Norman Osborn has fought the Skrull menace on home turf and won a victory for all of humanity, or at least that’s how the media portrayed the events, according to creators at Marvel’s Dark Reign panel yesterday at New York Comic Con.

After the Skrull Invasion, the citizens of the Marvel U looked to Osborn as a hero, allowing him to gain control of the initiative and form a Dark Illuminati. Osborn wants support as he vies for power and offers to help the shadow group, comprised of himself, Emma Frost, Dr. Doom, Namor, Loki, and The Hood.

“The media is a big part of Norman’s war,” said New Avengers scribe Brian Michael Bendis, who indicated that his control over the media’s image of him will be central the theme of Dark Reign — Marvel’s non-event following Secret Invasion that will take place in several different books. Unlike previous cross-over events, Dark Reign will not have a self-titled series at all.

“This is just what’s happening,” said Marvel Editor-In-Chief Joe Quesada in response to a fan at the panel.

As for the Dark Illuminati, Bendis hinted that issue 4 of the Dark Avengers miniseries would be very Doom-centric, while issues #51-55 of New Avengers will help flesh out The Hood as the heroes search for a new Master of the Mystic Arts now that Doctor Strange has relinquished the role.

The Hood will also get his own spotlight in Dark Reign: The Hood written by Jeff Parker.

But the two characters that piqued the most interest for fans were Emma Frost and King of Atlantis Namor, both of which are present in the group to protect their own people.

Check back with the Geeks of Doom for more updates directly from New York Comic Con 2009.