Review: The New Avengers #18

Bendis is up to his old tricks again, dipping into the well of past ideas and spinning them in a new way. But this time, it was done precisely, with a keen eye for detail and made perfect sense! I am overjoyed at the return of The Dark Avengers, and felt pure excitement by the final page reveal!

Not so long ago, Norman Osborn was America's "golden boy" in the eye of the public, but a menace to all heroes that opposed him. Now, with the combined financial, physical, and technological prowess of A.I.M., Hydra, the Hand, and H.A.M.M.E.R., he may not rise as the "golden boy," but he is sure to be an even more maniacal thorn in our heroes sides!

I was thoroughly pleased with the way Bendis envisioned this story's formation. Yes, he included his patented back and forth between present and past, but it was needed and gave the reader a complete understanding of how and whom Osborn collected as his latest plan. Plus, the choices Bendis picked for Osborn's next Avengers, were both intriguing and shocking! June Covington as the Scarlet Witch, Gorgon as Wolverine, Ai Apaec as Spider-Man, Barney Barton as Hawkeye, Dr. Wentworth as Ms. Marvel, Skaar as the Hulk and Ragnarok as Thor?

How can you not get excited at the possibilities Bendis has brought to the table for some more amazing stories? In addition, this book wasn't all about the shock and awe of Osborn's new team. Bendis wove a great story of how formulaic one of Marvel's most maniacal, and yet intellectual, villains can be. Especially, when they are slightly insane and are seething for revenge. It has always been said that great villains make better heroes. Well, Marvel must have the best heroes ever because Osborn has become one of the greatest villains of all time!

This was a great book that makes you ponder just how right our heroes have been in the past. Heroes can still make poor choices, but the ramifications of them can destroy thousands of lives. What if they don't deserve to watch over us? What if someone can do it better? Is it better to be proactive as opposed to reactive? I think Bendis has brought about great questions that will change the status quo of how "heroes" function in the Marvel U. And I will be anticipating each new issue to see how ol' Norman will change the world!