Comics The New Avengers Thread

[Kirk Langstrom]

I figure we should have one, as it looks like Spider-Man will be a part of this for the time being...

Well, two issues in, what does everybody think so far?

Myself; i like the line up, although i'd prefer Captain America (he's NOT dead ), or Hawkeye over Ronin (some say Ronin IS Hawkeye, but whatever)...i LOVE the thought of Peter working with Dr. Strange on a regular basis...i always thought that it was odd that Strange never called on Spidey for any of those old Defenders adventures...Peter certainly fit the profile back then....he was feared by the public, and a bit of an outlaw, not unlike Sub-Mariner, Hulk, the Surfer, and Valkyrie...and Spidey and the Doc had already teamed up a few times before ...

Anyway, the opening story features Spidey, Doc, Spider-Woman, Cage, Iron Fist, Wolverine, and Ronin in Japan rescuing team mate Echo from Elektra and the Hand....there's also a sub plot running that is basically a flashback of the group going up against Iron Man and his new team....

Im hoping that Bendis seizes the opportunity to dust off some older villain organizations that we havent seen in awhile, that are more suited for a street level team like this one....Sons Of The Serpent, or perhaps Zodiac...that would be very cool.

However, i want your opinions on something; To those who have closely followed Marvel's Cilvil War storyline....are the New Avengers beating a dead horse?

I mean, their leader surrendered...the public support registration...and registration is now a law. What point is there in remaining "underground", at this juncture?

Dont get me wrong; im all FOR Spidey being on a team of rebels...im just not sure of the reasons for said continued rebellion.

So, give me your thoughts on that, and your overall feel for the book so far.

 

[SpideyInATree]

After reading # 28 I'm still kind of undecided about the title and Spider-Man's role. It's mostly because Bendis can be a pain in the ass with his writing sometimes and it's difficult to really get a read on things until after a couple of issues...which is general for a Bendis penned book.

But I really do like the team. I love that Spidey, Dr. Strange, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage are on a team together. They seem to really mesh well. Wolverine and Spider-Woman REALLY don't feel like they are part of the team in my opinion. I'm wondering what Wolverine is even doing there in the first place being that he's a mutant.

And, of course, I'm extremely curious as to who is behind the mask of Ronin. I'm hoping that it's Hawkeye.

 

[matt50]

as much as i like wolverine, personally he's in too many titles these days. after 27 i was kinda like whats going on...it just seemed like too many things going on. I'll give it an issue or two more before i drop it to see what direction this new team is going in.

 

[crivelliman]

I've been reading NA since its inception, and I really enjoyed Spidey's involvement (in spite of being a sidekick in the regular title), although right now it seems he's not especially "dark" or even remotely upset. The only real difference right now is a) his family's not around, and b) he's wearing his black costume. Not much of a change, really. And I'm really surprised Spidey's easily saddled back up into the sidekick role, giving Luke Cage an opportunity to lead the team. Makes sense, what with all of Luke Cage's... leadership.... experience.... Anyway, I'm going to hold out to see how the fight against Iron Man's team goes. Plus I'd like to see who Ronin winds up being this time around.

 

[Kirk Langstrom]

I've been reading NA since its inception, and I really enjoyed Spidey's involvement (in spite of being a sidekick in the regular title), although right now it seems he's not especially "dark" or even remotely upset. The only real difference right now is a) his family's not around, and b) he's wearing his black costume. Not much of a change, really. And I'm really surprised Spidey's easily saddled back up into the sidekick role, giving Luke Cage an opportunity to lead the team. Makes sense, what with all of Luke Cage's... leadership.... experience.... Anyway, I'm going to hold out to see how the fight against Iron Man's team goes. Plus I'd like to see who Ronin winds up being this time around.

Well, iirc, Cage was sort of the the leader of Heroes For Hire a couple years back, so he DOES have some leadership capability.

That said, i still dont know if im ready to see Dr. Strange take a backseat to ANYONE, in regards to leading, as he's literally led Aliens, Gods, royalty, and The Hulk into battle, but we'll see how it goes.

 

[crivelliman]

as much as i like wolverine, personally he's in too many titles these days. after 27 i was kinda like whats going on...it just seemed like too many things going on. I'll give it an issue or two more before i drop it to see what direction this new team is going in.

