New Avengers (Vol. 2) #1 (Story 1)

Background

Norman Osborn is no longer America’s top cop. The Super Human Registration Act has been overturned and Steve Rogers, the original Captain America is now in charge. In this “Heroic Age” The Avengers, both old and new stand ready for whatever comes next...

Story 'Possession'

Dr. Strange, the former Sorcerer Supreme is summoned by Daimon Hellstrom. Hellstrom reminds Strange that he warned him and the New Avengers that the barriers between our world and the mystical worlds have been weakened. Strange tells Hellstrom he’s aware of recent disturbances and they should speak to Dr. Voodoo and see if they can figure out who is here and how they got here. Hellstrom already knows - possession! A possessed Hellstrom attacks Dr. Strange.

At the Avengers tower Luke Cage is upset that Steve Rogers wants the New Avengers to move into the tower. Luke tells them that they were fighting against taking orders from Stark so what makes Rogers any different? Tony Stark asks Cage to give him a dollar. Tony sells him the original Avengers mansion. Rogers then gives Cage his blessing to form his own team but he can’t use Thor or Iron Man. In Dr. Voodoo’s sanctum sanctorum Dr. Voodoo talking to his brother Daniel’s spirit when Dr. Strange and Hellstrom appear. They tell Dr. Voodoo they need the Eye of Agamotto. Dr. Voodoo knows they are possessed and asks their real names.

Luke Cage, Danny Rand and Jessica Jones are moving into The Avengers mansion when they are met by Norman Osborn’s old aid Victoria Hand. After a brief confrontation Hand gives Cage a note from Steve Rogers. In it he asks Cage to give her a second chance and she will help facilitate the teams work. Hand knows she’s not wanted and leaves. Back with Dr. Voodoo, the possessed duo still want the Eye. Daniel tells Dr. Voodoo to run before he appears to be destroyed.

Back in New York and Cage has brought Wolverine with him to speak to Victoria Hand. She tells them she only worked with Osborn because he tried to change the world for the better, and if she was on the team she would bring a different perspective which is what the team needs. Wolverine tells Cage that she’s not lying. Cage welcomes Hand to The Avengers. Wolverine asks what next? Cage tells him it’s time to put the band back together and add a few new people. Next we see the new team it’s Wolverine, Cage, Mocking bird, Hawkeye, Iron Fist, The Thing, Spider-Man and Ms. Marvel. While Cage is talking to The Thing the Eye of Agamotto appears in his hand. Everyone wonders what it’s doing there when the possessed duo appear, Cage asks them their real names when he’s possessed himself.

General Comments

So the Heroic age is here and The Avengers are at the forefront. I'm glad New Avengers wasn't canceled to make room for the original title as I think there's room for a street level Avengers team. This team has a solid line up and adding The Thing into the mix should lead to some great banter with Spidey. Although I do wonder if the team will be as fluid as it was previously with the roster changing every 12 or so issues.

This issue picks up from the original volume by expanding on the mystical barrier breakdown that was mentioned during the battle with The Hood. It's nice to see the mystical side of the Marvel universe be featured.

Overall Rating

Good first issue. The team is assembed, in record time for a Bendis book! The art is great and the writing is typical Bendis.