By Matt McGloin Editor/Publisher • 11/18/09

DARK AVENGERS #11

COVER BY: Mike Deodato
Rain Beredo
WRITER: Brian Michael Bendis
ART: Mike Deodato
Greg Horn - Painted Pages 12-14 &16-17
COLORIST: Rain Beredo
LETTERED BY: VC's Cory Petit

Warning: Contains Spoilers

Last issue was quite good with all of its anticipation and mystery.

Dark Avengers #11 doesn’t quite match all that great build-up, but it does stand on its own. I have found the big reveal and ensuing story in this issue to be somewhat predictable and not all that original. However, it is still quite good!

All powerful bad guy is discovered who kills the heroes in some creative way, yet, subconsciously desires to be taken down.

Yeah, Thanos.

That doesn’t mean it’s going to be bad per se, as this still is a vastly entertaining story - something Dark Avengers has come to be month in and month out and does work.

However, what we get with Dark Avengers #11 is not an all powerful villain taking down heroes - but villains. If not for what the Molecule Man did to the missing people, you would arguably be in his favor. What Bendis gives us is a ride on the teeter totter - at one point you might be in favor of Norman and at other times sympathize with the Molecule Man.

Just who is the protagonist and the antagonist - if any? That’s what really draws you into this issue. How many would be in favor of the Molecule Man simply wiping Norman away from existence? Heck, he is more deserving than most.

On the flip side, after seeing how easily the Avengers were handled and the knowledge what Molecule Man did to the innocents, a grand finale would be most welcome for this disturbed individual. Personally, I would like to see Ares handle that.

One possible drawback in this encounter with the Molecule Man story is there will be no lasting consequences. Again I refer to Thanos. While this is definitely not the last we have seen of the Dark Avengers (right??), what Bendis is giving us is less the physical repercussion and more the mental. Most likely this is the case with Norman and The Sentry. I felt Bendis pulled this off.

This issue had two artists which worked. Deodato as usual does a great job. Really, I have nothing to complain about as I feel he conveys the Dark Avengers perfectly. The Molecule Man “versus” pages were painted by Greg Horn and boy did he deliver. I love painted work and Horn’s work here really was a treat.

With the Dark Avengers #11, Bendis once again delivers us a pleasing tale that both entertains and captivates!

 

 

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