New Avengers (Vol. 1) #48

Background

For years the Skrulls have been plotting to take over Earth. They were defeated in one of the largest battles the world has ever seen. After the battle the world still needs Avengers. Who will answer the call?

Story Details

After the battle in Central Park the new Captain America speaks to Ronin and Mockingbird. They speak to Spider-man, who in turn speaks to Iron Fist and Wolverine, Wolverine then speaks to the recently returned Spider-woman.

The next day in the Bronx, Wolverine and Spider-man arrive at Captain America's apartment, where they meet Iron Fist, Ronin and Mockingbird. After talking about The Wasp's sacrifice and wondering what happened to Luke and Jessica Spider-woman enters. Ronin asks what she is doing there. Wolverine tells him that he invited her as she took the worst of invasion. Spider-woman tells the group that S.H.I.E.L.D. has been disbanded. Captain America enters the room and tells them this team was formed by the original Captain America and that Steve would be proud of what they did. Cap offers his home as the teams' new base and meeting place. Iron Fist says he cannot be an Avenger anymore due to the responsibilities of running his company, but if they need him he will be there for them. Suddenly Luke, Jessica and Ms. Marvel enter, they tell everyone that the Skrull posing as Jarvis has Danielle. The team agrees to help, they go to the Baxter building home of the Fantastic Four. Sue assembles the team and Mr Fantastic starts searching for "Jarvis". In the meantime the New Avengers will start looking for any leads.

Later at a bar we see several former S.H.I.E.L.D agents drinking when the team enters, they demand one of the agents stand up. The agent is revealed to be a female Skrull who just wants to live a normal life on Earth. When the Skrull agrees to help she is shot by one of the S.H.I.E.L.D agents. Jessica starts to cry feeling she has lost her baby, Luke see this and wonders what he can do.

Later we see Luke talking to someone about Danielle, he says he'll do anything to get her back, if he has to sign with them he will. The person asks if they have a deal. Luke agrees. We then find out Luke is talking to Norman Osborn leader of The Thunderbolts.

General Comments

I really liked this issue - far from the slow pace of last issue this issue picked up after the events of secret invasion and created a new team, (I guess they should be called The New, New, NEW Avengers by now).

I wonder if Bendis will change the roster every 20 issues or so just to keep the title New Avengers?

Overall Rating

Great stuff, a new team and a great ending - what more could I ask?