Too Good to Miss: Secret Wars
Jonathan Hickman's Secret Wars is a multiverse epic that reshapes the Marvel Universe.
Jonathan Hickman’s Secret Wars isn’t a superhero crossover—it’s a deep, intricate, and emotionally intense storyline that explores what happens when the entire Marvel multiverse faces destruction. Supervillains and superheroes alike struggle against a force beyond their comprehension forcing them to make tough decisions in difficult circumstances. In doing so, the story presents an insight in what is most important to familiar characters.
A Story of Universe-Shattering Proportions
Secret Wars is set against the backdrop of a cataclysmic event: the collapse of the multiverse. Different universes within Marvel’s expansive multiverse are colliding in what are called incursions, causing entire realities to be wiped out. Eventually, only two universes remain—Earth-616 (the main Marvel Universe) and Earth-1610 (the Ultimate Universe). As the incursions reach a breaking point, the final collision between these worlds sets the stage for an explosive battle where only one universe can survive.
At the heart of this cosmic war is Doctor Doom, who becomes one of the most powerful and compelling characters in the series. Through a series of events too complex to spoil, Doom rises to a position where he controls what’s left of reality—known as Battleworld. He rules over it like a god, with several regions formed from the remnants of other destroyed universes, each controlled by various Marvel characters like Captain Marvel, Thor, and the X-Men. The twist? These characters often don’t know their true pasts, as they have been reshaped by Doom’s will. This sets up a tense, multilayered mystery as heroes and villains alike start to uncover the truth of their existence.
Epic Drama and Stunning Character Arcs
While Secret Wars is packed with large-scale action and cosmic battles, it’s the character arcs that make the story truly stand out. Jonathan Hickman is known for his intricate plotting and attention to detail, and in Secret Wars, he delivers a story that balances personal stakes with universal ones. The core of the narrative revolves around familiar characters like Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Black Panther, and Doctor Doom, but with deeper emotional stakes than ever before.
One of the most compelling aspects of Secret Wars is the rivalry between Reed Richards and Doctor Doom. Their long-standing feud reaches its peak in this series, as both men grapple with the weight of their choices and the consequences of their actions. Reed’s unshakable belief in science and logic is tested against Doom’s brutal pragmatism and quest for ultimate power. Their dynamic drives much of the emotional core of the story, and Hickman masterfully uses their relationship to explore themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the nature of godhood.
Black Panther also plays a pivotal role, and fans of the character will be thrilled to see him step into the spotlight in a way that showcases his strategic brilliance and leadership. Armed with the Infinity Gauntlet, T’Challa faces impossible odds, but his resilience and determination make him one of the most memorable heroes in the entire series. Hickman does an incredible job of balancing these character moments with the larger cosmic stakes, making sure that every hero and villain has a role to play.
Battleworld: A Universe of Endless Possibilities
One of the most exciting aspects of Secret Wars is the world-building. Battleworld is divided into numerous domains, each overseen by various Marvel characters. These domains are a patchwork of different realities from across the multiverse, which means we get to see all kinds of alternate versions of our favorite characters. Want to see a world where Thor leads a police force of hammer-wielding warriors? It’s here. How about a region ruled by an undead army led by the fearsome Marvel Zombies? That’s part of Battleworld too.
This fragmented universe allows for a lot of creativity, offering readers the chance to explore alternate realities and what-if scenarios, all while building toward the central conflict. Each region of Battleworld has its own set of rules, leaders, and drama, making every issue feel fresh and full of surprises.
Stunning Artwork to Match the Story
It’s impossible to talk about Secret Wars without mentioning the breathtaking artwork. The series is drawn by Esad Ribić, whose detailed, painterly style brings Hickman’s epic story to life. Ribić’s illustrations capture the scale of massive battles, the tension in emotional confrontations, and the awe-inspiring power of the cosmic forces at play. His artwork helps create a world that feels both grounded in Marvel’s history and entirely new at the same time. The combination of his visuals with Hickman’s storytelling makes Secret Wars a feast for both the mind and the eyes.
Why You Should Read Secret Wars
Secret Wars is more than just another crossover event—it’s a game-changer for the Marvel Universe. Jonathan Hickman has crafted a story that blends massive, universe-spanning stakes with deeply personal character moments. The result is an emotional, action-packed, and unpredictable narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re into cosmic conflicts, alternate realities, or character-driven drama, Secret Wars has something for everyone. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if the Marvel Universe was torn apart and rebuilt from the ground up, Secret Wars is your answer.