punch. It is action packed and the plot races along, but the urgency just seems to be lacking. Most of the plot is conveyed through "secret government files" which are ultimately boring pages of text interspersed between the comic strips. This creates a lull in the story that makes it hard to pick up the pace. It seems like the author should have used different methods to get key pieces of information across, to not risk boring the reader. Still, it is always fun to see your favorite comic book heroes band together for a common cause, so fans of the Marvel comic book universe should still enjoy this graphic novel.

Reader's Annotation: Super spy Nick Fury uncovers a nefarious Latverian plot to destroy New York City. He must gather his superhero compatriots in order to foil Latverian's plan. But will they succeed?

Author Information: Bendis is one of the most famous contemporary comic book writers today. He has several best seller titles under his belt, including several Marvel comic book characters and his new Jinx series of comics. He also writes and contributes to motion pictures screenplays of Marvel comic books. He currently lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife, daughter and dogs (information taken from the author's website http://www.jinxworld.com/bio.html).

Curricular Ties: n/a

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy

Book talking ideas:

• Did you like the government secret file sections? Did you think it helped or hurt the plot and pacing of the novel? Why or why not?
• What did you think of the illustrations? Does it hold up to the Marvel standard? Why of why not?
• Was there anyone not in the comic that you wish was featured? Why?
  

Challenge issues: Violence

• Familiarize yourself with the book and its contents.
• Check the library for specific policies on challenged books.
• Check the ALA website for advice on how to respond and react when a book has been challenged. (http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm)
  
• Find positive reviews from reputable websites.
• Ask the challenger for their specific objections and try to address them using information from the above research.

Interest Age:Grades 10 and up

Why I selected this piece: This graphic novel came highly recommended by a friend.