There is still a frankly absurd catalog of Marvel Comics characters waiting their turn to enter the big-screen or small-screen adaptation universe. Some are hotly anticipated mainstays, while others are short-lived but impactful fixtures who are bound to the story that introduced them.
Secret Invasion is on its way to Disney+, in the form of a six-episode miniseries from a writer of Mr. Robot. The well-known Marvel Comics series is set to be a cornerstone of the ongoing Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it'll bring with it a host of new and interesting characters. Among the new introductions may be one of the original series' main villains, Skrull leader Queen Veranke.
Queen Veranke was created by Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch, she first appeared in 2004's New Avengers #1. She's a member of the shape-shifting alien race known as the Skrulls who finds herself attaining the crown by birthright. She is initially a princess who is slavishly devoted to the species' vague religious order. She spends her early life doom-saying about the upcoming apocalyptic approach of an unclear threat. Her zealotry and defiance get her banished to a distant planet by her home's overlord. She's proven nightmarishly correct when Marvel's world eater Galactus comes to destroy her unnamed homeworld, leaving over a billion Skrulls dead. Thanks to the sudden power vacuum back home and her exile placing her in a safe location, she's the lone member of the royal family around to claim the crown.
Veranke's motivation is religious, she spearheads the invasion of Earth with the belief that it belongs to her and her people. The plan to seed the blue planet with sleeper agents, disguised as various superhumans, and infiltrate the countless teams around the world was her idea. This scheme is effective in large part. For her part, Veranke takes the form of Jessica Drew, the original Spider-Woman. The Secret Invasion storyline is deeply interwoven with the myriad big storylines that preceded it, some of which are necessary for the event. The invasion is heralded by the event of the comic book's Civil War and the resulting battles between superheroes. The Skrulls bide their time and devise multiple long-term strategies to outwit the greatest minds on Earth. Though they are ultimately unsuccessful, Veranke's strategic cleverness is the driving force behind the entire war.
Veranke's story does not end well. Despite her stellar planning and the elimination of a number of high-value superhuman targets, the Secret Invasion is rattled by Reed Richards. Mr. Fantastic devises a gadget that will expose Skrull infiltrators, while Thor arranges a massive attack against the invading force. A last-ditch effort by the Skrulls sees them rig the Wasp with a bio bomb, forcing Thor to slay her to save the planet. With this tragic act of sacrifice, the Earth is saved and the Skrulls' chain of command is destroyed. Most of the remaining Skrulls are either killed off or captured by the remaining heroes and anti-heroes. Veranke is found mortally wounded and gunned down by Norman Osborn. It's later revealed that Osborn, who is given a tremendous place of power for his trouble, has actually captured the queen and holds her captive.
The last fans have seen of Veranke in the comics was extremely recent, this year's Spider-Woman Vol 7 #19. Freed from Osborn's clutches and back to her old tricks, Veranke makes another attempt to insert herself into the life of Jess Drew. Drew is prepared for her appearance, however, and counters her shape-shifting at every turn. Veranke attempts to impersonate various heroes but is found out and confronted. In a climactic battle in the back of a moving truck, Jess outwits and overpowers Veranke, knocking her out with a concentrated blast of energy. Veranke's final fate is somewhat unknown. Her unconscious body is hidden on a New York City garbage scow, which departs with it aboard. The series ended two issues later, with a comic released on March 30th, 2022. Given her slightly vague exit, there's a fair chance that Veranke could pop up again in future Spider-Woman adventures or even elsewhere.
A lot remains unclear about the MCU's take on the character. The actor set to portray Veranke hasn't been announced, nor has her overall role in the series. It's clear, both from the limited statements made about the series and the general direction of the MCU thus far, that the narrative will differ from its source material. Some fans speculate that Spider-Woman could play a significant role in Secret Invasion, and if so, her role will likely tie in heavily as it did in the comics. What is clear, however, is that Queen Veranke could be an excellent new villain for the larger MCU and a prospective Spider-Woman storyline in particular. Fans will have to wait and see how this powerful foe makes the jump to the big screen in Secret Invasion, sometime in Phase 4.