Earth's Mightiest Column: Nov. 14, 2007

Time for another Earth's Mightiest Column!


EARTH’S MIGHTIEST COLUMN: NOV. 14, 2007
Wizard Universe’s regular rundown of Marvel’s mightiest teams

By Matt Powell

Posted November 14, 2007 4:00 PM

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Beyond the umbrella of “The Initiative,” Earth’s mightiest heroes soldier on to unravel the shadowy threats that menace the Marvel Universe! For regular recaps of post-Initiative New Avengers, Mighty Avengers and New Avengers: The Illuminati, swing by with each new issue for insight into the costumed conspiracies and superpowered slugfests that break out every time the Avengers assemble! )

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

PREVIOUSLY IN THE ‘AVENGERS’ TITLES:

• It was a period of Civil War. Though seemingly brought together by fate out of the ashes of the disassembled Avengers team to stop a supervillain breakout at the supermaximum security prison the Raft, the group of heroes known as the New Avengers—Captain America (Steve Rogers), Iron Man (Tony Stark), Spider-Man (Peter Parker), Wolverine (Logan/James Howlett), Luke Cage, Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew), the Sentry (Robert Reynolds) and sometimes Ronin (Maya Lopez, aka Echo)—were torn between Iron Man’s drive to register all superhumans and Captain America’s determination to resist.
• When the dust settled, Captain America was dead and Iron Man triumphant, installed as director of S.H.I.E.L.D. As a result, two separate teams claim the Avengers mantle.
• Duly authorized under the Superhuman Registration Act, the Mighty Avengers consist of Iron Man, the Sentry, Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers), the Wasp (Janet Van Dyne), the Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff), Wonder Man (Simon Reynolds) and god of war Ares.
• On the run from the government—including the Mighty Avengers—the New Avengers comprise Luke Cage, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Spider-Woman, Doctor Strange (Stephen Strange, Sorcerer Supreme), Iron Fist (Danny Rand) and the new Ronin (Clint Barton, formerly known as Hawkeye). They’re supported by Strange’s servant Wong and Cage’s wife Jessica Jones (the one-time hero Jewel and mother of Cage’s child).
• As part of the “Initiative” event, the Mighty Avengers are embroiled in a tense struggle against a new Ultron, who seized control of Tony Stark’s biomechanically enhanced body, transforming it into a female form not unlike the Wasp’s and deploying near-unstoppable new powers against the team—most recently killing the Sentry’s wife Lindy.
• Meanwhile, the New Avengers’ battle to rescue their teammate Echo from the clutches of the powerful ninja cult called the Hand ended abruptly when Echo stabbed the Hand’s leader Elektra to death—revealing that she’s not Greco-American Elektra Natchios at all, but a Skrull impostor. The fact that a member of this shape-shifting alien race—whose long and hostile history with Earth’s heroes was recently illustrated in New Avengers: Illuminati—could assume control of the deadliest group of assassins known to man left the team wondering: Who else might be a Skrull? And who can they trust?
• Not Spider-Woman, apparently: Whether because she’s secretly a Skrull or just thinks taking Skrullektra’s body to Tony Stark for analysis is the right thing to do despite the objections of her teammates, Jessica Drew takes advantage of the crash of the New Avengers’ jet to zap Wolverine and make off with Skrullektra’s corpse.
• Tempers rise and paranoia spreads like a disease, causing the New Avengers to almost disassemble! As the team takes a much-needed break from one another, Wolverine comes face-to-gun-barrel with the criminal underground’s newest head honcho—the Hood!
• New Avengers: Illuminati has been depicting untold tales of a clandestine group of heroes known as the Illuminati: Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Professor X (Charles Xavier), Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards), Black Bolt (Blackagar Boltagon, king of the Inhumans) and Namor the Sub-Mariner (ruler of Atlantis). Brought together in secret by Stark in the wake of the Kree-Skrull War to quietly protect humanity from major threats, the group played a major behind-the-scenes role in the Marvel Universe before splitting up prior to the Civil War. Among other tasks, they’ve chased off a Skrull fleet, gathered the Infinity Gems, attempted to banish the Beyonder from this universe, convinced Marvel Boy to rethink his life, and exiled the Hulk from the Earth.
• Capitalizing on the disarray facing Marvel’s heroes following the Civil War and the Initiative, the new Kingpin-in-training—the Hood—gets organized and rounds up virtually every villain who broke out of the Raft back in New Avengers #1. Promising his newfound allies more money than they can imagine, the Hood pledges to hit heroes where it hurts—particularly their families—if any cape comes near his new operation. To prove his dedication to his new world order, the Hood physically and psychologically takes out Tigra and sets his sights to earn big while the heroes are occupied with a symbiote infestation.
• While the Mighty Avengers continue their metallic melee with the horde of Iron Man armors unleashed upon them by Ultron, Ares leaves the battle to travel to the S.H.I.E.L.D helicarrier and reveals his plan to take down Ultron. After a brief meeting of the minds, Ares and Hank agree to implant a virus directly into Ultron’s system. However, to keep the Avengers busy, Ultron hacks into government systems, causing the launch of a nuclear missile off the Florida coast. While the Avengers halt the missile, the Starktech 940 drone secretly launches a shrunken Ares into the mouth of Ultron to implant the virus.
• Disturbed by recent events (and a body bag dropped on his doorstep), Iron Man calls an Illuminati meeting to address the corpse of Skrullektra and threat of a Skrull invasion, which is the result of their past attack. As the group tries to rationalize how to approach this threat, Black Bolt is revealed to be a Skrull spy who immediately attacks the stunned heroes. In the fight against…umm, Black Skrolt, the Illuminati seemingly kill him, only to be surprise-attacked by Skrulls mimicking the powers of Thor and Colossus. To end the battle quickly, Iron Man creates a huge explosion that appears to have destroyed the Skrull attackers. Fueled by distrust and betrayal in light of the current situation, the team disbands again, leaving Iron Man to lament the Skrull invasion.

