New Avengers (Vol. 1) #15

Background

Last issue the team confronted Spider-Woman about her loyalties. With that just out of the way its time for the team to go public!

Story Details

The book starts with Ms Marvel fighting Klaw who has escaped during a prison transfer. After a short battle, Ms Marvel absorbs Klaws energy and thats that! One of the guards asks her if shes flying back to New York as shes an Avenger. Carol doesnt know what hes talking about, until he tells her the Avengers are back and the new line up is being announced that afternoon.

Ms Marvel flys to the Avengers Tower, where she's greeted by the new team. She asks Steve if she can have a word, he says if its about going back on the team she's welcome once an Avenger always an Avenger. Carol then tells him about what happened to her during the House of M, (she was a media superhero one of the most popular heroes on the planet), she wants to be like that again. Steve is shocked, but still wants her on board and tells her shes always been a great hero.

Inside Logan tells Stark hes not going to stand on stage like a dancing monkey. Stark tells him that a show of solidarity might help mutant/human relations. Logan tells him that hes murdered people and he shouldnt be on a stage. He tells Stark they have a deal and this isnt part of it, Stark tells him its his choice and asks Cage if hes ready. Later Stark is briefing the team about the press conference, when Peter tells him that he never gets any good press. Stark tells him that now the machine will work for him, and to get ready as he will be here soon. Pete asks "He who?"

We see JJJ and Robbie walk into the briefing room, JJ notices Spidey straight away. He ask what this is about, Cap tells him they are the new Avengers more or less. JJ asks about Spidey, Cap and Iron man assure that Spidey is a hero and JJ is bias against him. Iron Man offers JJ a deal - lay off Spidey and the Bugle will get exclusive Avengers coverage. Robbie tells JJ to agree or he will quit. In one of the great moments of Spidey history, JJ stands and shakes Spideys hand!

Cap tells Spider-Woman not to jepordise her cover and between them both they can sort the mess out, this leaves her shocked.

Cap stands on stage and tells the the public that the Avengers called it quits to early, and a new team has come together on the stage we see Cage, Spider-Woman, Iron man, Cap, Spidey and The Sentry.

The next day JJ has labeled the new Avengers as "A wanted murderer, an alleged ex-member of a global terrorist organisation and a convicted heroin dealer are just a few of the new recruits who are poised to bury the good name of the Avengers once and for all". While the team works out who's who, Jess decides to go for a drink alone. She meets a member of Hydra who informs her that Madame Hydra is still alive. She tells him that Fury has surfaced to help the Avengers take Hydra down. The agent replies that is good news, and Jessica has earned her life for another day

General Comments

This issue was great - plenty of gags, art was top the whole going public didnt disappoint. The only problem I have is Ms Marvel joining the team, the team is big enough in my opinion. Ronin wont be back until after the civil war. I understand that Sentry will be part time due to his mental state. Thats a minor gripe. Bendis is rocking as usual and Chos art is great.

I prefer BMBs work when hes not writing long arcs. I know they read great if you have all the parts in front of you, but when your waiting months and not much happens it's extremely frustrating.

Overall Rating

Solid 4 webs - The team whent public at last! I was going to give 3.5 but the JJ twist was laugh out loud awesome.