You'd think since Wolvie is on the team, ostensibly, because he's keeping his agreement to Stark, that he might be over on the other side? If I remember correctly, Cap was against the idea and Stark was more on the Logan corner.

Well, iirc, Cage was sort of the the leader of Heroes For Hire a couple years back, so he DOES have some leadership capability.

That said, i still dont know if im ready to see Dr. Strange take a backseat to ANYONE, in regards to leading, as he's literally led Aliens, Gods, royalty, and The Hulk into battle, but we'll see how it goes.

Fair enough. I concede to that logic. As for Doc Strange, as much as I was thrilled by the concept of Strange being on a high-profile team like the NA, after I've seen its execution it seems a bit dubious to me. It could be his extremely high powers, but I think there's something more to it than that. For example, I could easily see the Doc hosting the New Avengers in his Sanctum. I don't exactly see him "kicking asses" with his fellow team-mates, especially being that the entire team is comprised of street-level ass-kickers. "Kick... ass?" I could imagine the good doctor saying aloud. It seems he'd be above what the New Avengers do, but I could totally see him hosting them for as long as they needed. I could see them in passing, the NA totally beaten and ravaged from something like, oh... a ninja fight? And Strange covered in some interdimensional goo, and they just nod and go to their respective quarters.

 

[Donald Thomas]

Well, iirc, Cage was sort of the the leader of Heroes For Hire a couple years back, so he DOES have some leadership capability.

That said, i still dont know if im ready to see Dr. Strange take a backseat to ANYONE, in regards to leading, as he's literally led Aliens, Gods, royalty, and The Hulk into battle, but we'll see how it goes.

Aloha,
Been with NA since the beginning and I would agree that Spidey is written like he's a second stringer at times.That being said, I love the fact that Spidey is in a team.He has the respect of most of the Super Hero community (even after his turn about in Civil War). He deserves to at least be able to call upon a team when he needs one.Bendis is of the opinion that since Cage is a father now, he is better able to be a leader.I believe part of this is also leading up to a Luke Cage-Power Man movie in the near future.Spidey must have an out law status-it's part of what makes him Spider-Man. The NA fit perfectly into that image.Even though Registration is the law-for now. I believe that this law will be challenged eventually and found to be completely unconstitutional.This law says that you cannot be a Good Samaritan and help a person without being formally registered with the government.It also says that if you have super powers you will be conscripted into government service for the rest of your life.I know someone within the Marvel Universe(Matt Murdock?) will be able to challenge this law all the way up to the Supreme Court.
Spidey rules
http://www.donaldspidermanthomas.com/html/library_newavengers_page1.html

 

[crivelliman]

Aloha,
Been with NA since the beginning and I would agree thqat Spidey is written like he's a second stringer.That being said, I love the fact that Spidey is in a team.He has the respect of most of the Super Hero community (even after his turn about in Civil War). He deserves to at least be able to call upon a team when he needs one.Bendis is of the opinion that since Cage is a father now, he is better able to be a leader.I believe part of this is also leading up to a Luke Cage-Power Man movie in the near future.Spidey must have an out law status-it's part of what makes him Spider-Man. The NA fit perfectly into that image.Even though Registration is the law-for now. I believe that this law will be challenged eventually and found to be completely unconstitutional.This law says that you cannot be a Good Samaritan and help a person without being formally registered with the government.It also says that if you have super powers you will be conscripted into government service for the rest of your life.I know someone within the Marvel Universe(Matt Murdock?) will be able to challenge this law all the way up to the Supreme Court.
Spidey rules
http://www.donaldspidermanthomas.com/html/library_newavengers_page1.html

I'm totally with you in the camp that likes Spidey on a team. He's been easily the most team-upable character in the MU, it's kind of natural.

 

[Kirk Langstrom]

Fair enough. I concede to that logic. As for Doc Strange, as much as I was thrilled by the concept of Strange being on a high-profile team like the NA, after I've seen its execution it seems a bit dubious to me. It could be his extremely high powers, but I think there's something more to it than that. For example, I could easily see the Doc hosting the New Avengers in his Sanctum. I don't exactly see him "kicking asses" with his fellow team-mates, especially being that the entire team is comprised of street-level ass-kickers. "Kick... ass?" I could imagine the good doctor saying aloud. It seems he'd be above what the New Avengers do, but I could totally see him hosting them for as long as they needed. I could see them in passing, the NA totally beaten and ravaged from something like, oh... a ninja fight? And Strange covered in some interdimensional goo, and they just nod and go to their respective quarters.

