The Avengers #3.1

   This series seems designed to be a throwback, created to fit between the original issues of The Avengers just after the original lineup stepped aside, leaving Captain America, Hawkeye, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch to carry on the tradition.

   But with the last two issues, it feels like it's moving away from that concept and into a more modern kinds of story.

   That's not a bad thing - it's just the style choice of the creative team - writer Mark Waid, penciler Barry Kitson, and inkers Mark Farmer, Rafael Fonteriz and Barry Kitson.

   The issue has the team earning new respect thanks to their amped-up powers, courtesy of a new addition (of sorts) to the team.  But the price of the gain is a dark one, out of step with the setting, which was a more innocent time for heroes.

   But there's plenty of business for those of us in it for the nostalgia, including guest appearances by classic villains and heroes.

   There are lots of Avengers books out there right now, but this one may be the best of the bunch.

Grade: A-

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