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The New Avengers: Illuminati one-shot
The Illuminati: Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Black Bolt, Professor Xavier, Namor, and Reed Richards. Their mission: to decide the fate of Bruce Banner after the last Hulk incident. Discover what becomes of the Jade Giant here!
31 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2006
About the author
Brian Michael Bendis
4,412 books2,608 followersA comic book writer and erstwhile artist. He has won critical acclaim (including five Eisner Awards) and is one of the most successful writers working in mainstream comics. For over eight years Bendis’s books have consistently sat in the top five best sellers on the nationwide comic and graphic novel sales charts.
Though he started as a writer and artist of independent noir fiction series, he shot to stardom as a writer of Marvel Comics' superhero books, particularly Ultimate Spider-Man.
Bendis first entered the comic world with the "Jinx" line of crime comics in 1995. This line has spawned the graphic novels Goldfish, Fire, Jinx, Torso (with Marc Andreyko), and Total Sell Out. Bendis is writing the film version of Jinx for Universal Pictures with Oscar-winner Charlize Theron attached to star and produce.
Bendis’s other projects include the Harvey, Eisner, and Eagle Award-nominated Powers (with Michael Avon Oeming) originally from Image Comics, now published by Marvel's new creator-owned imprint Icon Comics, and the Hollywood tell-all Fortune and Glory from Oni Press, both of which received an "A" from Entertainment Weekly.
Bendis is one of the premiere architects of Marvel's "Ultimate" line: comics specifically created for the new generation of comic readers. He has written every issue of Ultimate Spider-Man since its best-selling launch, and has also written for Ultimate Fantastic Four and Ultimate X-Men, as well as every issue of Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, Ultimate Origin and Ultimate Six.
Brian is currently helming a renaissance for Marvel’s AVENGERS franchise by writing both New Avengers and Mighty Avengers along with the successful ‘event’ projects House Of M, Secret War, and this summer’s Secret Invasion.
He has also previously done work on Daredevil, Alias, and The Pulse.
Though he started as a writer and artist of independent noir fiction series, he shot to stardom as a writer of Marvel Comics' superhero books, particularly Ultimate Spider-Man.
Bendis first entered the comic world with the "Jinx" line of crime comics in 1995. This line has spawned the graphic novels Goldfish, Fire, Jinx, Torso (with Marc Andreyko), and Total Sell Out. Bendis is writing the film version of Jinx for Universal Pictures with Oscar-winner Charlize Theron attached to star and produce.
Bendis’s other projects include the Harvey, Eisner, and Eagle Award-nominated Powers (with Michael Avon Oeming) originally from Image Comics, now published by Marvel's new creator-owned imprint Icon Comics, and the Hollywood tell-all Fortune and Glory from Oni Press, both of which received an "A" from Entertainment Weekly.
Bendis is one of the premiere architects of Marvel's "Ultimate" line: comics specifically created for the new generation of comic readers. He has written every issue of Ultimate Spider-Man since its best-selling launch, and has also written for Ultimate Fantastic Four and Ultimate X-Men, as well as every issue of Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, Ultimate Origin and Ultimate Six.
Brian is currently helming a renaissance for Marvel’s AVENGERS franchise by writing both New Avengers and Mighty Avengers along with the successful ‘event’ projects House Of M, Secret War, and this summer’s Secret Invasion.
He has also previously done work on Daredevil, Alias, and The Pulse.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 28, 2016
"Los mayores superhéroes del mundo perdiendo su tiempo con la democracia? No lo concibo"
A-S-O-M-B-R-O-S-O
Todos aman a los cuatro fantásticos, a los vengadores, a los X-men, a guardianes de la galaxia y próximamente a los inhumanos...Yo siempre he amado a los Illuminati (más cuando no esta Iron man)
"-No somos anti-sistema, pero no somos el sistema
- Somos la respuesta al sistema."
A-S-O-M-B-R-O-S-O
Todos aman a los cuatro fantásticos, a los vengadores, a los X-men, a guardianes de la galaxia y próximamente a los inhumanos...Yo siempre he amado a los Illuminati (más cuando no esta Iron man)
"-No somos anti-sistema, pero no somos el sistema
- Somos la respuesta al sistema."
