In the wake of Marvel Comics’ Secret Invasion event, Norma Osborn came to power as the head of S.H.I.E.L.D, ushering in the event known as Dark Reign. Many characters in the MCU had been kidnapped and replaced by alien shape shifters known as Skrulls. Osborn won his popularity and power with the general public by blasting one of these aliens on national TV. Of all those taken and replaced by the Skrulls, only one had been tortured for information- Elektra. Osborn, in taking over S.H.I.E.L.D., comes into possession of Elektra as she was in their care. He quickly makes her a prisoner as she’s too wounded to escape and begins his own torture of her. Osborn is obsessed with finding out what made her so special to the Skrulls. The Paladin, a soldier for hire, sneaks aboard the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier where Elektra is being held to kill her. She manages to use the Paladin as a means of escape. With the authorities after her, Elektra is left on the run, trying to figure out why most of the world wants her dead.
Elektra: Dark Reign is a fantastic read. It’s full of action, awesome character moments, and a twisted, almost cruel ending. Elektra lives up to being the deadliest woman in the MCU over the course of the book’s plot. Though her long time love, Daredevil, isn’t a part of the story, Wolverine and Bullseye are. Readers get to see the real Elektra finally get a rematch with the madman who originally killed her as well as experience a rather uncomfortable moment with Wolverine. The mutant and her Skrull replacement had been more than just friends for a time. Elektra: Dark Reign is well worth its seventeen dollar cover price for those looking for a fun, if dark, read.
