Comic Book Review: Secret Avengers

I''ll spare the introductions and get right down to the review. Why? This book is DAMN good, and it's worth checking out! If you thought Avengers #1 made an impression, think again!

Secret Avengers #1
Written By: Ed Brubaker
Illustrated By: Mike Deodato

The Heroic Age has begun, and with it comes a lot of changes for the Avengers.

Steve Rogers is the new top cop of the world, giving him the authority to do what he wants and whatever he wants for the betterment of mankind. In assuming his new office under the mandate of the US President, the Superhuman Registration Act has been abolished permanently, giving the heroes of the world a reprieve and the freedom to do what they do best without the government hounding their backs - saving lives. Rogers has even officially reformed the Avengers, and under his watch, the world is now in safer hands.

That, however, is only one of many steps the former Captain America has taken to ensure public safety. In the wake of Norman Osborn's Dark Reign and seeing the horrors unleashed by villains right under their noses, Captain Steve Rogers has decided to organize a "Secret Avengers" group to work behind the scenes and prevent disasters from happening. Selecting some of the best and unlikeliest heroes to join his shadow ops team, their first mission together draws them to a mystery that will test their abilities thoroughly and lead to a confrontation with an unlikely enemy they could never have guessed coming.

Steve Rogers. War Machine. Beast. Moon Knight. Nova. Valkyrie. Black Widow. Ant-Man. Sharon Carter

With a bad-ass team like that working undercover, who says the new "Public Avengers" are the most powerful force ever assembled? I think that's highly debatable, and even before they respond to certain threats around the globe, this team may get the job done ahead of them and all that'll be left is the clean up work. I say, this is a brilliant concept from Marvel, and despite my reservations at first to resume collecting multiple Avengers titles, this one in particular drew me back since it's Ed Brubaker handling the writing duties here. The guy responsible for making Captain America such an awesome series is right at his element here, with espionage, intrigue,. and stealth games making this book so compelling to read. Also, he's paired with talented artist Mike Deodato, whose pencils fit well here just as it did in Dark Avengers. Everything about this book shoots awesome and epic all over, and it would take a stubborn man to realize that this is a sleeper hit.

Forget about silly notions that Steve Rogers isn't Captain America now. He's in his element here, and it's fun to see how he works outside the uniform and shield. He's selected people, some veterans of the original and West Coast Avengers team, while others are newbies and fresh faces who have been given the opportunity to redeem and prove themselves for the sake of mankind. I like the roster here, and unlike Bendis' work on the other Avengers titles. Brubaker makes this one more fun by adding sweet flowing dialogue that's neither too wordy nor too wacky to understand. The story itself feels dark and complex ala Wildcats, and that's a great change to the usual Avengers dynamic we're all used to seeing - running and charging to beat the bad guys and saving the day. You know things aren't going to be simple when it involves spy work, and those worries are justified when a mystery forces the team to go interplanetary... with a pretty suprising threat looming behind them, as the last page of the first issue can attest.

If this book is all about stealth tactics and preemptive measures the heroes take to ensure that they're one step ahead of evil, it'll be interesting to see how things will turn out as the series moves forward. How exactly will these "Secret Avengers" fare in their first mission? Hard to say, and that's how I like it. Everything here, from story to presentation, makes Secret Avengers a class A bookl that's best left witnessing with your own eyes. If you thought you knew what makes the Avengers "Avengers", think again! Check this one out!

Rating - 10/10

Comic Book Review: Avengers #1

And there came a day... A day unlike any other! Earth's Mightiest Heroes united against a common threat! On that day the Avengers were born - to fight foes no single hero could withstand!

Avengers #1
Written By: Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrated By: John Romita Jr.