January 1, 2021
This is one of my favourite single issue comics. I’ve always loved the idea of this Illuminati brain trust in the MU, and how, really, it’s a bad idea because these characters shouldn’t and don’t really get along with each other at the best of times
But they had to try. And while it might be a bit too talky head for some, I think we get a great comic from it.
Maleev’s art here is also probably his best. Simple at times but also spot on, and it’s really cool seeing him do the classic character designs with his style
But they had to try. And while it might be a bit too talky head for some, I think we get a great comic from it.
Maleev’s art here is also probably his best. Simple at times but also spot on, and it’s really cool seeing him do the classic character designs with his style
June 10, 2018
Part 4 of the Civil War reread
This is put together very well. It shows what the last straw was for each of the members and how the initial goal of the group changed.
Most importantly, it proves Tony didn’t create the Illuminati - something a lot of people get wrong. He intended to create a delegation of all the teams. A Justice League type of think where everyone was made aware and tested equally.
Namor shut that down and Reed suggested they only share knowledge with each other. Namor made it exclusive. It was never Tony’s intention.
This is put together very well. It shows what the last straw was for each of the members and how the initial goal of the group changed.
Most importantly, it proves Tony didn’t create the Illuminati - something a lot of people get wrong. He intended to create a delegation of all the teams. A Justice League type of think where everyone was made aware and tested equally.
Namor shut that down and Reed suggested they only share knowledge with each other. Namor made it exclusive. It was never Tony’s intention.
November 30, 2015
Wow, fue demasiado genial.
The road to civil war: #4- New Avengers: Illuminati Special ✓
The road to civil war: #4- New Avengers: Illuminati Special ✓
July 29, 2025
such good moral conflict in here. really really well written and a great foundation of what's to come, the conflict between iron man and namor specifically is such potent stuff
July 21, 2022
this has got to big the best build up to an event i've ever seen ...but dont take my word for it im new to this
time for civil war
time for civil war
January 21, 2018
Book Info: This collection contains
The New Avengers: Illuminati
issue #1.
(Note: This review is gonna have a ton of "spoilers," but I won't bother to hide them behind spoiler tags. Illuminati is the kind of book that doesn't really have too much of a plot, and is best viewed as a springboard for future books including Civil War , Planet Hulk , and X-Men: Deadly Genesis . And honestly, it's more of an opinion piece than a conventional review anyway.)
ABSOLUTE RATING: {3.5/5 stars} (Rounded Up)
STANDARDIZED RATING: <4/5 stars>
This issue pretty much depicts the formation of the Illuminati, and explores some of the pivotal decisions that were made by this group. In Wakanda, and several years before 2006, Iron Man (aka Tony Stark) sets up a private meeting with a couple other costumed leaders to propose the formation of a secret society designed to orchestrate superhero affairs on a global scale; this, Tony proposes, will allow them to "pool all of [their] resources and all of [their] information and do it right." After straightening out all the particulars, Tony is able to secure the support of all in the room (i.e. Reed Richards, Charles Xavier, Doctor Strange, Black Bolt, and Namor) except for King T'Challa (aka Black Panther). Although T'Challa warns them that they're making a mistake, the rest of the group agrees to proceed with Tony's proposal. The two meetings that follow this involve how to manage the Hulk's destructiveness moving forward, and how to handle the upcoming Superhuman Registration Act.
Before I get to the other two gatherings, I'd like to first discuss the concept and feasibility of the Illuminati. The idea of an information-sharing, protective body which is small enough to bypass bureaucracy and respond decisively seems like a very sound one, especially in light of events such as M-Day and the Secret War. However, nominating Charles Xavier as traitor detector leaves no one capable of reading Xavier himself. In addition, I believe Panther's warning was too promptly ignored; the very real danger of power abuses and exclusive (i.e. closed-minded) deliberation should have been enough to cause the group to somehow reframe their approach. In an ideal world, the autonomy of the existing set of independent supergroups would be retained, and they would just very frequently share intel among themselves. The only thing that really makes me sympathize with the Illuminati's position over T'Challa's is that I suspect most members of the superhero community wouldn't be able to adequately suppress their emotions in order to suitably address certain big matters such as the Hulk problem (which is discussed below).
