Usually big-ass events seem intent on bringing in a whole new bad guy or massive problem. (I'm thinking of Beyonder, Anti-Monitor, Monitor, Neron, Doomsday, Monarch/Extant, you get the picture). But this new Marvel concept seems different. It's diving into past continuity, doesn't re-write history and makes sense. No half-assed explanations like "Reed Richards secretly manipulated the original Defenders into disbanding as a way to prevent a potential invasion from Rama-tut."
The premise of this illuminati concept is simple: the big superheroes met secretly about ten years ago in Wakanda and made a tenative pact to work together in the event of a major crisis. It takes place immediately after the Avengers' first foray into the Kree-Skrull War and shortly before Professor X led the X-men to Krakoa. So...I'd say about 1974 or so. (hey! great year!). The group consisted of big guns Iron Man, Dr. Strange, Reed Richards, Black Bolt, Namor, Professor X and the Black Panther.
Namor, of course, is the biggest butt-cheese of the group. He's opposed to the idea and has a few violent confrontations with Iron Man. Black Panther is completely opposed to the concept and walks out of the first meeting. A few of the ideas that were covered in last summer's Justice League Unlimited about a supergroup with ultimate power are mentioned. Who watches the Watchmen, so to speak. Still, the other guys agree to the idea and promise to keep everything secret-- only the members of this Illuminati can know about their meetings.
Fast forward to today, where the group meets (with the notable exception of the missing Professor X) and decides to jetison the Hulk into space. The latest hulk rampage has killed 24 people and a dog in Las Vegas. Borrowing a bit from "Ultimates 2", Bruce Banner is conned onto a SHIELD aircraft carrier, and is then launched away. Namor gets all pissy and brawls with Iron Man over the issue.
The final chapter involves Iron Man presenting the group with an upcoming government bill. When it's made into law, it will require all superheroes to register with the Superhuman Registration Act (I'm smelling an appearance from uber-prick Henry Peter Gyrich). If they do, their identities will become public knowledge, but on the plus side, they'll become officially licensed SHIELD law enforcement agents. Iron man urges the group to play along with the act, but only Reed Richards seems to agree. Iron Man then predicts that, in the future, an unregistered superhero could screw up and accidentally create alot of damage or injure civilians. The media and government would be all over it and superheroes as a whole would be outlaws. The Illuminati dissolves at this point and walks out on Iron Man.
The last four pages feature a preview of "Civil War #1". As Iron man predicted, a superhero screws up and an entire playground full of kids is blown up. In this case, it involved Speeball and the New Warriors reality TV show trying to ambush Nitro, Speedfreek, Coldheart and Cobalt Man.
Good set-up and I'm sold on the concept. I especially like how Iron Man suddenly becomes much more credible and important to the entire Marvel U. It works out perfectly for the character. After all, he funded the Avengers and while Capt. America has always been considered the group's leader, Iron Man's really been running things. He had some stints as Avengers chairman over the years, but he never really seemed to exercise his authority or take the leader role like Cap did. This story kinda' tells you why-- he was essentially the leader of Earth's secret superhero committee.
Dr. Strange also plays an important part. He's probably been one of the more powerful superheroes over the years, but hasn't been an A-lister. This gives him some long overdue credit and I wouldn't be surprised if a new Dr. Strange title comes out in the next 18 months. Same for Black Bolt.
One minor nitpick-- the illumnati members want to know what Black Bolt's thinking. Professor X is able to read his mind and share Black Bolt's thoughts...but once Prof X disappears, they have no idea how to communicate with Black Bolt. What? Doesn't anybody have a SHEET OF PAPER and a PENCIL they can give to the guy?! Funny, when you consider "genius inventors" Reed Richards and Iron Man are in the room.
Finally, "illuminati" is NOT the group's official name. The word isn't even mentioned in the book. It's just a phrase used by Marvel to describe the group... but one that will probably be used in conversation between characters and fans. "Dammit, Tony, you and your frickin'... illuminati!!"
Recent events like the Scarelt Witch problem and even older events like the Hulk being sent to the Crossroads dimension are included. For now, no retcon re-writes are apparent, but that may change. It's essentially using Marvel's existing continuity, characters and rich history. For now, I'm giving it an enthusiastic outlook and the full 2.50 rating.