New Avengers #1

I don't know how he's done it, but Bendis has been on the Avengers long enough that this, just like the "classic" Avengers title, feels like a happy return. The whole New Avengers "hanging around" format has been going on so long that this is now a legitimate type of Avengers story.

This first issue is really Luke Cage's show. Steve Rogers gives him permission to form his own team, and Stark sells Cage Avengers mansion for a buck (that Cage needs to borrow from Iron Fist). From there, it's the most casual membership drive ever, as the main meetings seem to be on a patio and in the dining room. As near as I can tell, the team is Cage, Thing, Spidey, Hawkeye, Mockingbird, Ms. Marvel, Wolverine, and Iron Fist.

The first threat looks fun too, some possessing creature is targeting the magicians of the Marvel U. Any bets on Dormammu? And there is no way they're switching back to Dr. Strange for Sorcerer Supreme, right?

Stuart Immonen keeps everything looking stunning, as expected. His Cage and Iron Fist are particularly impressive, with their different postures and body types. The new shirtless Daimon Hellstrom actually looks cool here too.

I'll say it; Marvel is on a roll with the Heroic Age.

Good