New Secret Empire Covers And Solicits Bring More Details To Light

Yesterday, we got the first details concerning some of the many tie-ins that are sure to orbit Marvel’s next major crossover event, Secret Empire. But today, we examine some juicy tidbits pertaining to the main event itself as more pieces of cover art and official solicitations have found their way online.

Naturally, we’ll start by taking a look at the first issue. Aside from featuring the moment when Steve Rogers finally reveals himself as an agent of Hydra in a tale written by Nick Spencer and illustrated by fan favorite artist Steve McNiven, the variant covers seen in the gallery at the top give us a bit to discuss.

In the debut of Andrea Sorrentino’s “Hydra Hero” variants, we see Hulk be the first to get the treatment. And, hopefully, his allegiance is limited only to a stylized piece of artwork. I mean, could you imagine how bad it would be for everyone if Hulk switched sides? But, if you’re looking for something a little more uplifting, Todd Nauck’s party variant contains enough heroes and villains to make George Perez proud.

As for the official solicit, here it is:

It’s been building for months, across a bevy of titles! But now, the moment has arrived for Steve Rogers to step into the light and declare his allegiance to Hydra! How can the heroes of the Marvel Universe cope with this shattering betrayal by the most trusted figure among them? And what will this mean for the world? The map of the Marvel Universe changes in ways nobody will expect — TRUST THE SECRET EMPIRE!

When it comes to issue #2, which will see Sorrentino provide interiors, an obvious focus is placed on characters who have recently starred in a movie or are set to unite in an upcoming Netflix series: Doctor Strange, Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones and Iron Fist. We’re just hoping that their involvement feels organic and not at all forced due to their mainstream exposure.

For more, here are some official details regarding the second installment:

Enshrouded in darkness, plagued by the minions of Baron Mordo and cut off from all assistance, The Defenders and Doctor Strange struggle to save the lives of the innocent people consigned to this hell on Earth. Will Dagger prove to be the key to stopping this nightmare? Meanwhile, will the appearance of a new hero provide Iron Man with the key to Captain America’s startling change? THE SECRET EMPIRE WILL DEFEND YOU!

Both Secret Empire #1 & 2 are scheduled to arrive in comic shops this May.