Friday, December 11, 2009

The New Avengers Annual #3

Hey, the Lady Liberators are back! Well, sorta.

That team made up of only female heroes appeared in an issue of The Avengers back in the day, and aside from a quick appearance here or there, hasn't been seen since. (Which is a shame, because it always seemed like a good idea.)

Well, they're not really back here, either - at least not by name. This story in the New Avengers Annual immediately follows New Avengers: The List, wherein Ronin (Clint Barton, the original Hawkeye) decides to kill Norman Osborn, and sadly doesn't succeed.

This story picks up with the rescue attempt immediately following, but only the female Avengers happen to be around, so they go solo with the help of Jessica Jones, who makes a rare appearance in her super-hero costume (and fits in it quite well, considering she had a baby not long ago).

The story's pretty much down and dirty, with little wasted time or the patented Brian Bendis pages of talking heads delivering clever conversation. It's a fun, fast-paced story, with a surprise ending that should provide a jolt or two.

I really like the art by Mike Mayhew, with color art by Andy Troy. It's a lush, painterly look that works very well - although one page where Spider-Woman is clinging to the wall looks odd - maybe she's supposed to be floating in the air instead?

But that's a minor quibble - most of the art (especially during Ronin's escape attempt) is outstanding.

The comic also reinforces the coming end of the Dark Reign story (thank goodness).

Hey, maybe they'll have room for that Lady Liberators comic now!

Grade: B+

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