New Avengers (Vol. 2) #5 (Story 1)

Background

Last issue while The New Avengers while fighting invading demons, Iron Fist confronted the being behind the attacks who was revealed to be The Ancient One, the original teacher of Dr. Strange. Iron Fist was returned to the others a confronted Dr. Strange about how he became the owner of The Eye of Agamotto.

Story Details

Years ago Wong and Dr. Strange stop the clan of ninjas known as The Hand from trying to take The Eye of Agamotto, before the battle some of the history of the eye is revealed and the amount of training it takes to use it. Back in the present Daniel Drumm, bother to the current Sorcerer Supreme Dr. Voodoo wanders the same realm as Iron Fist did last issue. Meanwhile back in New York Hawkeye returns to tell the team that he’s leaving to be on the other Avengers team full time.

In New Orleans Dr Voodoo is trying to figure out how to how to rescue his brothers spirit when Daniel appears and screams his name. Back in The Avengers mansion Dr. Strange explains that it cannot be The Ancient one behind the attacks as the eye is won by challenge not stolen. Iron Fist apologises for punching him. While working out who is really behind this Spidey suggests maybe Agamotto wants his eye back. Dr. Strange and Daimon Hellstrom agree it must be him. Agamotto arrives and demands the eye. Strange refuses so Agamotto takes control of The New Avengers. Dr. Voodoo appears and attacks Agamotto, freeing The New Avengers in the process. Strange gives him the eye and Dr. Voodoo challenges Agamotto who accepts. Dr. Voodoo explains that the challenge is a battle to the death for the possession of the eye. Dr Voodoo tells everyone he will use a spell to put everyone’s powers in one person and that person will fight the battle. Wolverine agrees to be the vessel as Agamotto won’t be expecting him. After the spell is cast Wolverine has everyone’s powers and tells them to “Point me”.

General Comments

This issue fell a bit short for me. Aside from the genuine reveal and a cool powered up Wolverine not much happens. I think Mr Bendis needs to start writing stories in five issue arcs as six. With a little less padding this story could have been much better.

Overall Rating

The art is great and the writing is good but the story just doesn't work for me. Probably because the magic side of the Marvel Universe isn't my cup of tea.