NEW AVENGERS #36
Brian Michael Bendis (W)/Leinil Francis Yu (A)



SYNOPSIS ASSEMBLE!

• Luke Cage gives the play-by-play to his lady, Jessica Drew, on how his teammates were infected with Venom symbiotes (along with millions of others in NYC) and attacked him.
• Brutally assaulted by his infected allies, Cage awoke uninfected (thanks to his unbreakable skin) and to the face of Ms. Marvel and Wonder Man of the Mighty Avengers.
• Teaming up with the pro-registration Avengers, Cage took it to the streets to halt the threat while Iron Man sped away to find a cure for the plague.
• At the climax of the battle, Tony Stark comes through and spontaneously transforms all the affected heroes and bystanders back to human form.
• After everyone is returned to normal, both Avengers teams remain behind for damage control and to assist the disoriented citizens.
• Tensions rise as Cage continues his talk with Jessica, as they are both worried about who could be a Skrull in disguise and the secret invasion going on.
• At Avengers Tower, the Mighty Avengers team learns that Dr. Doom was behind the symbiote bomb that infected NYC, and make preparations to depart to Latveria to confront Doom.
• Meanwhile, to get some long-overdue answers, Wolverine confronts Jessica Drew as she showers to interrogate her on her actions leading up to her quitting the team.
• Following all the leads they can, Cage, his Avengers, and a host of Marvel heroes find themselves at the Hood’s doorstep ready to throw down with Hood’s new organization.

LITTLE CITY OF HORRORS



As if Skrulls weren’t enough to worry about already! The Avengers (and practically all of NYC) play host to a horde of symbiotes in full-on tongue-waving, drool-drippin’ fashion! You can save your mind power on wondering, “What if the New Avengers were taken over by symbiotes?” as Leinil Yu awesomely illustrates the plague. As amazed as we were by the sight of Venoms and Carnages everywhere, we can’t help but wonder how cool this would look in a video game. Marvel Universe: Ultimate Carnage has a nice ring to it, right Marvel (nudge nudge)? We’re just saying…

DR. D-BAG



The Fantastic Four’s professor of chaos is in full D-bag form with this move. The Doc took a backseat in Civil War, but obviously he was biding his time to capitalize in the launch of his “symbiote bomb” dropping smack-dab in the heart of NYC. However, justice is swift, as Iron Man quickly gathers all the evidence he needs to launch a full-scale assault on Latveria, Avengers-style, to introduce some gunmetal to Doom’s iron face.

SHOWERTIME INTERROGATIONS



As much as Wolverine likes to get down-and-dirty, in this issue ol’ Logan’s ready to get squeaky clean with Jessica Drew in the shower. Hold your thoughts folks, because Logan’s all business and keeps his claws out to get the truth from Jessie on what her deal is. When a scantily clad Black Widow enters the room, Wolvie does what any guy caught in a compromising position with two women would do: hastily leave the room! But when you’re about 80 stories up, jumpin’ out the window’s all ya got. “The best there is,” indeed!

REUNITED…



…and doesn’t it feel so good to not see our heroes trading punches with each other? When Luke Cage said he needed backup, we didn’t think the God of Thunder, let alone the Silver Surfer, would be on his Rolodex. But hey, you can’t blame a guy for aiming high. It’s like Malone said in “The Untouchables”: “They pull a knife, you pull a gun…” Hope you’re wearing a diaper, Hood.


Venom symbiotes infecting the superhuman population in New York City! 'Tis a dream come true for fans of Marvel Comics in the early 90s when Venom was an uber hot property.

And yet another shot of the uber sexy Spider-woman nude in the pages of New Avengers. With strategically placed "endowments" covering up her naughty bits. But hey, nudity is nudity, even covered up. Man does Bendis like those shots of Spider-woman...he keeps writing them in!

My favourite covers: Leinil Francis Yu

Leinil Francis Yu shares his favourite covers with Wizard Universe:


MY FAVORITE COVERS: LEINIL FRANCIS YU
The New Avengers artist calls out 7 unforgettable images

By Jake Rossen

Posted November 12, 2007

Preacher #1
(Glenn Fabry, 1995)
“‘Beautiful drawings of ugly people.’ That’s how my friend, Gerry Alanguilan, describes Glenn Fabry’s covers. It’s easy to see why I over-render my women, how my men look emaciated and tired, and why everyone has eye bags and wrinkles. Yep, it’s Glenn Fabry’s fault. I just can’t help myself.”

The Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy of Mr. Punch (Dave McKean, 1994)
“Buying a Vertigo comic book is like entering the lottery. Every single cover looks amazing but the interiors are, most of the time, the extreme opposite. They always, always, always look good—too good. I always wanted to peek inside a Vertigo book when I was a kid, only to see how the interiors pale in comparison. So this is a nod to Dave McKean, who influenced the covers to most Vertigo books and sold a boatload of them.”

Prophet #4 variant (Stephen Platt, 1994)
“Stephen Platt is probably the most influential artist in proportion to the very meager amount of work he’s done. I think his covers are some of the most striking and memorable I’ve ever seen. It’s mainly his radical renderings: his blotty inks, crazy anatomy, insane amount of veins, and simple but effective layout. They all come together perfectly. Owning the very few comics he has ever done is one of the best memories I’ve had as a collector and as an artist.”

Wildcats [Vol. 2] #1 (Travis Charest, 1999)
“Travis Charest is one of my favorite artists ever. This is quite obvious—you can see it in my work. He has produced a lot of amazing pieces and it would be a shame to pick just one. I chose this particular cover because it has both a close-up and a detailed team shot…okay, I’m making it up. I love all his covers and I will buy everything he will ever produce.”

Wonder Woman [Vol. 2] #189 (Adam Hughes, 2003)
“Adam Hughes’ line art was awesome from the get-go, but when he started coloring his own work, he took it to a stratosphere which very few artists can call their home. It’s amazing how he can have such a realistic look while still maintaining that really distinctive style. He usually draws full body shots of Wonder Woman, so this close-up stands out from the rest. It’s a really beautiful and striking shot that makes you just want to pick it up.”

Kingdom Come #1 (Alex Ross, 1996)
“Alex Ross draws heroes and villains magnificently, and it couldn’t be any better than Kingdom Come #1. I love the dark tone of this cover as well as the facial expressions of the villains themselves. Alex’s work is the best example of the proper usage of models. They all look drawn instead of copied or traced, yet he benefits from the kind of lighting and coloring that can only be achieved with photo referencing. Not only does he draw the biggest DC characters, he does it with a look that makes you realize that men in tights in real life could look great. They may look like aerobics instructors, but still great.”

X-Men [Vol. 2] #1E (Jim Lee, 1991)
“Jim Lee is one of the greatest artists ever. This cover is probably as memorable for me as it is ubiquitous. The way Jim uses depth of field in this cover is the backbone of how I design my covers and even interiors. Not only do the individual pieces stand on their own, but putting them together is even more marvelous.”

Leinil Francis Yu’s credits include Superman: Birthright and Wolverine. He’s currently the regular artist on New Avengers.

The extended fold-out cover to X-Men #1 is one of my favourite covers EVER as well. It was just so beautifully drawn I love fold-out extended art!

Earth's Mightiest Column: 8 August 2007

EARTH'S MIGHTIEST COLUMN: AUGUST 8, 2007
Wizard Universe’s regular rundown of Marvel’s mightiest teams

By Kevin Mahadeo

Posted August 8, 2007 9:20 AM

(Editor’s note: Beyond the umbrella of ‘The Initiative,’ Earth’s mightiest heroes soldier on to unravel the shadowy threats that menace the Marvel Universe! For regular recaps of post-‘Initiative’ New Avengers, Mighty Avengers and New Avengers: The Illuminati, swing by with each new issue for insight into the costumed conspiracies and superpowered slugfests that break out every time the Avengers assemble!)

