To be able to truly appreciate the 'Secret Empire' crossover you have to be vested in the idea that Captain America: Steve Rogers series' is built upon, that Steve Rogers thinks himself to be a secret Hydra agent. This event is the ultimate culmination of that fact as Steve Rogers uses his brilliant strategic mind to achieve his goal of one nation under Hydra rule. And this 0th issue of Secret Empire does more than enough to launch this new event based on all the build up from the last year.

Despite Marvel's recent bad performance with most of its crossover events (IvX, Civil War II, Clone Cospiracy etc.), I do have high hopes from the 'Secret Empire' as I am one of those readers who liked the of Steve Rogers as a villain. This issue also does my hope justice, as it is not just a prequel issue like the numbering suggests, but rather kicks the event into a solid and action pack start as Rogers attempts at dividing and incapacitating most of the heroes of the Marvel Universe using his recent promotion as the director of S.H.I.E.L.D.

The issue also has a prologue delving further into the secret past of Steve adding an interesting twist into the Hydra's background. The action sequences are nicely done and the plot progression is as fast and aggressive as befitting the overall concept. Reading this issue made me much more vested in the total idea of this crossover as a reader and that is an achievement in its own in my opinion.

This issue is jam-packed with big name characters of Marvel Universe, and while it is quite impossible to give everyone their due screen-time, Nick Spencer does a fine job of establishing the main characters in this unique struggle. Hopefully author will establish the whereabouts some of the other teams and characters missing so far from this struggle pretty soon.

The art is quite extraordinary and completes the plot of such a huge event while adding depth to the mood of the characters. The action seems to flow and is quite enhanced b more

This story, or rather this crossover was a long time coming and there were lots of expectations regarding this one to say the least. Ever since DC Rebirth started and its ties to 'Watchmen' or rather to 'Dr. Manhattan' were revealed fans all over the world were waiting for further insight into the matter. And 'The Button', after its announcement was surely added excitement with its promise of revealing more about this exciting new direction of DC characters.

And 'The Button' does deliver on a lot of levels. It builds with a strong start adding further mystery with a stylish intro, which foretells of a grim future. Then starts the journey with a moody and sluggishly slow method of storytelling; which focus entirely on the atmosphere, the detailed action and the heavy emotions of loss. 'Tom King' really is getting quite good at writing his Batman as is evidenced here with his grasp of the dark knight's psyche powerful dialogues.

The art is definitely another triumph which adds the depth of seriousness deserving of these characters and is also oozing with emotions. The beautifully done action sequences and the fascinating facial expressions of the characters add much to the overall dark mood of the story. Each panel is done masterfully and made the action seem as visceral and as fast as it should be, and what's at stake is clearly visible as well as what was lost.

This is quite a slow start to the crossover to be honest, but it is also very methodical and quite evident to have been done with an extreme amount of dedication. This issue depicts a fight that really starts a story that gives readers a lot to think about for what's to come in the rest of the three issues. But the fact is, this one also leaves the readers wondering if four issues are going to be enough to do this story justice?

I loved this opening issue of 'The Button' and can't wait for what is to come next.
Will give this one 9 out of 10.

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