By Jim Beard

As the Skrulls continue to spread their Secret Invasion across the Marvel Universe, a certain Webslinger's closest get enveloped by the chaos in SECRET INVASION: SPIDER-MAN, a limited series written by Brian Reed with art by newcomer Marco Santucci swinging into stores later this summer.

"We're going to explore what's going on with the cast of 'Brand New Day' while the Skrulls land in New York," reveals Reed. "It's the first time we get to see much of the BND crew really [interacting] with the rest of the Marvel Universe."

As those who read SECRET INVASION #1 already know, Spider-Man and the rest of the New Avengers find themselves confronted with a mysterious anomaly far from home, so unfortunately his NYC family, friends, and acquaintances won't be able to benefit from his presence when the Big Apple goes to heck in a Skrull handbasket.

"Spidey himself is busy in the Savage Land during SECRET INVASION: SPIDER-MAN," explains Reed. "The way his friends deal with the invasion is to, well, run for their lives!"

Fans can expect appearances by practically every member of the "Brand New Day" cast, including Jackpot, Dexter Bennet, Joe Robertson, Betty Brant, Vin Gonzales, and more.

Already a key player in Secret Invasion thanks to his work on MS. MARVEL and the CAPTAIN MARVEL limited series, Reed doesn't deny that writing Spider-Man represents a new pinnacle for his career.

"Working with Spidey is a big part of why I got into this business," notes the writer. "I grew up with Spider-Man comics, and getting the chance to write some [is] just as incredibly great as it sounds."

For all the Marvel news and updates spinning out of New York Comic-Con 2008, visit our news hub. And for a great way to kill time in between announcements, check out Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited!