Whatever you thought of Secret Invasion, there’s the fairly universal agreement that the practically tacked-on ending, the “crossunder” we’ve come to know as “Dark Reign”, has finally managed to turn the status quo left over from Civil War into a situation that can carry its dramatic weight. There’s little very intrigue in having a hero like Tony Stark in control of the world’s superhumans (which is probably why he was repeatedly cast as the Marvel Universe’s foremost dick) but having someone genuinely evil like Norman Osborn running the show? That’s a story worth reading.
In fact, so great was my enthusiasm for the Dark Reign flagship, Dark Avengers, that even a patently ridiculous name and the promise of an $3.99 price tag per issue did not dissuade me from buying it. The concept – villains masquerading as heroes – has long been done over in Thunderbolts (a title I’ve followed since issue #1) but the opportunity to see Bendis’ spin on it was not one I wanted to miss. Indeed, with the use of the concept and cast members – Osborn, Bullseye, Venom and Moonstone – Dark Avengers is actually far more of a follow up to Thunderbolts than the latest issue of the comic currently carrying that name is.
So, now that I’ve read the issue, was my enthusiasm justified? I’d have to say, conditionally, yes. I’ve always had a particular weakness for those “gathering the troops” issues that team-based comics are wont to do every couple of years, and this was a particularly good example. The concept is pure, each character’s intentions were clearly stated, and their reactions were well-played. Former “Mighty Avenger” Ares gets some memorable, in-character jokes, and the mystery of The Sentry’s compliance quickly and effectively set up. Meanwhile, Deodato absolutely knocked the artwork for every page right out of the metaphorical park. As first issues go, it was damn near perfect.
The one flaw, of course, is that there’s a distinct feeling that some of this was supposed to be a surprise. Weeks ago, based only on promo art, I correctly deduced almost the entire Dark Avengers lineup, (bar only the Sentry, who hadn’t been shown at the time) and while my enthusiasm for the title was based on the “villains as heroes” concept, it should be noted that no part or the promotional work for Dark Avengers actually made it clear that was what was going on. If we weren’t meant to know – and the lack of any twist to this concept suggests as much – then Marvel did a ludicrous job of covering it up.
Even so, I find it hard to believe anyone could come out of this issue with any feeling other than enthusiasm for the series’ direction, and if the title does see Bendis’ delivering his “early-New Avengers” best, then seeing the team in action next issue is going to be fun indeed.download new kids the dvdrip
This was a great first issue, from Bendis’ dialogue and Deodato’s art. I’ve never been much for Ares, but this issue is the first time I’ve liked the character at all. Bullseye’s face was PRICELESS when Norman was telling him about moving to Avengers Tower. The Secret Wars #8 cover pose was a nice touch for Venom’s scene. And as usual, Sentry is a massive wuss and really needs to be killed off and/or permanently replaced. (That Blue Marvel guy interested more in two issues than Sentry has in over two years. Despite his age, I’d be quite ok if he got a larger role in the MU) And I feel I ruined the ending by having read Mighty Avengers #21 prior to reading this, otherwise the Iron Patriot reveal would have been a little more ‘surprising,’ though it was still mostly expected. Which brings me to the one problem I have with this book…
If the New Avengers are still the ‘illegal’ Avengers and these Dark Avengers are the ones belonging to the government…than where do the Mighty Avengers fall in? They used to be the government Avengers, but this book has taken that from them. I understand that the New Mighty Avengers are supposed to be a ‘classic’-type Avengers line-up, but I’m lost on what their place is in the grand scheme of the MU given that the New New Thunderbolts have taken over. With a line-up of consisting of registered (Stature, Jocasta, U.S. Agent) and not (Hulk, Hercules, Vision, Scarlet Witch) it’s conflicting on the current need of a ‘third’ core Avengers book (without counting Young, The Initiative and any other books I’ve forgotten). Granted, I much prefer the Avengers in comparison to the plethora of X-books, so I’ll take it.
(And while I’m complaining…I never thought I’d see the day we’d have a book with Wolverine without it actually being Wolverine. Given that he’s been on every single team in the MU, I’m just waiting for the plot twist that it’s not really Daken on the Dark team.)
MisterSmith
23 Jan 09 at 2:43 am
I think “What’s the point of the Mighty Avengers” is probably a question Dan Slott hopes he can answer, but I agree, the team only seems to be around at the moment because the “classic avengers” concept is a hole worth filling, rather than because they’ve got a place in the ongoing universe-arc.
I’m not sure the Iron Patriot reveal was ever going to be that surprising. Even with that ending, I still feel like the issue lacked a twist, but the promise of seeing the Dark Avengers mix it up with Doom and Morgana next issue is more than enough to keep me satisfied.
Speaking of the Avengers expansion, apparently Moonstone will be taking over as the lead in Ms. Marvel’s series with #38. If that’s true, it’ll make me pick the series up again – and I only just decided to drop it, after the Secret Invasion tie-in finished!
James Hunt
23 Jan 09 at 3:38 am