This book is slowly building up a good momentum.  I wasn’t a fan of the first issue.  My expectation of what Secret Warriors was going to be was very different than what it actually is.  There is a reason Jonathan Hickman is being paid to write and I’m not.

Hickman is writing a smart book.  Pacing and plot are right on target.  The stakes are high for Fury and the gang.  S.H.I.E.L.D. is Hydra.  This is certainly darker than Norman Osborn having his fifteen minutes of glory.  Osborn’s power will come tumbling down; we know this.  Hickman’s incarnation of Hydra’s power is much more terrifying.  The implications of Hydra’s reach into our government and the world plays on anyone who has conspiracy theory fears.  Hickman handles the build up, reveal, and characters reactions with skill and realism.

Stefano Caselli’s art is breathtaking.  The emotions and facial expressions are beautiful, crisp, and transparent.  Who these characters are is expressed in the Caselli’s lines.  His ability to nail both a dinner conversation and a frantic battle is masterful.  I don’t like the coloring; it’s too muted and dull.  I like that it’s moody and unique to Secret Warriors.  Like the story, I guess it’s growing on me.

I’m still not sold on the each member of team Fury has assembled.  The stronger members, Phobos and Hellfire, are getting more time in the spotlight.  Not impressed with Daisy, I was glad to see her screw up a mission and be demoted by Fury.  Another weaker member get hurt pretty bad.  Hopefully, we get a cool replacement.

Hickman’s writing and Caselli’s art crafts a well-paced title that avoids the silliness of many Dark Reign titles.  Hydra is no push over.  This is personal for Fury.  He seems like a time bomb that will go off at some point.  However, he is a seasoned veteran who has self-control and is willing to wait for the big payoff.

3.5 out 5

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