At last, Marvel's Heroic Age has begun, and with that comes the birth of a new team and direction for the Avengers! The Dark Reign is over, and the ramifications brought upon by the Civil War, Secret Invasion, and Avengers Disassembled are all but forgotten in this brave new and shiny world of heroes. How does the first issue of the relaunch, once again written by Brian Michael Bendis and drawn by John Romita Jr, hold up to the readership? Well, in my case, it's surprisingly amazing! For somebody like myself who who had doubts about whether or not another reboot was going to work, Bendis sure put a lot of effort and A game into this project, and the introductory piece comes off with flying colors. Also, I may have disliked how Siege ended and wrapped things up, but there's no denying the feeling of importance and the beginning of a bright new future for Earth's Mightiest Heroes here. I must say, I'm interested with the storytelling, and while it may come off to some as repetitive and a way to promote a recent Marvel Animated movie that came out a year or so back, the plot intrigues me, and I'm going to see it through. There's even a supplemental piece included that gives an oral history of how the Avengers formed and started, so there's a lot of material that makes this book worthy to check out.

Now, as for the art itself, I wasn't expecting John Romita Jr. to be the primary choice to do the new Avengers ongoing title, but strangely, his art works well enough and I don't mind it at all. Granted, I prefer him sketching primarily on a Spider-Man book or Kick-Ass comic anyday, but his work here is pretty acceptable. However, I can see why other people aren't too hyped or enthusiastic about it, given his renditions of characters like Iron Man and Thor. Some things may be too sketchy, abstract, or a little rough for some readers to look at, and the there's a slight lack of realism in the way the characters emote. Still, he gets the job done, and his work on Amazing Spider-Man and Wolverine: Enemy Of The State put me on the map to comics when I started the hobby again a few years ago, so you won't see me complaining here.

For plot itself, this is a throwback to classic Avengers storylines from the 80's and 90's. The team gets a visit from an old enemy who presence hasn't been felt for the last couple of years, and I guess the time is ripe for him to make his return and cause a ruckus during the Heroic Age. However, he's not acting alone nor on his own volition, and a certain enemy from the "Past" will put the team to the test in the next few issues. Plus, that reference and inclusion of characters from a certain Marvel animated movie could prove to be a major plot twist later on. Let's see how things go. For now, I give this new first issue of the Avengers a big thumbs up. Any fan who dares to call themselves one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes dare not miss this, especially if they see their mug shot included in the collage spread at the last few pages of the book! There's plenty of heroes on board, and lots of other Avengers books coming up! So come, celebrate Avenger's Day and grab this one!

Rating - 9/10

Comic Book Review: Siege #4

At last, after weeks of delays and anticipation for what's coming next, the final issue of Siege finally hit shops, bringing the early 2010 Marvel mega-event to its conclusion. However, after taking a seat and reading through over 3o pages worth of comic book action, this is all I have to say...









THIS WAS SEVEN YEARS IN THE MAKING?!




Siege #4
Written By: Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrated By: Olivier Coipel

This is it. The final battle for the fate of Asgard and Earth is here. Everything will change once everything is said and done, and how it will affect the entire Marvel Universe remains to be seen.

Oh my god, I don't know what to think anymore.

After all the time spent on comic-altering events like Avengers Disassembled and Civil War, we get a lackluster ending that's more disappointing than it is anti-climactic. I enjoyed the build up the first few issues... and now we get THIS ENDING?! Forgive me for saying this, but I don't have the heart to describe the events in great detail other than point out the flaws and predictability this entire issue gave out to its readership. Squandering Loki and Norman Osborn's villainy was one thing, but turning the Sentry into the Void and giving him a send off like that?! Preposterous. Look, I'm all for the Heroic Age and the return of Captain America and the Avengers to prominence and all, but it really could have been done in a more convincing manner. I feel cheated, and absolutely disappointed that everything built up in Civil War has gone down the drain, becoming nothing more than a passing mark in the oh-so-flawed continuity of the Marvel Universe. What's more, all the evil and corruption Norman Osborn has spread through the Dark Reign has quickly dispersed in a mere four issues, and it sucks just to think that everything is "back to normal" just like that. This is worse than bringing a dead character back to life so effortlessly (Captain America Reborn, I'm looking at you), and it makes me wonder how things would have been if careful planning and better storytelling were involved.