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

PREVIOUSLY IN THE ‘AVENGERS’ TITLES:

• It was a period of Civil War. Though seemingly brought together by fate out of the ashes of the disassembled Avengers team to stop a supervillain breakout at the supermaximum security prison the Raft, the group of heroes known as the New Avengers—Captain America (Steve Rogers), Iron Man (Tony Stark), Spider-Man (Peter Parker), Wolverine (Logan/James Howlett), Luke Cage, Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew), the Sentry (Robert Reynolds) and sometimes Ronin (Maya Lopez, aka Echo)—were torn between Iron Man’s drive to register all superhumans and Captain America’s determination to resist.
• When the dust settled, Captain America was dead and Iron Man triumphant, installed as director of S.H.I.E.L.D. As a result, two separate teams claim the Avengers mantle.
• Duly authorized under the Superhuman Registration Act, the Mighty Avengers consist of Iron Man, the Sentry, Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers), the Wasp (Janet Van Dyne), the Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff), Wonder Man (Simon Williams) and god of war Ares.
• On the run from the government—including the Mighty Avengers—the New Avengers comprise Luke Cage, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Spider-Woman, Doctor Strange (Stephen Strange, Sorcerer Supreme), Iron Fist (Danny Rand) and the new Ronin (Clint Barton, formerly known as Hawkeye). They’re supported by Strange’s servant Wong and Cage’s wife Jessica Jones (the one-time hero Jewel and mother of Cage’s child).
• As part of the ‘Initiative’ event, the Mighty Avengers are embroiled in a tense struggle against a new Ultron, who seized control of Tony Stark’s biomechanically enhanced body, transforming it into a female form not unlike the Wasp’s and deploying near-unstoppable new powers against the team—most recently killing the Sentry’s wife Lindy.
• Meanwhile, the New Avengers’ battle to rescue their teammate Echo from the clutches of the powerful ninja cult called the Hand ended abruptly when Echo stabbed the Hand’s leader Elektra to death—reveal-ing that she’s not Greco-American Elektra Natchios at all, but a Skrull impostor. The fact that a member of this shape-shifting alien race—whose long and hostile history with the Earth’s heroes was recently illustrated in New Avengers: Illuminati—could assume control of the deadliest group of assassins known to man left the team wondering: Who else might be a Skrull? And who can they trust?
• Not Spider-Woman, apparently: Whether because she’s secretly a Skrull or just thinks taking Skrullektra’s body to Tony Stark for analysis is the right thing to do despite the objections of her teammates, Jessica Drew takes advantage of the crash of the New Avengers’ jet to zap Wolverine and make off with Skrullektra’s corpse.
• Finally, New Avengers: Illuminati has been depicting untold tales of a clandestine group of heroes known as the Illuminati: Iron Man, Dr. Strange, Professor X (Charles Xavier), Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards), Black Bolt (Blackagar Boltagon, King of the Inhumans) and Namor the Sub-Mariner (ruler of Atlantis). Brought together in secret by Stark in the wake of the Kree/Skrull War to quietly protect humanity from major threats, the group played a major behind-the-scenes role in the Marvel Universe before splitting up prior to the Civil War. Among other tasks, they’ve chased off a Skrull fleet, gathered the Infinity Gems, attempted to banish the Beyonder from this universe, convinced Marvel Boy to rethink his life, and exiled the Hulk from the Earth.

NEW AVENGERS #33
Brian Michael Bendis (W)/Leinil Yu (A)



SYNOPSIS ASSEMBLE!

• Captain America lives!… on in our hearts and memories as displayed by Hawkeye, who flashes back to an explanation on where he developed those spectacular fist-to-cuffs skills demonstrated in Japan.
• Cooped up in a hotel room, Luke Cage’s paranoia pushes him over the edge as he takes out his frustration on poor ol’ web-head. The Skrull accusations thicken the air and makes dinner severely awkward as Hawkeye asks the question people have been wondering since Civil War: “Where are the bad guys?”
• Apparently, they’re gathering together at some sort of secret warehouse meeting! Madame Masque, the Crimson Cowl, Jonas Harrow and the Wizard convene under the request of the Owl, who plans on auctioning off one heck of an item—Luther Manning, aka Deathlok!
• However, before bidding can begin John King, cousin to the Hood, arrives to inform the group that permission must be asked if an auction were to occur. Showing his stern disagreement, the Owl fails to wizen up before being gunned down by the Hood.
• Returning to the Sanctum Sanctorum, the New Avengers disassemble for the night in order to clear their heads—deciding to reconvene in 24 hours to formulate some sort of plan. However, even marriages aren’t safe as Luke’s perturbed demeanor causes Jessica Jones to storm out the door.
• Wolverine takes a walk down to his local shakedown house/bar where he is inadvertently directed to the back room. Upon investigating, Logan finds himself face to gun barrel with the Hood!

HOLY CRAPPERS! IS THAT DEATHLOK?!