[A close reading of T'Challa's warning may cast light on the profound wisdom in his words.]
If you refer here, you'll see that the actual amount of people Hulk has killed (either intentionally or inadvertently) is up for debate, and may actually be extremely few. Plus, I suppose it could be argued – depending on what that figure is determined to be – that his heroism and battles with powerful, deadly supervillains more than compensate for his own sins. But for the purposes of this comic – where an incident in which a rampaging Hulk unknowingly kills 26 innocents is mentioned – it's pretty easy to see how dangerous he is. So during the second meeting, the Illuminati comes to what I believe is the best decision: they opt to shoot Hulk out into space, and toward a quiet, habitable planet where he can live out the rest of his days in peace. The way I see it, anyone who thinks this action is wrong is probably afraid to look past the relatively minor element of betrayal, and focus instead on achieving the greater good. Furthermore, the chances of Hulk returning ought to be slim (in their minds), and even if he did, they've faced and defeated bigger threats than him. And in any case, fear should not restrict them from finding an solution to this crisis.
The final meet was the only time I sided more against Tony Stark than with him, but only because his rough draft of the Registration Act made no provisions for superhumans who would be willing to retire rather in light of the bill. Forcing all superhumans and mutants (regardless of their active/inactive status) to disclose their identities and register with the government seems too extreme a measure to take, and in some cases, can needlessly compromise personal freedoms and place the families and friends of such individuals at risk. Also, disregarding the personal toll of this paradigm shift on heroes with secret identities seems a bit too easy coming from someone who hasn't had one, and it's not clear Tony fully appreciates how this could understandably go over for many of his costumed peers. Otherwise, Reed and Tony's argument in support of Registration was succinct and well-put, and I found the core rationale behind the bill is sensible; though significant, the matter of secondary individual freedoms for a few cannot outweigh the lives and safety of the majority – *especially* if retirement was an available option. So instead of brashly rejecting the concept (as Strange, Black Bolt, and Namor did), this should have been a meeting where these leaders at least *tried* to reach a compromise (by determining the finer points of the bill) before things inevitably spiral out of control.
[Looking at the events of Civil War, It's amazing to see just how close Tony came in his predictions...]
There may not have been enough time for the writer to more thoroughly explore some of the political and philosophical subjects brought up in the book, but Bendis still does a fair job making it reasonably thought-provoking and engaging. And the talented Alex Maleev on the pencils certainly didn't hurt matters either. I'm not sure, but New Avengers: Illuminati might very well be one of the single most important issues Marvel has published from 2005-2010, and I would recommend that all fans take a moment to check this one out.
(Note: This review is gonna have a ton of "spoilers," but I won't bother to hide them behind spoiler tags. Illuminati is the kind of book that doesn't really have too much of a plot, and is best viewed as a springboard for future books including Civil War , Planet Hulk , and X-Men: Deadly Genesis . And honestly, it's more of an opinion piece than a conventional review anyway.)
ABSOLUTE RATING: {3.5/5 stars} (Rounded Up)
STANDARDIZED RATING: <4/5 stars>
This issue pretty much depicts the formation of the Illuminati, and explores some of the pivotal decisions that were made by this group. In Wakanda, and several years before 2006, Iron Man (aka Tony Stark) sets up a private meeting with a couple other costumed leaders to propose the formation of a secret society designed to orchestrate superhero affairs on a global scale; this, Tony proposes, will allow them to "pool all of [their] resources and all of [their] information and do it right." After straightening out all the particulars, Tony is able to secure the support of all in the room (i.e. Reed Richards, Charles Xavier, Doctor Strange, Black Bolt, and Namor) except for King T'Challa (aka Black Panther). Although T'Challa warns them that they're making a mistake, the rest of the group agrees to proceed with Tony's proposal. The two meetings that follow this involve how to manage the Hulk's destructiveness moving forward, and how to handle the upcoming Superhuman Registration Act.