Brian Michael Bendis did a number years ago when he broke the Avengers and sent their entire ranks into a spiral of comic book hell. He rocked our world by introducing an all star cast in New Avengers, and spearheaded several tales and events that would see them thrown into different situations resulting in epic stares and showdowns. I find myself utterly speechless at the way he capped Siege, and it's sad to note that while I'm glad good guys finally get their absolution from all the superhero registration hubbub, I'm not convinced by the transition to the Heroic Age. Like I said earlier, I feel cheated by the way this issue presents itself, and all that mattered in the political landscape of the Marvel Universe suddenly falls off the window.

Bendis has been known to be a dialogue centric storyteller, but none of that is felt here in Siege. It's as if Marvel just wanted to end the confusion and attract new readership by presenting the Heroic Age, unflawed and full of innocence again. Seeing the plan of making Asgard the final staging ground between good and evil just didn't really grab me much in the beginning, and seeing how everything goes after the smoke cleared is just displeasurable. I wanted to see a final battle worth talking about. Instead, all I'm gonna be talking about is how an omnipotent entity like The Void could have his ass kicked so easily by... A Hellicarrier?! Not only that, but Loki himself has a change of heart... and dies a pathetic death? Everything here is a fleeting moment, and if it wasn't for the heroes getting their victory handing it to Osborn's ass the way he deserves it, I wouldn't be paying attention to Siege at all. Olivier Coipel's art is still striking, but even that can't save the fact that this issue, or the entire Siege for that matter, is all about the hype for quick change, not superb storytelling.

Since the end of Siege brought about the end of the previous core Avenger titles, you may want to catch up on those as well, including the one shot epilogue books - New Avengers Finale #1 and Siege Epilogue: The Sentry Fallen Sun. These and the other tie-ins are not required reading if you just followed the bigger tale, but they expand the story in great detail and see how the heroes deal with certain issues in the aftermath of the fall of Asgard. Now that the Heroic Age is coming, expect a new number of Avengers related books to hit shelves starting next week, and while I'm happy to see new team ups and the good guys back in the saddle, it all feels repetitive and not too exciting anymore (save for the Secret Avengers, which is written by Cap scribe Ed Brubaker). I'll probably put my Avenger radar on standby anyways, but for what it's worth. Siege #4 just didn't deliver to my expectations. Hopefully for you reading this, it will be different.

Rating - 3/10

Secret Avengers Update: Valkyrie and Moon Knight Revealed!

Marvel. com has just released two more images that shed more light into the identities of the "Secret Avengers"! The first update saw the X-men's furry feline scientist, The Beast, and Iron Man's partner in armor War Machine join the ranks of Earth's Mightiest Heroes once more, but now we have a newcomer and another veteran showing they've got the stuff to be members of this special ops Avengers team! Say hello to Valkryie and Moon Knight!


"I am in control of my life"

With Thor as a member of the main Avengers roster, I guess it would make perfect sense to add another Asgardian powerhouse to the ranks. Being a member of the Defenders and fighting alongside other Avengers through the years, Valkyrie stands out as one tough female warrior you don't want to mess around with, and with her firm resolve to control her own destiny guiding her, we may be seeing an interesting addition to this so called "Secret Avengers".



"I strive for redemption"

This was a no-brainer guess when I saw the dark silhouette image for the first time, and now it's confirmed that Moon Knight has officially rejoined the ranks of the Avengers as a "Secret Avenger". A former West Coast Avenger and Defender himself, the mysterious man known as Marc Spector has gone over a number of personality changes through the years, thanks to the God Khonsho and the schizophrenia constantly plaguing his mind and sanity. Garbed in white and willing to use excessive force such as martial arts and deadly weapons, Moon Knight is one tough bad ass, and I'm sure glad he's on the heroes side.

The "warrior princess" and "Marvel's Batman" have joined the ranks of the secret elite, and there's still a few members to be revealed before the first issue gets released next month in time for the Heroic Age! Penned by Ed Brubaker and illustrated by Mike Deodato, Secret Avengers is shaping up to be a solid book! Look for more info on these guys at Marvel.com!

New Avengers Update: The Thing Is A New Avenger!

