Review: Secret Avengers #1

[gavin]

I finally found the time for fan fiction again and, after receiving facebook notifications and e-mails telling me of the SECRET AVENGERS debut, I just had to step over and read it. I thought, as I'm reading it anyway it would be a disgrace if I didn't offer a review. This was a title that excited me from the moment I'd seen it appear under the banner of the Avengers Imprint. My departure hasn't lessened that interest at all. Jamie is a skilled writer and this is a reactive review - I'll make my comments as I read. So, I'm looking forward to it.

Well, I think we had a strong opening. I'm of the belief that a story, namely an action story as this may turn out to be, should build towards itself and, as this is a new title, I don't think we should forget that most of these characters haven't been seen around in awhile and almost all of them are in a situation they normally wouldn't be. The Black Hulk is our eyes into the goings on of this world, at least initially, and his rare brand of humour is something that can give the reader a few quick chuckles. It distinctly makes him a character to watch out for from the get go. Drama and action are my areas of writing because I lack the skills necessary for imbuing comedy, Jamie faces no such challenge. His take on the character is excellent.

I like Tigra. I normally find her disappointingly underused, and when she is used there's little depth to her beyond a sensual, female temptress. You paint a different picture of the heroine, and it's one I hope will continue as the series progressed. Her assertations are right, these are not the usual brand of Avengers. I find the comments and actions of them all (Black Hulk, Puck, 3D Man, and White Tiger) to present them as half-hearted incarnations, ignorant and lazy. I'm sure that's the intention. Their mission isn't being taken seriously between Black Hulk daydreaming on the roof and 3D Man hacking Mikel Fury's bank account. It seems to me at this point that Tigra is the only credible Avenger, which is ironic given that she is distracted by her own pride. I'm not sure if that was the intention but it definitely makes a more interesting start than most ongoings. I actually kind of liked that they weren't quite so "together".

Sharzhad as a concept has piqued my interest.

Batroc's introduction. The flurry of monstrous hybrids. The introduction of the Masters of Evil, with some more deadly members than they have seen in years. There was a sense of urgency but it wasn't rushed. There was a subtle slope were the comedy gave way to the drama and it all occurred in one instance when White Tiger concluded he could play the part of an Avenger. It was a strong sentiment and the battle started out well in their favour, but naturally they were overpowered and outnumbered. It gave each of the Secret Avengers a moment to shine in the battle and dusted off some pretty much forgotten foes. It was a seen that worked and livened up the otherwise character driven issue. I'm hoping the way this battle turned against them is what drives them to become a better, less careless team.

The Sultan Magus is an interesting villain and this concept of Sharzhad is a strong story to begin with. I'm not sure if it's entirely of your own creation or a canon essence but I liked it and felt it created a strong beginning. It imbued a little comedy at the end when Mikel and Ghost Rider burst through the window to present a somewhat cliched one liner. The humour was in the fact the Black Hulk never managed to make his own known. I liked that the Sultan's attack didn't discriminate against hero or villain, and I wonder how that will play going forward with this arc. Can they remain loyal to a man who could have killed them? Not that many of them think rationally. It's got a lot of villainous powerhouses and I look forward to seeing the second issue.

Good job!

GMM