Secret Invasion Review – “Mighty Avengers #16”

Want to know what the icon to the right of this blurb is all about? Pick this issue up.

General Information

Title: Mighty Avengers #16

Author: Brian Michael Bendis

Illustrator(s): Khoi Pham (pencils), Danny Miki (inks), Dean White (colors)

Cover Date: September 2008

Cover Price: $2.99 US. $3.05 Can

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Premise

This issue reveals when and how Elektra was replaced by a Skrull, and what she’s been up to since that replacement.

High Point

It’s nice to see the fight Elektra put up before her replacement.

Low Point

It’s still not entirely clear when the switch took place. Was it before or after Bendis used her in Daredevil the first time? Was it before Bendis wrote her own series? That scene has no real continuity to hang it on that I can find.

The Scores

The originality is pretty weak. Elektra put up a better fight than any of the others we’ve seen replaced, but she was also the first to be replaced, and they used a different approach that they’ve clearly improved upon. I give it 3 out of 6.

The artwork is pretty good. One major character needed dialogue to identify, but otherwise it was solid. I give it 4 out of 6.

The story is light. Elektra puts up one heck of a fight, which fills most of the issue. The story really couldn’t be written another way without going to two issues, though. I give it 4 out of 6.

The characterization is there. Bendis writes Elektra very well, conveying a lot in carefully structured moments and reactions. I give it 5 out of 6.

The emotional response is very strong. It satisfies all but my geekiest questions, and really sets up the level of foreknowledge that the Skrull version had before her true nature was revealed. One question this doesn’t answer that I’m really waiting for is the reaction of the Hand to that reveal. I give it 5 out of 6.

The flow was good. There are large time jumps, but if you’ve been following the buildup events, these are the moments you want them to jump to. I give it 5 out of 6.

Overall, it’s another big piece of the puzzle that wouldn’t stand on its own. If you like martial arts action in general or Elektra in particular, pick it up. It’s weak in other areas, but it delivers in the areas you need for this particular Elektra story. I give it 5 out of 6.

In total, Mighty Avengers #16 receives 31 out of 42.