Before I get to the other two gatherings, I'd like to first discuss the concept and feasibility of the Illuminati. The idea of an information-sharing, protective body which is small enough to bypass bureaucracy and respond decisively seems like a very sound one, especially in light of events such as M-Day and the Secret War. However, nominating Charles Xavier as traitor detector leaves no one capable of reading Xavier himself. In addition, I believe Panther's warning was too promptly ignored; the very real danger of power abuses and exclusive (i.e. closed-minded) deliberation should have been enough to cause the group to somehow reframe their approach. In an ideal world, the autonomy of the existing set of independent supergroups would be retained, and they would just very frequently share intel among themselves. The only thing that really makes me sympathize with the Illuminati's position over T'Challa's is that I suspect most members of the superhero community wouldn't be able to adequately suppress their emotions in order to suitably address certain big matters such as the Hulk problem (which is discussed below).
[A close reading of T'Challa's warning may cast light on the profound wisdom in his words.]
If you refer here, you'll see that the actual amount of people Hulk has killed (either intentionally or inadvertently) is up for debate, and may actually be extremely few. Plus, I suppose it could be argued – depending on what that figure is determined to be – that his heroism and battles with powerful, deadly supervillains more than compensate for his own sins. But for the purposes of this comic – where an incident in which a rampaging Hulk unknowingly kills 26 innocents is mentioned – it's pretty easy to see how dangerous he is. So during the second meeting, the Illuminati comes to what I believe is the best decision: they opt to shoot Hulk out into space, and toward a quiet, habitable planet where he can live out the rest of his days in peace. The way I see it, anyone who thinks this action is wrong is probably afraid to look past the relatively minor element of betrayal, and focus instead on achieving the greater good. Furthermore, the chances of Hulk returning ought to be slim (in their minds), and even if he did, they've faced and defeated bigger threats than him. And in any case, fear should not restrict them from finding an solution to this crisis.
The final meet was the only time I sided more against Tony Stark than with him, but only because his rough draft of the Registration Act made no provisions for superhumans who would be willing to retire rather in light of the bill. Forcing all superhumans and mutants (regardless of their active/inactive status) to disclose their identities and register with the government seems too extreme a measure to take, and in some cases, can needlessly compromise personal freedoms and place the families and friends of such individuals at risk. Also, disregarding the personal toll of this paradigm shift on heroes with secret identities seems a bit too easy coming from someone who hasn't had one, and it's not clear Tony fully appreciates how this could understandably go over for many of his costumed peers. Otherwise, Reed and Tony's argument in support of Registration was succinct and well-put, and I found the core rationale behind the bill is sensible; though significant, the matter of secondary individual freedoms for a few cannot outweigh the lives and safety of the majority – *especially* if retirement was an available option. So instead of brashly rejecting the concept (as Strange, Black Bolt, and Namor did), this should have been a meeting where these leaders at least *tried* to reach a compromise (by determining the finer points of the bill) before things inevitably spiral out of control.
[Looking at the events of Civil War, It's amazing to see just how close Tony came in his predictions...]
There may not have been enough time for the writer to more thoroughly explore some of the political and philosophical subjects brought up in the book, but Bendis still does a fair job making it reasonably thought-provoking and engaging. And the talented Alex Maleev on the pencils certainly didn't hurt matters either. I'm not sure, but New Avengers: Illuminati might very well be one of the single most important issues Marvel has published from 2005-2010, and I would recommend that all fans take a moment to check this one out.
September 23, 2025
A cool superhero story with barely any fights in it? You might think it doesn't work, but the characters featured here are true heavy hitters. They are respected superheroes with abilities that can turn the tide of any war. Their decisions here are made knowing they have great power and thus great responsibility.
Years ago, a group of superheroes gathered to decide what to do about the impact of the Skrull-Kree war on Earth. They don't really decide anything during this meeting, only to have similar meetings during future moments of crisis.
Years ago, a group of superheroes gathered to decide what to do about the impact of the Skrull-Kree war on Earth. They don't really decide anything during this meeting, only to have similar meetings during future moments of crisis.
