The Siege #1 (of 4)

I really, really want this mini-series to be good.

That's mostly because I'm really, really tired of the never-ending series of mega-events in the Marvel Universe (nor are you without sin, DC), and I'm even more tired of the interminable Dark Reign storyline.

The Siege has a lot going for it. It's supposedly the big wrap-up to seven years of big events. We will presumably see Norman Osborn and the Dark Avengers get what they have coming to them.

And the comic has a terrific creative team. Writing it is Brian Bendis, who has shown a lot of skill when it comes to these big events. Drawing it is Olivier Coipel (with Mark Morales inking and Laura Martin on colors), and his work has carried Thor to new heights. His work here is also excellent.

So how is the story so far? Well, it's... OK.

Of course, the first issue is all set-up. Urged on by Loki, Norman decides it's time to attack Asgard, and Loki provides the reason, as Volstagg is attacked by the U-Foes.

The story immediately goes way over the top, as the attack ends with a massive explosion in Soldier Field (the home field of my beloved Chicago Bears) - apparently during a game, which means we may have witnessed the death (or mutilation at least) of about 60,000 people - 20 times the number killed (in the real world) on Sept. 11, 2001!

The comic almost jumps the tracks there for me - it's just a heinous act and too horrible to be a throw-away scene. For me, I guess, it's still too soon for that sort of thing.

The rest of the story details the attack by Osborn and his evil cohorts on Asgard, which seems virtually defenseless against them. The Asgard of Lee and Kirby wouldn't put up with this out of any number of super-villains. I'm just sayin' is all.

Anyway, the story succeeds in amping up the scale of the good guy / bad guy conflict at the heart of the Dark Reign, and I'm certainly anxious to see the next issue - especially after the (somewhat odd) cliffhanger here.

And Bendis - don't screw this up. Please.

Grade: B+