Actually, Strange has been known to get "down and dirty" with the best of them, as the nescessity arises. I'd recommend Defenders volume I, issues #22 through #25 to see the good Doctor teaming up with street level heroes like Cage, Nighthawk, and Daredevil against Sons Of The Serpent (kind of a high tech Klu Klux Klan)...these issues were reprinted recently in Essential Defenders Volume II.

Like anything, it's really just a matter of the writer using his imagination, in regards to character interaction, which i think is one of Bendis' strongpoints.

 

[crivelliman]

Like anything, it's really just a matter of the writer using his imagination, in regards to character interaction, which i think is one of Bendis' strongpoints.

I seriously think Bendis really nails character interaction. Even if all Bendis wrote was a series where superheroes just sit around playing poker shooting the breeze, I would pay double for it. To me, he makes that more interesting than any fight. Have you checked out the Illuminati limited series? I feel like it's a great blend of odd characters and superhero-y espionage. The art, by the way, also easily compliments his style.

 

[Kirk Langstrom]

I seriously think Bendis really nails character interaction. Even if all Bendis wrote was a series where superheroes just sit around playing poker shooting the breeze, I would pay double for it. To me, he makes that more interesting than any fight. Have you checked out the Illuminati limited series? I feel like it's a great blend of odd characters and superhero-y espionage. The art, by the way, also easily compliments his style.

Oh yeah! I think The Illuminatti is one of Bendis' best ideas in a long time.

 

[crivelliman]

Oh yeah! I think The Illuminatti is one of Bendis' best ideas in a long time.

I'm really looking forward to the next issue, being Secret Wars. I'm betting we'll see some reference to Spider-Man's symbiotic costume. At least I'm hoping so. I'd actually prefer to see some 616 Spider-Man stories written by Bendis. I'm sure Slott's probably taking over for Amazing, but I'd be happy with Bendis.

 

[kguillou]

As much as i love Bendis' writing and New Avengers, i really really dont like how he writes Spiderman. I mean, he writes him like a little kid, basically he acts like the Flash on Justice League Unlimited. I understand that each team has to have a jokester, but c'mon, Pete's more mature than that, are we forgetting he's not a kid anymore and he's a grown man with ALOT of issues right now?
Im not saying Bendis should write him without humor but make him a little more badass and say some smart things from time to time instead of "yay, i love ninjas!" all the time. Am i the only one who feels this way?

 

[Kirk Langstrom]

As much as i love Bendis' writing and New Avengers, i really really dont like how he writes Spiderman. I mean, he writes him like a little kid, basically he acts like the Flash on Justice League Unlimited. I understand that each team has to have a jokester, but c'mon, Pete's more mature than that, are we forgetting he's not a kid anymore and he's a grown man with ALOT of issues right now?
Im not saying Bendis should write him without humor but make him a little more badass and say some smart things from time to time instead of "yay, i love ninjas!" all the time. Am i the only one who feels this way?

No, not at all. In fact, most people i've talked to about Spider-Man's New Avengers tenure feel the same way.

It IS an ensemble book, understandabley, but in regards to world-wide recognition,Spider-Man is to the NA what Superman is to the Justice League, am i right?

So yes, Spider-Man should be occasionally taking the centerstage, imo.

 

[shinlyle]

Well, I'm enjoying it more since the re-revamp, but I still want to see Spdiey treated as a seasoned veteran, as opposed to a rookie. I'm definitely enjoying the post CW New Avengers more than the pre-CW version.

 

[Blaktin America]

I like the wise-cracks, but I do wish that we got more into the scientist portion of Peter's life. It'll be great if they allowed Peter to create some of the technology for the team in future issues.

Also the team is there ( besides Strange) because of a promise made to Cap. Wolverine might not be his best friend, but he respected the hell out of him. They're Avengers because Cap said so. That's enough for me.