June 24, 2022
I decided to start reading these comics after watching Multiverse of Madness so many times. I must admit I didn’t really feel anything besides amusement and slight shock when they were all obliterated by chaos magic!
Maybe it’s because I wasn’t really acquainted with these characters that so many other people knew so I’m giving these comics a shot.
Overall, I found it extremely hard to believe that 3 extremely arrogant superheroes could even stand to be in the same room as each other!
Maybe it’s because I wasn’t really acquainted with these characters that so many other people knew so I’m giving these comics a shot.
Overall, I found it extremely hard to believe that 3 extremely arrogant superheroes could even stand to be in the same room as each other!
November 9, 2024
Good drama with Namor especially and his conflicts with the rest of the group.
Especially since I jumped from Secret Wars (1984) to this, I love how serious this feels where you can feel the weight of the world on these heroes as they deal with the aftermath of the various events that have caused damage to Earth.
Ironman was also really interesting here and the setup for Civil War was done really nicely.
Especially since I jumped from Secret Wars (1984) to this, I love how serious this feels where you can feel the weight of the world on these heroes as they deal with the aftermath of the various events that have caused damage to Earth.
Ironman was also really interesting here and the setup for Civil War was done really nicely.
June 9, 2026
Muy bien, es como un interludio entre el final de Dinastía de M y su, para mí, epílogo, El Colectivo, y el inicio inmediato del gran evento Civil War, conectando a su vez con el inicio inmediato de Planet Hulk y su posterior World War Hulk. Un imprescindible, vamos.
Cuenta el nacimiento y la muerte del grupo Nuevos Vengadores Illuminati, desde su primera reunión hasta la última, pasando por la famosa reunión en la que deciden deshacerse de Hulk.
Cuenta el nacimiento y la muerte del grupo Nuevos Vengadores Illuminati, desde su primera reunión hasta la última, pasando por la famosa reunión en la que deciden deshacerse de Hulk.
December 26, 2025
The War before Civil War broke out
King T'Challa and Prince Namor were in being hesitant in being part of a secretive group. They realized that once decisions are made that would go against one of the members would rupture not only group, but also the people they represent.
Iron Man and Reed Richards are cut from the same cloth they will doing anything by the book no matter the cost.
King T'Challa and Prince Namor were in being hesitant in being part of a secretive group. They realized that once decisions are made that would go against one of the members would rupture not only group, but also the people they represent.
Iron Man and Reed Richards are cut from the same cloth they will doing anything by the book no matter the cost.
April 29, 2026
(I had this review on the wrong comic before...)
Epic, so the fight in this Civil War will be over the superhero legislation act.
I love how they crumpled way too fast.
I love how Namor is always against them, such a Namor thing to do 😂
Did they send Hulk into space and started the saga of world war hulk?!
Anyway, the road to civil war is still underway, let's see what happens next.
Epic, so the fight in this Civil War will be over the superhero legislation act.
I love how they crumpled way too fast.
I love how Namor is always against them, such a Namor thing to do 😂
Did they send Hulk into space and started the saga of world war hulk?!
Anyway, the road to civil war is still underway, let's see what happens next.
January 4, 2019
Special one-shot prelude to Civil War.
January 14, 2023
3.5 and so frustrating 😩
August 8, 2023
I love the Illuminati. Easily one of Bendis's best ideas. Also, the only character who comes out of this looking good is Namor and when has that ever happened before?
July 28, 2024
Probably one of my favorite one-shots.
November 16, 2025
Civil war 6/98 - read
"--You know all those people Normal Osborn killed as the Green Goblin? When does it become Spider-Man's fault?"
Aaaarrrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhh I wanna scream
"And what did we learn?"
"If he could kill himself, he would have, long ago."
For a futurist who saw all this coming he sure fucked it all up
"I guess we're done here. Never call upon me again."
"--You know all those people Normal Osborn killed as the Green Goblin? When does it become Spider-Man's fault?"
Aaaarrrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhh I wanna scream
"And what did we learn?"
"If he could kill himself, he would have, long ago."
For a futurist who saw all this coming he sure fucked it all up
"I guess we're done here. Never call upon me again."
