Secret Wars is a superhero crossover produced by Marvel Comics in the 1980s. It’s considered the first “mega-saga” in comics. While there had been crossovers before involving various heroes and villains, such as the Human Torch fighting Namor in 1940, which inspired the annual meetings of the Justice League and the Justice Society, an event of Secret Wars’ magnitude had never been done before and would reshape the comic book industry thereafter. Nowadays, we have major adventures affecting the lives and comic books of various superheroes almost every month. Recent examples include Marvel’s Blood Hunt and DC’s Absolute Power. But it wasn’t always like this. Market events and the eternal Marvel vs. DC battle were crucial for this development. And fortunately, it turned out this way!
Publication History
The series was conceived by Marvel Comics’ Editor-in-Chief, Jim Shooter, who also served as the writer. Artwork was provided by Mike Zeck and Bob Layton, with Tom DeFalco as editor. In the 11th issue of Marvel Age, published in February 1984, a news column announced the series as “Cosmic Champions.” A month later, Marvel Age #12 featured a cover story of the series, now revised to “Secret Wars.”
Tom DeFalco, in the introduction to the collected edition released in 1992, mentioned that the catalyst for this adventure was the Dreaded Competition (DC Comics). It was the Distinguished Competition that inadvertently triggered the events leading to the creation of Secret Wars.
In the early 1980s, action figures were booming, with collections like G.I. Joe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Masters of the Universe making significant profits. In this context, a toy company named Kenner (later acquired by Hasbro) acquired the rights to produce DC Comics action figures, which became a great sales success.
Subsequently, Mattel, which already had the rights to Masters of the Universe, approached Marvel to launch its line of superheroes. Mattel made some demands that shaped the saga in certain ways. Naturally, they wanted only the biggest Marvel heroes and villains. Additionally, they requested an editorial event that would bring these characters together and help promote the new toy line. Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief, Jim Shooter, combined this idea with a recurring fan request for an adventure that would unite all the heroes and villains of the House of Ideas into a single story, and he decided to write the series himself. Thus, the first mega-saga of comics was born. Of course, before this, heroes and villains had been partnering and crossing over for many years, but never before had an event had such an impact across monthly comics and involved so many characters as Secret Wars.
Regarding the name, Mattel conducted research groups that showed children reacted positively to the words “wars” and “secret,” leading Marvel to coin the title Secret Wars. Mattel also requested alterations to Doctor Doom’s armor, which they felt looked too medieval and wanted a more technological appearance. Similar adjustments were requested for Iron Man’s appearance, all based on their pre-release tests. Lastly, they insisted on new fortresses, vehicles, and weapons to add additional value.
Crossover Titles
The crossover titles include The Amazing Spider-Man #249-252, The Avengers #242-243, Captain America #292, The Incredible Hulk (vol. 2) #294–295, Iron Man #181-183, The Thing #10-22, Fantastic Four #265, Marvel Team-Up #141, Thor #341 and 383, and The Uncanny X-Men #178–181, in addition to the twelve issues of the main title.
Plot
It all begins when an entity called the Beyonder discovers the Marvel universe. Previously residing in a parallel universe where it was the sole sentient being, the Beyonder observes the fights between those creatures for a time and decides to stage an unprecedented battle among the greatest heroes and villains of the Marvel universe. The prize for the winning group: the fulfillment of their deepest desires.
Few series in Marvel’s chronology have been as significant as Secret Wars, a sprawling 12-part story involving the universe’s major heroes and villains. The roster includes heavyweights like the Avengers, Spider-Man, the X-Men, Hulk on the hero side, and Doctor Doom, the Lizard, Ultron, and Galactus among the villains.
The premise was simple: a cosmic entity named the Beyonder creates a planet with parts of other planets and transports Earth’s most powerful beings there, splitting them into two groups. Without delay, the Beyonder declares, “Destroy your enemies, and all your dreams will be fulfilled! None of your desires are beyond my power to grant!” Chaos ensues as battles erupt on both sides.
On the heroic side, the debate centers on Magneto’s presence, the archenemy of the X-Men, who isn’t warmly welcomed fighting alongside Captain America and company, despite Professor X’s defense of his inclusion. For a time, the heroes remain divided until facing Galactus, where they unite and stand together until the story’s conclusion.
Among the villains, disputes over power and leadership ignite their discussions. The inclusion of Galactus among the villains is also debatable, given his status as a cosmic entity beyond conventional notions of good and evil. Another contentious point is the portrayal of the Molecular Man as a villain, especially after his relationship with Volcana.
This series is famous for its repercussions on character chronologies. Perhaps most notably, it significantly impacted Spider-Man, who discovers the symbiote on Beyonder’s planet, which later becomes his infamous black suit. Excited by a suit that doesn’t tear, transforms into civilian clothing, and generates its own webbing, Spider-Man brings this costume back to Earth and continues to wear it in subsequent adventures, culminating in the creation of Venom.
Why Read It
Beyond its historical curiosity, Secret Wars features several events that shaped the Marvel Universe as we know it today. From the origin of Spider-Man’s black suit, which evolved into Venom, to Magneto’s role as an anti-hero, the introduction of characters like Volcana and Titania, the Hulk’s return to his savage side, the Thing reverting to human form, and the new formation of the Fantastic Four with She-Hulk replacing the Thing, among many other developments. Mike Zeck’s artwork is praised for its clarity and cleanliness, making it a compelling read worth experiencing.
Bonus
Celebrating 40 years of publication of the original series, Marvel comics is releasing the 12 original parts in facsimile editions. In addition to the original covers, comic books with metallic covers or designed by guest creators are also being published. If you want all the editions at once you can also buy the TPB or hardcover.
Article by Victor X
Victor Schmidt’s lifelong passions for literature and sports led him to discover his true love in superhero comics. Driven by an unyielding pursuit of the perfect story, Victor channels his energy into delivering insightful and valuable content to the comic book community while continuously refining his craft as a writer. In addition to his writing, he serves as an editor and creative reviewer, ensuring that every piece he touches is polished, impactful, and resonates with readers.
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That’s a good review – it explains to the uninitiated how fun and important it is; especially how it will be in three to four years, when it’s adapted to the movies.