Siege #1

I'm kind of torn on this issue. While I love the high concept (that Loki is maneuvering the Avengers and Dark Avengers into conflict) this issue felt a bit light. When there is so little plot advancement, Marvel's 8 page previews almost give away the whole story, don't they? I feel bad for Volstagg, but even more I feel bad for the Bears. First Jay Cutler doesn't pan out in his first season and then their entire stadium is blown to smithereens by the U-Foes. Of course, the U-Foes are awesome, so that is the upside, I suppose.

I do like how Osborn is having to basically coerce the Dark Avengers into following orders. It's a nice preview of how difficult it would be for Osborn to force the DA into doing anything they deemed as too difficult. The reader knows the Asgardians are cool, but shouldn't the Dark Avengers take their boss' word that those weird gods are a threat?

I loved playing "spot the scrub" during Ares' speech to the Initiative. The U-Foes were back, and I also spotted a few members of Psionex, the Asp, Quicksand, Hydro-Man (in his Force of Nature duds), and more. I hope these Marvel classics survive going up against Hogun the Grim. The next era of the Marvel U might be safer than normal if most of the villains are in the hospital.

Bendis did a nice job with his transcript at the close of the book, but I would have been more impressed if the text didn't repeat on pages 1&3. That's kind of a big mistake. Add that in to the relatively light page count, and while I enjoyed this, 3.99 seems really steep.

Olivier Coipel's Marvel U is starting to look "right," which is amazing since he's such a unique artists. But check out Iron Patriot, Thor, or that closing splash with Cap. They look perfect! I can't wait to see the Avengers reform and take their place at the head of the Marvel U. While I'm at it, I'm also hoping Siege fixes the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, and Hawkeye. I can dream!

Fair