Secret Invasion Review – “Captain Britain and MI13 #1”

This isn’t bad, but it’s not as strongly recommended as the FF issue.

General Information

Title: Captain Britain and MI13 #1

Author: Paul Cornell

Illustrator(s): Leonard Kirk (pencils), Jesse Delperdang (inks) and Brian Reber (colours)

Cover Date: July 2008

Cover Price: $2.99 US, $3.05 Can

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Premise

The Skrulls have invaded more than America this time around, and they’re hitting Britain hard. This doesn’t make sense until MI13 realizes the true target, and sends Captain Britain, Pete Wisdom, Black Knight and Spitfire to take care of the attack.

High Point

John the Skrull

Low Point

Comparing the title with the final panel, the suspense is minimal.

The Scores

I’ve read a grand total of four issues of Excalibur, and the attackers have had the same target in every one. That may just be bad luck and the fact that those other four were part of the same story arc, but that still doesn’t feel original to me. I give it 3 out of 6.

The artwork is well done. Kirk also pencilled some of the “World War Hulk” issues of Incredible Hulk, and has learned how to deliver action very well. These are pretty kinetic pages, carrying the reader along nicely. I give it 5 out of 6.

The story has a similar premise to those I’ve already read, but it’s still well delivered. I give it 4 out of 6.

The characterization is well done, depicting the characters and revealing their motivations. I’m a little surprised by the level of trust given to John, but otherwise, it holds up well. I give it 5 out of 6.

The emotional response would have been less bland had it not been so similar to the few issues I’ve read. It’s (thankfully) quite a bit different from Cornell’s “Wisdom” series. I give it 4 out of 6.

The flow is excellent. Kirk doesn’t just let us follow from page to page, he propels us from page to page. I give it 6 out of 6.

Overall, it’s great if you want well drawn action, but somewhat average in other respects (though it has the potential to sharply turn either way in short order.) I give it 4 out of 6.

In total, Captain Britain and MI:13 #1 receives 31 out of 42.