Like the rock and heart that bears his heroic presence, The Fantastic Four's very own Benjamin Grimm explodes into the Heroic Age as the newest member of Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen's New Avengers! It may come as a surprise to some who are reading this, but the ever-lovin' blue eyed Thing has been featured in the teaser poster of the Heroic Age, so that should have clued us in on his enlistment to the group. One of Ben's closest hero friends, Luke Cage, happens to be the leader of the new team, so that gives him enough of a reason to join in. Also, The Thing IS also an original member of the older Avengers teams, having served in the now defunct West Coast Avengers and holding a reservist membership that allows him to answer the call when Earth's Mightiest Heroes are needed. Well, whatever the case, we can finally say that the "New" New Avengers are heroes who are doing double time... for the sake of mankind!

New Avengers redebuts on June as part of the Heroic Age!

New Avengers Update: Wolverine Is A New Avenger!

Like clockwork, Marvel has announced the third member of the New Avengers team set to debut on June, and it's none other than the feral mutant hero, Wolverine! I guess everyone could see this coming, but the X-men's lone wolf warrior will once again join the ranks of Earth's Mightiest Heroes when the Heroic Age graces us! The question is, will he and his teammate Spider-Man do double time with the other Avengers team set to appear this May? We'll have to wait for clarifications from Bendis himself, but what's important now is that Logan returns, and he's the best there is at what he does... period!

Spider-Man... New "New Avenger"!

Marvel and Newsarama have unveiled the second member of the "New" New Avengers roster set to debut this June... And it's none other than your friendly neighborhood, web-slinging hero - The Amazing Spider-Man! No stranger to the team set up and being a member for quite time already, Spidey has always been a fan favorite, valuing heroics and responsibility like the lovable hero that he is. He's been a great asset to the newest iteration of Earth's Mightiest Heroes since they formed after Avengers Disassembled, and his presence here was expected to say the least. However, he also appeared in the cover to AVENGERS #1... could he be doing double time like his teammate Luke Cage, who was also announced for NA but will be appearing in THUNDERBOLTS as well? I guess time will tell, as things get more wild in this bright, upcoming Heroic Age!

New Avengers #1 debuts on June. Watch out for more members to be announced!

The Return Of... The New Avengers?!

I'm surprised by this announcement as anybody, but it appears that Brian Michael Bendis is not going to back down with the series just yet!

As reported in Marvel and Newsarama, the NEW AVENGERS are returning with a relaunch of issue #1 as part of the Heroic Age. However, it will not be released alongside the other new titles, AVENGERS and SECRET AVENGERS, and will have its debut instead on June this year. As you can see from the teaser above, the first inductee and probably the de facto leader of the group will be none other than Luke Cage, who's no stranger to leadership since he led the underground, unregistered New Avengers team after the events of Civil War. Cage, who's "Never Backed Down From A Fight", will also be appearing in Thunderbolts in a leader capacity as well, so it should be interesting to see him juggle his time between the two teams. It's nice that another team makes their presence known... but that means it's 3 Avengers titles on the horizon already!

New Avengers will be written by Brian Michael Bendis and drawn by Stuart Immonen. More info in Newsarama via the link.

Avengers Update: Two More Members Revealed!

A few weeks ago, Marvel slowly unveiled the roster for their new "New" Avengers team that will unveil itself during the "Heroic Age" this coming May. So far, the confirmed members were - Captain America (Bucky Barnes), Thor, Iron Man, Spider-Woman, and Hawkeye (Clint Barton). Five members seems a tad short when compared to the previous rosters of the past, but Marvel recently launched their full comic solicitations for May via Newsarama, and with the debut of the cover to Avengers #1, we see two more members joining the fray, and they're no strangers for that matter!

Well, it's official... Spider-man and Wolverine are still part of the Avengers! Depending on fans take of things, this could be a good thing or bad thing, but regardless, that's a mega-powerhouse team of Earth's Mightiest Heroes debuting in the Heroic Age! Spidey's banter and Wolvie's aggression are badass assets to have for the new team, and while the Logan's going to be ridiculed for being "everywhere at once" again, it's great to see writer Brian Michael Bendis retain most of his "New Avengers". That's the variant cover shown above, and here's the regular cover drawn by series' artist, John Romita Jr!

Avengers #1 hits stores on May! Check out the other Marvel May Solicits in Newsarama!

Secret Avengers Update :Two More Shadows Join In...

There's a mystery streak running for Marvel ever since the announcement of a "Secret Avengers" team. Fans and readers alike have been speculating who's in the roster and who may play a part in the Ed Brubaker and Mike Deodato book, which is scheduled to come out by May this year as part of the new Heroic Age. So far, names have been suggested, but the guessing game still remains, and now two more members appears to give everybody some more comic book gossip talk. Check the pictures below via Marvel and Newsarama and take a lucky guess if you can:






Hmm... one acts by their convictions... while the other leads by example. Interesting info and clues that may give away the identities of these two individuals, but until official word is given, anybody fitting the description is a likely candidate. Something tells me Steve Rogers may figure somewhere here. Let's see how this goes.

New Age Of Heroes!

Don't let the title fool you. It may sound like the subtitle from Marvel Vs Capcom 2, but it's actually a new thing for the Marvel Universe!

More Heroic Age madness hits the comic news and websites today, and aside from promoting new Avengers and Secret Avengers in May, Marvel has announced a new anthology book that will not only be a gathering of big time names and heroes in the Marvel Universe, but also explore their stories and lives during the chivalrous new times, courtesy of the multiple and talented writers of the House Of Ideas! What I'm referring to is the new series, Age Of Heroes, and to get a glimpse of the bright heroic things to come, check out the cover to the first issue!


After so many years of doubt, mistrust, and controversy, the good guys are finally back in the spotlight and seen for they truly are - champions, defenders, and protectors of society. That's the Heroic Age for you. For more info on Age Of Heroes, Newsarama's article got you covered.



Also, yest another teaser has appeared for the "Secret Avengers", and the latest mysterious member to be inducted is... a female. Who she is and what she plays is up to discussion, so fire away with the speculations!

More Marvel Heroic Age Teasing!

Marvel has been slowly unveiling the goodies to expect come May when the Heroic Age shines down on their universe, and with that being said, it's time for another round of announcements and reveals, courtesy of the House Of Ideas and comic news site Newsarama!

Revealed the other day, writer Ed Brubaker and artist Mike Deodato are teaming up for a second Avengers book, aptly known as the "Secret Avengers". Unlike the official team that gets its roster revealed slowly and surely, this faction will get images with the characters blacked out, so it's a guessing game everyone will have to play until just before the book comes out I guess.



A second teaser has popped out, showing a cape wearing individual whose tagline is "I Strive For Redemption". That possibly puts up a former villain or messed up guy on the list, so any hands up for The Hood? Taskmaster? Sentry even? Let's wait and see.


Onto Captain America, Bucky Barnes is still going to continue wielding the shield as the official Cap, and while some fans of Steve Rogers may be dismayed by this fact, I actually think it's a good idea to keep around at least for a while longer. The original may be back, but Bucky has grown into the role quite well, and Brubaker has utilized the character effectively during his run that it would be a waste just to hand the role back to Steve right away. The new Cap's got heart, soul, and plenty of adventure in him, and now that he's an official member of the Heroic Age's Avengers, he's going to have a lot on his plate to live up to his mentor's legacy. Case in point, the above pic is the cover to May's Captain America #606, and Bucky's going to come face to face with an old adversary of the original - Baron Zemo.

Also on the Horizon, a new Thunderbolts team will debut in Thunderbots #144. Known to be a black ops team under the supervision of Norman Osborn during the Dark Reign, the new roster will feature some of the biggest villains and messiest characters the House Of Ideas has to offer! Rounding up the returning veterans Songbird and Ghost, while the fresh faces are Crossbones, Man-Thing, and Juggernaut... and leading them all will be none other than former Hero-For-Hire and New Avenger, Luke Cage?! Having a tough force of villains and misfits to handle is one thing, but how will all of these guys coexist together? And Man-Thing on a team?! All the news has just gotten my curiosity up for the Heroic Age.

Who Are The Secret Avengers?