In a far-distant post-apocalyptic future, Colonel Luther Manning awoke to find himself transformed into the cybernetic Deathlok after sustaining life-threatening injuries. Between toppling corrupt corporations and military regimes, Manning took numerous trips through time and teamed with some of Earth’s Mightest, including the late Captain America. But wait! The last time we saw him, Deathlok was still in his future. What’s he doing here? Can a Skrull impersonate a mandroid? The plot thickens…

HERE’S WHAT’S IN HIS BASKET



While donning his ever-colorful red cape, the Hood remains invisible so long as he holds his breath. So when it comes time to make himself known, he poignantly whispers his comment to Owl, appears mid-air thanks to his gravity boots, blasts the little birdy away and vanishes faster than a couple of speeding bullets. Now that is how you make a first impression!

TROUBLE AT HOME



Sweet Christmas! The threat of the Skrulls is a legitimate reason to question the loyalty of those around you, but is it really necessary to question your wife in such a dickish manner? “You’re not an alcoholic. You love me. You’re a better person. This upsets me.” Can you really blame Jessica for bringing out that embittered, snippy side of her, thought lost in the midst of married life?

Earth's Mightiest Column: 11 July 2007

Just found out that "Earth's Mightiest Column" has been a Wizard Universe feature for a couple of months now. Posting here for my (and others') reading pleasure!

EARTH'S MIGHTIEST COLUMN: JULY 11, 2007
Wizard Universe’s regular rundown of Marvel’s mightiest teams

By Sean T. Collins

Posted July 12, 2007 4:25 PM

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Beyond the umbrella of ‘The Initiative,’ Earth’s mightiest heroes soldier on to unravel the shadowy threats that menace the Marvel Universe! Wizard Universe will provide regular recaps of post-‘Initiative’ New Avengers and Mighty Avengers—visit the site with each new issue for insight into the costumed conspiracies and superpowered slugfests that break out every time the Avengers assemble!)

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

PREVIOUSLY IN THE ‘AVENGERS’ TITLES:

• It was a period of Civil War. Though seemingly brought together by fate out of the ashes of the disassembled Avengers team to stop a supervillain breakout at the supermaximum security prison the Raft, the group of heroes known as the New Avengers—Captain America (Reed Richards), Iron Man (Tony Stark), Spider-Man (Peter Parker), Wolverine (Logan/James Howlett), Luke Cage, Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew), the Sentry (Robert Reynolds) and sometimes Ronin (Maya Lopez, aka Echo)—were torn between Iron Man’s drive to register all superhumans and Captain America’s determination to resist.

• When the dust settled, Captain America was dead and Iron Man triumphant, installed as director of S.H.I.E.L.D. As a result, two separate teams claim the Avengers mantle.

• Duly authorized under the Superhuman Registration Act, the Mighty Avengers consist of Iron Man, the Sentry, Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers), the Wasp (Janet Van Dyne), the Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff), Wonder Man (Simon Reynolds) and god of war Ares.

• On the run from the government—including the Mighty Avengers—the New Avengers comprise Luke Cage, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Spider-Woman, Doctor Strange (Stephen Strange, Sorcerer Supreme), Iron Fist (Danny Rand) and the new Ronin (Clint Barton, formerly known as Hawkeye). They’re supported by Strange’s servant Wong and Cage’s wife Jessica Jones (the one-time hero Jewel and mother of Cage’s child).

• As part of the “Initiative” event, the Mighty Avengers are embroiled in a tense struggle against a new Ultron, who seemingly seized control of Tony Stark’s body, transforming it into a female form not unlike the Wasp’s and deploying near-unstoppable new powers against the team.

• Meanwhile, embarking on a dangerous mission to rescue their slain ally Echo from the clutches of the ninja cult and organized crime faction the Hand—who slew her for her efforts to dismantle the Japanese underworld and planned to resurrect her as their servant and assassin—the New Avengers engaged the ninjas and their leader Elektra in combat.

• The battle ended abruptly when the resurrected-then-rescued Echo stabbed Elektra to death—revealing that she’s not Greco-American Elektra Natchios at all, but a Skrull impostor. The fact that a member of this shape-shifting alien race—whose long and hostile history with the Earth’s heroes was recently illustrated in New Avengers: Illuminati—could assume control of the deadliest group of assassins known to man left the team wondering: Who else might be a Skrull? And who can they trust?

THIS WEEK…

NEW AVENGERS #32
Brian Michael Bendis (W)/Leinil Francis Yu (A)



SYNOPSIS ASSEMBLE!

• Returning to America aboard one of Iron Fist’s Rand Corporation jets with “Skrullektra’s” body in tow, the New Avengers are beset by pressing and painful questions.

• First, who can they trust? Wolverine runs down the unusual or out-of-character actions each teammate has undertaken in their recent pasts, arguing that any one of them could be a Skrull—even him.

