Secret Warriors #5 Writer: Jonathan Hickman / Artist: Stefano Caselli

Not much actually happens in this issue, but from the opening pages you could tell something great was in it. Jonathan Hickman starts with one young HAMMER agent talking to a former SHIELD veteran about the changing of the tide. With every word he says, the metaphoric foot inches ever closer to the mouth, until we finally see an awesome spread of rogue helicopters invading the HAMMER base. That's when the action every issue has been building towards starts; and Hickman couldn't have choreographed it any better.

Another interesting storytelling technique used is the flashbacks. Instead of just writing a bunch of boring meetings that would take up an entire issue, Hickman shows us the fight first and then a summary of the meeting. This clever device keeps us interested throughout the fight and sparks remarks like, "Ha, they saw that one coming," and "Nick was right." Also, it was a good way to pace the action instead of just having us look at a battle for 22 pages.

The fight itself was very good. I liked the concept behind it, the confidence of Fury, the fear of some the lesser agents, and the surprises around every corner. Of course, it's always cool seeing Fury as the badass, but the highlight of the fight was when Dum Dum Dugan saves his butt and Fury gives that subtle friendly nod of appreciation. Also, the last page leaves us with an awesome tease of the fight coming up between the Hydra super villains and Fury's Secret Warriors. I can't wait.

Just as impressive as Hickman's storytelling technique is the art from Stefano Caselli. His dynamic style allows for some perfect expressions from the characters. Additionally, the use of perspective and close-ups further deliver the action and strategy of the situation. Caselli's depictions of some of the Hydra super agents are also really cool sights to behold.

Secret Warriors #5 delivers on everything the first four issues were building. The team itself takes a backseat, but that doesn't take anything away from entertainment of the issue. From the opening page to the very last, this comic was incredibly fun to read.