 

[Upset Spideyfan]

However, i want your opinions on something; To those who have closely followed Marvel's Cilvil War storyline....are the New Avengers beating a dead horse?

I mean, their leader surrendered...the public support registration...and registration is now a law. What point is there in remaining "underground", at this juncture?

I completely agree with you and worse yet I think it makes the team seem pretty damn irresponsible (especially Cage and Peter) to put their loved one's in danger when the damn war is over.

What are they planning to do? Wait out the registration act?

 

[crivelliman]

Well, I'm enjoying it more since the re-revamp, but I still want to see Spdiey treated as a seasoned veteran, as opposed to a rookie. I'm definitely enjoying the post CW New Avengers more than the pre-CW version.

Hear, hear! The New Avengers story in Amazing was all right, but I had trouble buying into it based on his contradictory behavior in the regular NA title. But don't get me wrong; I'd prefer to see "taking charge and using his brain" New Avengers Spidey, versus "Um... guys? My weirdo organic web shooter thinggies aren't working-- oy vey" New Avengers Spidey.

 

[Venom Drool]

i like that the dialogue bounces nicely between the chracters but spidey never has anything significant to contribute other tan a funny little joke. pete can put two and two together and i ****ing hate that he looks like a total jackass. hes not ****ing deadpool.

 

[shinlyle]

I completely agree with you and worse yet I think it makes the team seem pretty damn irresponsible (especially Cage and Peter) to put their loved one's in danger when the damn war is over.

What are they planning to do? Wait out the registration act?

You guys aren't alone here. I was wondering what the point to all of this was...and I hope we get a quick resolution to it all. At this point, Cap, who surrendered, is now dead, and the public is almost 100% against unregistered superheroes....what do they expect to accomplish? Still....getting to that point may be interesting.

Of course, judging from the fact that the two Avengers teams face off in the next issue of NA, I guess we'll find out, huh?

 

[freemadison]

Well, I'm enjoying it more since the re-revamp, but I still want to see Spdiey treated as a seasoned veteran, as opposed to a rookie. I'm definitely enjoying the post CW New Avengers more than the pre-CW version.

hey shinlyle, is it me or do you seem to be enjoying Marvel comics post-CW a lot more too? I'm loving Thunderbolts, NA, and all the spidey titles seem better than before.

 

[SpideyZERO]

I start to read New Avengers from 27. It's pretty enjoyable. Like everyone else, I don't like how Spidey is potrayed there. Too kiddy and too 'ultimate'

 

[SpideyInATree]

No, not at all. In fact, most people i've talked to about Spider-Man's New Avengers tenure feel the same way.

It IS an ensemble book, understandabley, but in regards to world-wide recognition,Spider-Man is to the NA what Superman is to the Justice League, am i right?

So yes, Spider-Man should be occasionally taking the centerstage, imo.

I agree that occassionally Spider-Man should take center stage in the New Avengers, as should ALL the characters in the book. But I wouldn't say that Spider-Man is to the New Avengers what Superman is to the Justice League. As far as popularity with the comic book community and the mainstream...yeah, Spider-Man and Superman would be on the same level.

But in the storyline Captain America is to the New Avengers what Superman is to the Justice League. Spider-Man is the underdog, everyman. He's basically used to being a solo hero and we're used to seeing him that way. So, yeah, every now and then it's nice to see him shine in the New Avengers book.

I see his role a lot like how it was in the latest issue of Ultimate Power. Everyone was looking at the Hellicarrier and he was looking at Thor and basically came up with the plan to take them to the Squadron Supreme world. So, yeah, that's how I see Spidey on the New Avengers.

On a quick side note about this Bendis said in an interview with Wizard, about the two Avengers books, that Spider-Man would be more of a comic relief in NA as in his regular ongoing books he's going to be seen more angry, depressed, and violent. So...I wouldn't expect things to change anytime soon.

 

[SpideyZERO]

Is it explained anywhere that how the new New Avengers is formed?

 

[Kirk Langstrom]

Is it explained anywhere that how the new New Avengers is formed?

Yes in New Avengers #1.

The original Avengers has been dis-banded for six months. Someone hired Electro to orchestrate a massive breakout at the super-villain wing of Rykers Island prison...several heroes rushed to the scene to help contain the break out, decided to stay together, and the NA was born.