• Second, how far does this go? Cage, who’s long suspected that the horrific events hitting the Earth’s heroes—from Nick Fury’s Secret War to Scarlet Witch’s disassembling of the Avengers to the breakout at the Raft to Quicksilver’s creation of the House of M world to the Civil War between Iron Man and Captain America—are all connected, argues that this is the first step in a Skrull invasion plan. Doubt is cast on everyone and everything from S.H.I.E.L.D to Hydra to the Avengers to the X-Men to Iron Man to the president.

• Third, what to do with Skrullektra’s corpse? Peter Parker wants to take it to the press, but the idea is shot down by the other team members, as is Jessica Drew’s suggestion that they go to “the biggest cop in the world,” Tony Stark.

• Suddenly, the plane powers down and begins heading toward a catastrophic crash. The combined efforts of the heroes barely enable them to survive the nosedive.

• Seeing her opportunity, Spider-Woman—who was thrown clear of the plummeting plane by Wolverine and flew to safety—rummages through the crash site for Skrullektra’s body, zapping Wolverine into unconsciousness when he tries to stop her. The green-eyed (!) heroine strides away with the corpse…

TRUST NO ONE



Looks like Wolverine’s adamantium claws can cut to the chase, too. In short order, Logan runs down the reasons why every single New Avenger might be a secret Skrull: Spidey unmasks himself. Echo goes from assassin to crimefighter. Hawkeye comes back from the dead, again. Spider-Woman is, like, a quadruple-agent. Luke Cage and Iron Fist drift apart as Cage assumes control of the Avengers. Strange sits out of the Civil War. And Wolverine himself has his claws in every team in the Marvel U. and now knows his whole history. Paranoid much?

DEUS EX MACHIN—OH, FORGET IT



He’s the Master of Mystic Arts who’s battled the evilest entities in creation and thwarted Scarlet Witch’s whacked-out rampage with a few Steve Ditko hand gestures. But when it comes time to stop a plane from crashing, you’re better off calling Randy Quaid’s drunken trailer-trash character from “Independence Day.”

THE GREEN-EYED…MONSTER?



The New Avengers feel the sting of the Spider-Woman when their teammate goes rogue, flashing emerald irises as she swipes Skrullektra’s corpse from the crash site. But is she just a normal human with green eyes who’s taking the body to Tony Stark as she argued for earlier because she thinks that’s the best course of action—or a Skrull herself, trying to conceal the evidence of invasion? U-DECIDE!

What's happening in the Avengers universe

I haven't read New Avengers in a long time...a LONG LONG time. That's because all the single issues that are on hold for me are back home in Singapore. Which is a real shame, because I'm reading Mighty Avengers and since Michael Brian Bendis writes both those titles, I'm sure I'm missing out on some goodies that he's left as visual clues in both books. :(

Now's a good a time to catch up as any I suppose, since Wizard Universe dedicated an entire article to it. Gets me up to speed!

EARTH'S MIGHTIEST COLUMN: SEPTEMBER 12, 2007
Wizard Universe’s regular rundown of Marvel’s mightiest teams

By Kevin Mahadeo

Posted September 12, 2007 10:45 AM

(Editor’s note: Beyond the umbrella of ‘The Initiative,’ Earth’s mightiest heroes soldier on to unravel the shadowy threats that menace the Marvel Universe! For regular recaps of post-‘Initiative’ New Avengers, Mighty Avengers and New Avengers: The Illuminati, swing by with each new issue for insight into the costumed conspiracies and superpowered slugfests that break out every time the Avengers assemble!)

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

PREVIOUSLY IN THE ‘AVENGERS’ TITLES:

• It was a period of Civil War. Though seemingly brought together by fate out of the ashes of the disassembled Avengers team to stop a supervillain breakout at the supermaximum security prison the Raft, the group of heroes known as the New Avengers—Captain America (Reed Richards), Iron Man (Tony Stark), Spider-Man (Peter Parker), Wolverine (Logan/James Howlett), Luke Cage, Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew), the Sentry (Robert Reynolds) and sometimes Ronin (Maya Lopez, aka Echo)—were torn between Iron Man’s drive to register all superhumans and Captain America’s determination to resist.
• When the dust settled, Captain America was dead and Iron Man triumphant, installed as director of S.H.I.E.L.D. As a result, two separate teams claim the Avengers mantle.
• Duly authorized under the Superhuman Registration Act, the Mighty Avengers consist of Iron Man, the Sentry, Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers), the Wasp (Janet Van Dyne), the Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff), Wonder Man (Simon Reynolds) and god of war Ares.
• On the run from the government—including the Mighty Avengers—the New Avengers comprise Luke Cage, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Spider-Woman, Doctor Strange (Stephen Strange, Sorcerer Supreme), Iron Fist (Danny Rand) and the new Ronin (Clint Barton, formerly known as Hawkeye). They’re supported by Strange’s servant Wong and Cage’s wife Jessica Jones (the one-time hero Jewel and mother of Cage’s child).
• As part of the ‘Initiative’ event, the Mighty Avengers are embroiled in a tense struggle against a new Ultron, who seized control of Tony Stark’s biomechanically enhanced body, transforming it into a female form not unlike the Wasp’s and deploying near-unstoppable new powers against the team—most recently killing the Sentry’s wife Lindy.
• Meanwhile, the New Avengers’ battle to rescue their teammate Echo from the clutches of the powerful ninja cult called the Hand ended abruptly when Echo stabbed the Hand’s leader Elektra to death—reveal-ing that she’s not Greco-American Elektra Natchios at all, but a Skrull impostor. The fact that a member of this shape-shifting alien race—whose long and hostile history with the Earth’s heroes was recently illustrated in New Avengers: Illuminati—could assume control of the deadliest group of assassins known to man left the team wondering: Who else might be a Skrull? And who can they trust?
• Not Spider-Woman, apparently: Whether because she’s secretly a Skrull or just thinks taking Skrullektra’s body to Tony Stark for analysis is the right thing to do despite the objections of her teammates, Jessica Drew takes advantage of the crash of the New Avengers’ jet to zap Wolverine and make off with Skrullektra’s corpse.
• Tempers rise and paranoia spreads like a disease, causing the New Avengers to almost disassemble! As the team takes a much-needed break from one another, Wolverine comes face-to-gun barrel with the criminal underground’s newest head honcho—the Hood!
• Finally, New Avengers: Illuminati has been depicting untold tales of a clandestine group of heroes known as the Illuminati: Iron Man, Dr. Strange, Professor X (Charles Xavier), Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards), Black Bolt (Blackagar Boltagon, King of the Inhumans) and Namor the Sub-Mariner (ruler of Atlantis). Brought together in secret by Stark in the wake of the Kree/Skrull War to quietly protect humanity from major threats, the group played a major behind-the-scenes role in the Marvel Universe before splitting up prior to the Civil War. Among other tasks, they’ve chased off a Skrull fleet, gathered the Infinity Gems, attempted to banish the Beyonder from this universe, convinced Marvel Boy to rethink his life, and exiled the Hulk from the Earth.

NEW AVENGERS #34
Brian Michael Bendis (W)/Leinil Yu (A)



SYNOPSIS ASSEMBLE!

• Continuing one second after last issue’s cliffhanger, Wolverine gets holey as the Hood blasts him (and little Wolvie) away! In the ensuing battle the Hood freaks and lets out his inner demon, who promptly tosses aside our clawed hero and makes his escape.
• Grabbing a bottle o’ booze, the battered Logan takes some time to regroup and…regrow.
• Back at the Sanctum Sanctorum, Night Nurse “tends” to Doctor Strange’s emotional wounds, Echo gets an eyeful of Hawkeye, and Jessica Jones and Luke Cage finally reveal the name of baby Danielle—much to the delight and honor of long-time friend Iron Fist.
• Desiring to put an end to the issues of mistrust amongst the team, Doc Strange conjures a spell designed to publicly reveal one’s inner self, which in the process exposes Jessica Jones’ deniable desire to once again be a caped-crusader, Spidey’s longing for his wonder years and Hawkeye’s aspiration to be…Captain America?!
• Wolverine’s entrance to the psychoanalytic party heralds the reassembly of the New Avengers and a much-needed break from the rampant paranoia infesting the minds of our heroes.
• However, evil never takes breaks! It’s a fact that becomes apparent as Logan fills the team in on the return of formerly small-time supervillain the Hood and his plan to launch a reprogrammed Deathlok into Avengers Tower! This leaves the New Avengers with an interesting dilemma: how do they warn Tony Stark’s band of government heroes without being arrested?
• Deciding to “do good guy s---,” the team confronts the problem head on and teleports into Manhattan. But instead of finding Deathlok, the team is horrified to discover the city being overrun by Venom symbiotes!
• To make matters worse, as the team rushes into battle, a piece of venomous black goo latches onto the arm of Echo!

HARDCORE, ANYTHING GOES MATCH-UP


Known for his rough-and-tough, berserker-rage fighting style, Wolverine tends to jump claw-first into any battle no matter the odds. There’s almost no question about the size of Logan’s fortitude, but when you leap onto someone with your legs spread and they’re holding a gun, that fortitude becomes a very large and easy target, as the Hood clearly demonstrates. Talk about your all-time low blows! There ought to be rules when two guys duke it out about those kinds of shots, but when immeasurable healing factors come into play, I guess anything truly does go since, as Wolverine says, “it’ll grow back.” Regardless, that scene definitely adds an element of cringe-worthy brutality to this jaw-dropping encounter.

