Many readers may be buying this book due to its ties to Marvel's big crossover event. However, whilst this first issue certainly plays up to some of the themes of Secret Invasion (there's more than one reference to the idea that the superheroes are "playing characters," and there's some subtle allegory for real-world events in the "War on Terror"), it's worth buying for many more reasons than that. Cornell's enjoyable and individual sense of humour has survived the transition from Wisdom wholly intact (what other Marvel title will give you references to Norman Wisdom, Abba and Frankie Goes To Hollywood?), the characters are distinctive and original, there's plenty of drama and large-scale action, and it's great to see a book take such pride in its sheer Britishness ("They want summat we've got." "What Britain has more of than anything else - magic!"). I get the sense that this book isn't going to be ashamed to be a fun, fast-paced and reasonably traditional superhero comic, with as Read Full Review

Cornell also adds a powerful climax to the first issue, after effectively setting up his characters and throwing in a battle or two. (Just like in his "Wisdom" series, Cornell doesn't decompress his storytelling here. Stuff happens.) I won't spoil the ending of the issue, but there's majesty and sacrifice and a sequence on the final three pages that perfectly encapsulates what this comic is all about. "Captain Britain and MI:13" is a splendid new series, and the second issue can't come soon enough. Read Full Review

So, all in all, this is another solid outing by Cornell, Kirk, and company, with only a couple of very minor missteps (which aren't even missteps if you're already familiar with Wisdom). This series is one of the best ongoings that Marvel is producing, and you're pretty much guaranteed an entertaining and inventive adventure, month in and out. Read Full Review

Overall, a very confusing read. Yet, I'm intersted to see a more modern perspective on the superheroes of the U.K., so I'll give this book another shot. Read Full Review