New Avengers (Vol. 1) #17

Background

Last issue a new menace appeared. After taking out Alpha Flight with ease, S.H.E.I.L.D. Director Hill reluctantly called the New Avengers.

Story Details

This issue starts in a run down area of Detroit, where the New Avengers are trying "Impact superhero work". Cage explains to a reporter that on the days when they are not saving the world, the Avengers will show up in dilapidated areas and stand there. This will force the dealers and prostitutes to move on, and also embarrass the people in charge to do something about the condition of these neighbourhoods. Iron Man receives Hill's distress call and tells the team to assemble.

Once on the Quinjet the team are briefed by Hill. She tells them that they have a code white threat, a male humanoid of undetermined origin and power level. All they know is it touched down and destroyed a small town in Alaska. Hill then shows the team what happened to Alpha Flight. She tells them the F.F. are not available and they cannot evacuate as the threat has already arrived in Cleveland.

Next we see the glowing man arrive in Cleveland. Iron Man calls Ms. Marvel for help. Wolverine tells everyone that the X-Men are not answering. Cap tells Hill they need some high-level power and asks for S.H.E.I.L.D. agent Daisy Johnson, Hill refuses until Cap reminds her of the civilians. Spider-Woman asks agent who, Cap tells her Daisy Johnson is a Nick Fury loyalist and she's pretty powerful. Wolverine asks if she's the chick from the secret war, Cap says exactly and calls Lindy Reynolds. Wolverine tells him that he will slice Johnsons' nose off the second he, Cap interrupts him and tells him he'll do nothing. Cap is on the video link to Lindy he asks to speak to Bob, Lindy tells him its not a good day for Bob. Cap tells her they really need him and asks to speak to Bob, Lindy tells Bob Cap is on the phone.

Next we see Spidey talking to Iron Man, Spidey is asking what chance they would have against someone who took Alpha Flight down so easily. Iron Man tells him he's not going to fight, Spidey starts to complain about being "benched", Iron Man tells him he's leading team two, Spidey asks what's team two. Iron Man tells Spidey team two will be going to the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier so they can figure out how to stop the glowing man, Iron Man flys out of the Quinjet to scout ahead. Meanwhile Cap is on-line with Bob Reynolds, Cap tells him they need the Sentry as thousands of civilians are at risk.

Next we see Iron Man arriving in Cleveland scanning the glowing man. He cannot find any match in his records, he also notes that his records include the research of Reed Richards and all the aliens they have met. Iron Man decides that he will try to make peaceful contact with the glowing man. As Iron Man approaches him the man stops, Iron Man tells him he is an Avenger and he has a universal translator so he can speak to him. Iron Man asks the man who he is and what does he want, the man responds "MM...MIK...AL". Iron Man asks him if his name is Michael and if he is Korvac, the man says his name is Michael. Iron Man asks why is he hurting people and where he is going, Michael raises his hand and says, "you--" before he can finish he is attacked by Ms Marvel who trys to absorb some of Michaels energy which causes an explosion. Ms Marvel crashes and gets back up with her old cosmic powers.

General Comments

Yes I liked this issue. After last issues one Avenger only appearance this issue was a welcome change. I'm glad the new team finally had something they can all fight. If you look at the team they have some real heavy hitters, Sentry alone is powerful enough to stop everything they've faced so far.

Now for the positives - First of all I love the way Iron Man knows Spidey is a smart guy and puts him on team two, this also re-enforces the fact that Spidey really isn't that powerful, even with his new suit. Also I love the idea of Impact Superheroing - The idea of the team showing up and just standing there to scare away bad people is great, I knew that Luke Cage had a role in the team other than "token black guy". The writing by Bendis is great as usual and the art by Deocato is top stuff. I'm glad he draws a book I read after he left ASM.

Now for the negatives - I'm not a fan of the whole "team member interrupts the peaceful contact" thing. This maybe due to the fact that I don't care much for Ms. Marvel. Also it looks like the team will also be getting another new member in Daisy Johnson, and like I said after reading issue 15 I think the team is big enough.

Overall Rating

Solid issue, not much action but the build has increased. The team really interacted with each other and the writing and art were great. Looking forward to a real fight next issue!