The New Avengers #50

One of the goals we strive for here at Chuck's Comic of the Day is to provide commentary about comics without giving away key story points (what the kids today call "spoilers").

Having had more than a few stories ruined by poor reviews, I try to avoid doing likewise unto you. But sometimes it's a real challenge.

A good example is this issue of The New Avengers. One look at the cover and you have a pretty good idea what to expect (although you're only seeing half the cover here - on the other half, we see the Dark Avengers about to attack). But what happens inside takes a surprisingly different turn.

What's happening is that the New Avengers have discovered that Norman Osborn has created the Dark Avengers, and the New decides to take down the Dark.

What follows is a heck of a fight - though to give any more details would spoil the fun. But I have to say, it's difficult to see how the (real) Avengers can be effective as outlaw heroes. (When outlaws are heroes, will heroes be outlaws?)

But so far it's an interesting take and a different spin on the group.

The art is something of a mixed bag, ranging from outstanding to just OK. I know it's the 50th issue and there are lots of pages, but the scads o' artists approach just gives the book a jumbled feeling.

But it's a pure Marvel book, with lots of fighting, light-hearted (and black-hearted) humor, and a few twists along the way.

Grade: B+