January 6, 2017
This comic is an introduction of the Illuminati, a secret society to orchestrate superheroes on a global scale. It’s kind of like the United Nations for superheroes. We have Iron Man represents Avengers, Black Bolt represents the Inhumans, Professor Xavier represents Mutants, Namor represents Atlantis, Richard Reeds represents Fantastic Four, Black Panther represents Wakanda, and Doctor Strange as the Sorcerer Supreme. The initial meeting happened many years ago in Wakanda as a reaction to Kree-Skrull war (which I assume happened in early Marvel’s comics, because I know nothing about it). Black Panther actually against the formation of the society, but the rest is still forming it anyway.
Then fast forward to 2006 (I believe), after the event in Fantastic Four #533-535, in which Hulk was on a rampage because HYDRA’s gamma bomb detonated in front of him. The committee decided that the Hulk has been a constant danger and there’s no way to contain him. So Reeds suggested a solution to send Hulk outer space. Namor’s against it telling them that Hulk will come back to earth and kill them all to seek revenge. There’s a little disagreement which led to a fight between Iron Man and Namor. They still decided to send Hulk away anyway, thus setting the Planet Hulk storyline.
Full review here
Then fast forward to 2006 (I believe), after the event in Fantastic Four #533-535, in which Hulk was on a rampage because HYDRA’s gamma bomb detonated in front of him. The committee decided that the Hulk has been a constant danger and there’s no way to contain him. So Reeds suggested a solution to send Hulk outer space. Namor’s against it telling them that Hulk will come back to earth and kill them all to seek revenge. There’s a little disagreement which led to a fight between Iron Man and Namor. They still decided to send Hulk away anyway, thus setting the Planet Hulk storyline.
Full review here
May 9, 2016
In this issue, Iron Man is meeting with Dr Strange, Professor Xavier, Dr Reed Richards, Black Bolt, Prince Namor, and the Black Panther to ask them to all band together to protect Earth rather than sticking to smaller groups and struggling to do what they can. Namor is out right from the start and the others aren't sold on the idea. Eventually Dr Reed brings up that they could have saved a lot of lives if they all met and discussed what they knew from time to time. They seem to be making progress but then Black Panther tells them all to walk away, that this is a bad idea. Years later, they all meet again to discuss the Act. Once again, it doesn't go as Iron Man had hoped...Iron Man also announces that he is planning to make Spider-Man the example for all...which would ruin Peter's life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2016
''Nosotros no somos anti-sistema, pero tampoco pertenecemos al sistema''
''somos contra-sistemicos''
''Banner volverá algún día desde donde lo vayan a enviar y los matará a todos!
Y tendrá razón!!'' Por cosas como estas, es que existe la World War Hulk y Planet Hulk, Tony tomando malas decisiones.
Me gustó, pero ahora odio a Tony mucho más que antes; bueno, no lo odio, solo no es mi favorito.
''somos contra-sistemicos''
''Banner volverá algún día desde donde lo vayan a enviar y los matará a todos!
Y tendrá razón!!'' Por cosas como estas, es que existe la World War Hulk y Planet Hulk, Tony tomando malas decisiones.
Me gustó, pero ahora odio a Tony mucho más que antes; bueno, no lo odio, solo no es mi favorito.
February 19, 2016
The final ROAD TO CIVIL WAR tie-in #6
Some hard choices going down. This had a little more insight relating to Civil War than the last Road to Civil War tie-in.
Finally I get to read the actual Civil War Arc Next!
Some hard choices going down. This had a little more insight relating to Civil War than the last Road to Civil War tie-in.
Finally I get to read the actual Civil War Arc Next!
January 18, 2016
Would recommend reading this comic book
Enjoy reading it, there were a lot of act
Enjoyed the dialogue.
Can't wait to read the next issue 2.
Enjoy reading it, there were a lot of act
Enjoyed the dialogue.
Can't wait to read the next issue 2.
August 3, 2016
As it turns out I've read this before! Can't believe I forgot that they left Hulk in some planet. Poor Banner.
June 5, 2016
Voy a ver si me leo el arco argumental completo de Civil War. ¡A por él!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews