New Avengers (Vol. 1) #10

Background

Last time in the New Avengers... who is the Sentry? Who is the Void? They are Robert Reynolds and if they can't be stopped then the world may be in serious danger. Inside a protective sphere Emma Frost, the White Queen, has failed to snap Reynolds out of his psychosis. The heroes left outside battling the Void have been beaten and bloodied almost beyond recognition. The entire area looks like a war-zone and if our heroes are unable to stop the Void, and soon, it may just be too late!

Story Details

In a desperate attempt to stop the Void Emma Frost has forcefully pulled the consciousness of Lindy Reynolds into that of her husband. After some tough love words of advice Frost convinces Lindy to cooperate and that the represented superheroes do not have it out for her husband. To bring Robert Reynolds out of hiding Frost must use a memory shared by both Lindy and her husband, a powerful memory. The one she chooses can only be described as the moment when Bob and Lindy fell completely, head-over-heels in love with each other.

Fortunately for our heroes the ploy works. Mr. Reynolds sits mesmerized by the memory. For the first time he sits completely relaxed and more importantly, in control. Outside the Void has stopped moving and our battered heroes can take a much needed breath.

And like that it's over. The Void is gone and the Sentry now has the chance to become a New Avenger. With the help of the White Witch Reynolds is finally able to unlock his full power and so in a burst of flame the Sentry is reborn! Returning to Stark Tower the Avengers find a new addition to their building. The Sentry's Watchtower has appeared on top of Avengers headquarters. Grudgingly, Ironman admits that the whole thing about fate and the Avengers being entwined may be true.

The story ends with a final gathering of powers. Doc Strange, Mr. Fantastic, the Black Bolt, the Submariner, and Ironman sit together once more. Mr. Fantastic asks Ironman what's been happening with S.H.I.E.L.D. because he's been hearing rumors about the Savage Land. Its nothing replies Ironman with a steely gaze that could wilt flowers.

General Comments

Well first off there were a couple of things I liked. The memory of the Sentry and his wife was a great touch. Its revealing moments like that that really make a person feel connected to a character. Not to mention it was one of those scenes that you can't help but smile at. Second, I love, absolutely love, how Bendis plays off of the Avengers being a group caught up in fate. That's a theme that brings something extra to the story. The idea that its not just coincidence, there's a reason, a guiding hand moving pieces at just the right moment.

On the down side I'm disappointed in the way this story wrapped up. One moment things are getting hairy and the next everything's just peachy. All in all, the story left me wanting something more.

Overall Rating

Three webs for a story that was missing something. Despite its high points I can't think of this one as anything more than average.