After announcing a relaunch for Avengers with a new ongoing series this May by the creative team of Brian Michael Bendis and John Romita Jr, Marvel is paving the way for a second Avengers book, which will apparently be titled as "Secret Avengers". To be written by "Captain America" scribe Ed Brubaker and penned by Dark Avengers artist Mike Deodato, this series will also launch in May and will be the second new book to usher in "The Heroic Age". Marvel has released the news and teaser pic via Newsarama, so check out and speculate just who the mysterious first member of the Secret Avengers will be.

Enter The Heroic Age!

Via Newsarama and CBR, Marvel has released a new teaser picture, drawn by Bryan Hitch, showing off the heroes in all their glory, highlighting the triumphant coming of the Heroic Age! Check it out!

Front and center are Luke Cage, Hank Pym/ Wasp, Clint Barton back as Hawkeye, Black Widow, Gorilla Man, and Mockingbird! On May 2010, these heroes will usher in the coming of the new iteration of Earth's Mightiest Heroes!

Oh, and after a long time absence and as expected of us all, Thor is officially cast as an Avenger!

Forging The Avengers Update: 3 More Members Join In!

Last time, Marvel announced the new creative team behind May's upcoming relaunch of the Avengers comic series, with Brian Michael Bendis once again writing and John Romita Jr. as the artist extraordinaire. With the announcement came a teaser image featuring the first member of the new group of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, and it was none other than Captain America - the Bucky Barnes version to be exact.

Captain America

Now with the announcement done and the fans eagerly anticipating the Heroic Age, Marvel is slowly unveiling the core roster of the "new New" Avengers, and through Newsarama, three other members besides Buck Cap have been revealed, all of them veterans and old faces fans will simply enjoy (or not) to see again. Check 'em out, along with their quotes!

Spider-Woman

Iron Man

Hawkeye

Well well, look who's back in the saddle! Jessica Drew once again shows off her might and beauty as Spider-Woman! Tony Stark rejoins his teammates and cohorts as the Invicible Iron Man! and Clint Barton once again wears the H and wields the bow as the one and only Hawkeye! Can't wait to see the rest of the members, and I hope this line-up turns out to be even more awesome! Avengers Assemble!

Forging The Avengers...

Once SIEGE ends, every Avengers title will cease and desist, and out of the ashes will rise a new ongoing series to bear the name of Earth's Mightiest Heroes come May this year. Marvel has teased the line-up with their recent Heroic Age banner, and via CBR and Newsarama, the House Of Ideas has revealed more information about their upcoming new book - namely the creative team behind it. Once again riding in the Avenger saddle is none other than long time writer Brian Michael Bendis. and joining him in the endeavor will be none other than John Romita Jr., who has drawn many of Marvel's heroes throughout the years.



It's still a few months away til the Dark Reign officially wraps up and the Heroic Age begins, but that won't stop the promotions from rolling. Illustrated by Romita Jr, Marvel has revealed the first member of the new NEW Avengers line-up, and as expected, it's Bucky Barnes, who will continue to wear the mantle of shield of his friend and mentor Steve Rogers as the NEW Captain America!

Avengers forges on to a new beginning come May! Watch out for it!

Marvel: Say Hello To The Heroic Age!

A new age has come... and with that, so does the assembling of Earth's Mightiest Heroes!


Advertised as a "dramatic new change" following the end of SIEGE this April, a new beginning will dawn upon the Marvel Universe - The Heroic Age. After seven years of chaos, strife, and evil that left the heroes divided and in peril, a new chapter begins with hope in the horizon and new stories to tell. with the forces of good gathered together to become the champions the world needs now more than ever. As announced on Newsarama and Marvel.com, all the core Avengers titles will cease production this April, making way for the relaunch of the series =AVENGERS #1, which begins on the next month of May! And that's not all... every other title under the Heroic Age banner will be ripe for the picking, as there will be plenty of things readers new and old can look forward to! Oh, and Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor lead the new team, with Bucky Cap onboard, and Clint Barton back in his Hawkeye costume! For more info, hit the links above, and expect a new Marvel Universe full of hope and excitement this summer!