RELEASING THE DEMON INSIDE



Small-time crock Parker Robbins really lucked out when he encountered the mystic ritual leading to the acquisition of his handy-dandy red Hood and levitation boots. However, power comes with a price, which becomes evident when Robbins demons out during his fight with Wolverine. Previously, the Hood’s eyes would turn red if he lost control of himself while donning the cape and boots, but this is the first time we see a full-out demon form—a form that resembles the Nistanti creature originally possessing the Hood’s items of criminal endeavor.

FREUD’S FIELD DAY



Doctor Strange’s earlier spell of unveiling inner motivations get kicked up a notch this issue by exposing how the New Avengers see themselves—leading to a number of hilarious and discomforting moments. Luke Cage reminiscing about his olden days in a tiara and bright silk shirt brings a smile to long-time fans, while Petey’s nerdy, younger self spins a tighter web of tragedy around the life of the consistently troubled hero. However, Hawkeye easily claims the “How Do You Respond To This” prize of the year as his longing to live up to the standards of Captain America reminds readers of the profound affect the Star-Spangled Avenger’s life and death had on the denizens of the Marvel U.

‘SYMBIOTES. LOTS AND LOTS OF SYMBIOTES.’



Venom meets ‘28 Days Later.’ ’Nuff said.


Wahoo! Venom! Lots of Venom!

Unleashing the fury with "Secret Invasion"

Yay! Skrulls!

As revealed in New Avengers #31, Elektra was actually a Skrull in disguise. This wasn't the first time Marvel have tried out this type of storyarc though...when Captain America first returned from the Heroes Reborn universe, his very first storyarc involved a Skrull impersonating him so that he could seek revenge on Earth, who's heroes had embarassed his proud race time and time again.

I'm glad that the next major event in the Marvel Universe revolves around the story Brian Michael Bendis first concocted within the pages of New Avengers.

Oh, and there's also the little thing called "The Return of Nick Fury", who's gone underground in the Marvel Universe ever since his role in his own personal Secret War was revealed in the 2004 mini-series.


UNLEASHING THE FURY WITH ‘SECRET INVASION’
Marvel’s heroes face off with the Skrulls in 2008’s mega-event, and a certain one-eyed superspy returns to lead the fight

By Matt Powell

Posted September 10, 2007 9:15 PM

According to Marvel Comics Executive Editor Tom Brevoort, there’s “big explosions, life-or-death choices, fear and loathing among friends and classic costumes” in store for the future of the Marvel Universe—and it all begins with a big secret.

Although the title may suggest a quieter notion, Marvel set off an atomic bomb over the weekend with its announcement of Secret Invasion, the next big event to rock the Marvel Universe in 2008! The eight-issue series will debut in April from the current New Avengers creative team of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Leinil Francis Yu.

“The Skrulls have covertly infiltrated our planet,” succinctly explains Brevoort on the plot of the series.

If you’ve been keeping up with New Avengers, it’s no surprise that the Skrulls have done more than infiltrate the planet—they’ve even taken over Marvel characters’ identities! We got our first look at a covert Skrull recently in New Avengers #31, as a green-skinned alien was revealed posing as the Hand leader Elektra!

However, Elektra’s body-snatching isn’t the first clue that we’ve received. Brevoort reveals that this invasion’s been building since 2004. “Secret War is where the first elements that are part of this storyline were put into place,” explains Brevoort. “But really, it’s an apt description of what’s been going on.”

Fast-forward to 2006’s New Avengers: Illuminati #1 by Brian Michael Bendis and Jim Cheung, and we heard an ominous threat from the Skrulls about a possible revenge plot against Earth.

Facing facts, a Skrull invasion is definitely a threat that no single hero can withstand, and Brevoort says the Avengers titles will have the biggest impact in the invasion, with other tie-in issues to follow.

So which Avengers should we keep an eye on leading up to the event? “All the ones who aren’t in the Ultimate universe,” teases Brevoort. “And maybe even some of them.”

Adding to the mystery, Brevoort confirms that there will be more Skrull reveals to come, “some of which you may not even realize are reveals until further along in the story.”

With the Marvel Universe still rebuilding property and broken relationships after the effects of Civil War, the Marvel exec explains that Secret Invasion may be the catalyst to heal damaged affairs.

“It certainly presents the possibility for some fence-mending along the way, in that the Skrulls represent a threat that all parties on Earth can get together behind opposing,” explains Brevoort. “On the other hand, the emotional wounds from the last few years in the Marvel Universe run deep, so there may not be any way to bridge some of the divides between characters.”

Even divided, you can’t face a war without a strong general—or maybe a colonel—at your side. If there’s one man to lead the Marvel U. in its darkest hour, Brevoort’s got the man who’ll make you want to sign up.

“Nick Fury will be back in full force in Secret Invasion,” confirms Brevoort.