Post by goldenfist on Jan 22, 2009 0:48:16 GMT -5
Here's Ign's review of Dark Avengers #1.
It's rather ironic that Dark Avengers, a book apparently hinged on a changing of the status quo, comes across altogether familiar. As well written and well drawn as it is, I just can't shake the feeling that this book is a watered down version of the Thunderbolts. I understand that some of the themes are different. Yet even so, the basic intent for this title remains mostly the same. Any way you cut it, this is still a title about a band of villains pretending (or forced) to be superheroes.
As it is, Bendis' story seems to rely wholly upon shock value. As different villains transform into basic burlesques of their counterparts, the enjoyment (or lack thereof) of this issue basically comes down to the simple discomfort of seeing a group of bad guys change their tune, be it genuine or otherwise. Bendis sets a rather foreboding tone, heavily implying that the "loose cannon" aspect of the Thunderbolts will be largely present in Dark Avengers as well.
Again, the only thing that really separates this book from Thunderbolts is the basic lack of anonymity. I fully realize that the whole point of Dark Reign is to present the fallout from Norman Osborn's ascension to power, and that this book is basically intended to properly bring him out from the behind the shadows. Obviously, the Thunderbolts were more of an underground operation, while the Dark Avengers choose basic deception over camouflage. But I still find this a rather flimsy way to justify this book's existence (and for that matter charge four dollars for it), rather than just continuing these themes in Thunderbolts, or even New Avengers.
But where I may take issue with Dark Avengers' premise, it's hard to argue against Bendis' always-solid execution. Emerging from beneath the fallout of Secret Invasion, the first issue of Dark Avengers is largely logistical, basically serving as a roll call for what constitutes the book's main cast of miscreants. Bendis does a remarkable job of doing this rather expediently, pretty much providing the antithesis of his initial issues of New Avengers five years ago. It takes an unmistakable amount of skill to pull this off quickly while also forming a sustainable framework, which Bendis does seamlessly here.
And if there's one benefit to this book's echoing of Thunderbolts, it's the artwork of Mike Deodato. Himself a carry over from the days of Warren Ellis, he was a natural choice for this series, and he takes full advantage of his prior expertise here. His dark contrasts are his bread and butter, and his basic schematic does a lot to add to the series thematically, while also providing the kind of sparkle needed to properly launch a new franchise.
In the end, Bendis is a pro. When he is on his game, his sharp dialogue and quick pacing help to make his work perpetually readable. This remains true in Dark Avengers, despite the basic premise stepping on the toes of another, more established franchise. Bendis certainly packs a series of combustible elements into Dark Avengers, promising for a veritable powder keg; I just hope this book can differentiate itself a bit as things really get moving.
Three people gave three diffrent Review Scores.
6.8 Passable
9.0 Outstanding
8.8 Impressive
It's rather ironic that Dark Avengers, a book apparently hinged on a changing of the status quo, comes across altogether familiar. As well written and well drawn as it is, I just can't shake the feeling that this book is a watered down version of the Thunderbolts. I understand that some of the themes are different. Yet even so, the basic intent for this title remains mostly the same. Any way you cut it, this is still a title about a band of villains pretending (or forced) to be superheroes.
As it is, Bendis' story seems to rely wholly upon shock value. As different villains transform into basic burlesques of their counterparts, the enjoyment (or lack thereof) of this issue basically comes down to the simple discomfort of seeing a group of bad guys change their tune, be it genuine or otherwise. Bendis sets a rather foreboding tone, heavily implying that the "loose cannon" aspect of the Thunderbolts will be largely present in Dark Avengers as well.
Again, the only thing that really separates this book from Thunderbolts is the basic lack of anonymity. I fully realize that the whole point of Dark Reign is to present the fallout from Norman Osborn's ascension to power, and that this book is basically intended to properly bring him out from the behind the shadows. Obviously, the Thunderbolts were more of an underground operation, while the Dark Avengers choose basic deception over camouflage. But I still find this a rather flimsy way to justify this book's existence (and for that matter charge four dollars for it), rather than just continuing these themes in Thunderbolts, or even New Avengers.
But where I may take issue with Dark Avengers' premise, it's hard to argue against Bendis' always-solid execution. Emerging from beneath the fallout of Secret Invasion, the first issue of Dark Avengers is largely logistical, basically serving as a roll call for what constitutes the book's main cast of miscreants. Bendis does a remarkable job of doing this rather expediently, pretty much providing the antithesis of his initial issues of New Avengers five years ago. It takes an unmistakable amount of skill to pull this off quickly while also forming a sustainable framework, which Bendis does seamlessly here.
And if there's one benefit to this book's echoing of Thunderbolts, it's the artwork of Mike Deodato. Himself a carry over from the days of Warren Ellis, he was a natural choice for this series, and he takes full advantage of his prior expertise here. His dark contrasts are his bread and butter, and his basic schematic does a lot to add to the series thematically, while also providing the kind of sparkle needed to properly launch a new franchise.
In the end, Bendis is a pro. When he is on his game, his sharp dialogue and quick pacing help to make his work perpetually readable. This remains true in Dark Avengers, despite the basic premise stepping on the toes of another, more established franchise. Bendis certainly packs a series of combustible elements into Dark Avengers, promising for a veritable powder keg; I just hope this book can differentiate itself a bit as things really get moving.
Three people gave three diffrent Review Scores.
6.8 Passable
9.0 Outstanding
8.8 Impressive
