Ultimate Avengers: Next Generation

Title

Ultimate Avengers: Next Generation

Library Link
Ultimate avengers / [writer, Mark Millar ; penciler, Carlos Pacheco ; inkers, Dexter Vines & Danny Miki with Allen Martinez, Victor Olazaba & Tom Palmer ; colorist, Justin Ponsor ; letterer, VC's Cory Petit
Millar, Mark.

10 Second Review
The Marvel Ultimate series restarts their most popular titles with a more modern perspective. This book picks up after the events of Ultimatum. Nick Fury has been fired and Captain America has gone rogue. Tony Stark's big brother lends a hand as well as a kinder, gentler Hulk.

This is an interesting story that provides a new take on Red Skulls origin.
However, it seems mundane compared with the pre-Ultimatum story-line.

Notes
War Machine plays rough.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to the series might be confused.

The Heroic Age

Title
The Heroic Age

Library Link
The heroic age / writers Brian Michael Bendis ... [et al.] ; artists, John Romita ... [et al.]


10 Second Review
Evil/crazy Norman Osborn (The Goblin) has been defeated and replaced by Steve Rogers (original Capt. America).  The Superhuman Registration Act has been repealed and it is no longer illegal to be a super hero.
Basically, the Marvel universe is back to normal.  New teams are being formed with some small suprises.
 
While this book is larger then most graphic novels, there is not much in the way of story.
It appears to be single issues of several separate titles combined to form one book.
The good news is that this book can serve as a 'sampler' for readers that may be undecided over which title to follow.  Lots and lots of Marvel heroes are covered.

Notes
"Hulk is the smartest one there is."

Learning Curve
Low: This would be a good starting point for new readers

Avengers: The Origin

Title

Avengers: The Origin

Library Link
Avengers. The origin / Joe Casey, writer ; Phil Noto, artist ; Richard Starkings, Comicraft's Albert Deschesne, letterers Casey, Joe.

10 Second Review
This book is a retelling of the first Avenger get together.  Hulk, manipulated by Loki (Thor's evil brother), causes a ruckus and some Hulk supporters send out a call to the Fantastic Four.  The call is intercepted by Iron Man, Ant Man and the Wasp.  They have some much fun, they decide to form a team.
 
With crisp, clean art this book should appeal to fans and new readers. 
The story line is based on the original story so it is aimed at a fairly young audience. 

Notes
Includes a reprint of Avengers #1

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Mighty Avengers Siege

Title
Mighty Avengers Siege

Library Link
Siege. Mighty Avengers / Christos N. Gage ; artist, Khoi Pham Gage, Christos.


10 Second Comics
Hank's team gets outdone by Osborn's team of Avengers.
Later, the gang captures Loki, breaks up and then gets back together.
Hank gains confidence, US Agents acts like a tool and Quicksilver joins the team...briefly.

With only a couple of pages about the Siege, this is a fairly weak book.
There are some great concepts but they are resolved too quickly.
You can skip this book and not miss anything.

Notes
Hercules dies in this story line but the details are omitted.

Reading Order
Chronological

The Death of Captain America

Title
The Death of Captain America Vol 3

Library Link
The death of Captain America. Vol. 3, The man who bought America / writer, Ed Brubaker ; penciler, Steve Epting (issues #37-38 & #40-42) with Luke Ross (issue #42) ; inkers, Steve Epting ... [et al.] (#37-38 & #40-42) ; artist, Robert De La Torre (issue #39) ; colorist, Frank D'Armata ; letterer, Joe Caramagna.



10 Second Review
The Red Skull plots to have his man elected into office with the help of Faustus.
Bucky, the new Captain America, struggles to uncover the deception.
He is thwarted by a third Captain that is not Steve.

A complicated but enjoyable read.
Good for those looking for the transitional period between Captain America's.

Notes
Dr. Zola plays a role.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Some knowledge of Captain America would be helpful

Reading Order
After Civil War

The New Avengers: Powerloss

Title

The New Avengers: Powerloss

Library Link
The new Avengers. vol. 12. Powerloss / [writter: Brian Michael Bendis ; penciler, Stuart Immonen]
Bendis, Brian Michael. New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond [distributor], 2010.


10 Second Review
The Hood loses his powers and his control over his army of henchmen.
While the Hood seeks a new power source, his henchmen seek out a new boss.
With the accidently help of the New Avengers, the henchmen find a way to get Norman Osborn’s attention: by defeating Sentry.

Notes
Luke Cage is hospitalized

Learning Curve
Moderate: Some knowledge of the Dark Reign story line would be helpful

Reading Order
Chronological

Dark Avengers Molecule Man

Title

Dark Avengers Molecule Man

Library Link
Dark Avengers. Molecule Man, n Vol. 2 / writer, Brian Michael Bendis ; artist, Mike Deodato ; color art, Rain Beredo ; painted pages, Greg Horn ; letterer, Cory Petit Bendis, Brian Michael. New York, NY : Marvel Publishing, 2010.

10 Second Review
Norman Osborn (aka The Goblin) has formed a new team of Avengers.
They mainly consist of reformed (?) criminals and their abilities are tested when the go up against the Molecule Man.

Molecule Man is old school Marvel and is one of the toughest adversaries.

It’s fun to see the Dark Avengers face a really tough opponent.
Great art and fun story

Notes
Sentry learns something important about himself

Learning Curve
Low: If read in order

Reading Order
Chronological

The Mighty Avengers: The Unspoken

Title
The Mighty Avengers: The Unspoken


Library Link
The Mighty Avengers. The unspoken / plot, Dan Slott ; script, Christos N. Gage with Dan Slott (issue #31) ; pencils, Khoi Pham (issues 327-29) & Sean Chen (issues #30-31) ; inks, Allen Martinez (issues #27-29) & Mark Morales with Craig Yeung (issues #30-31) ; colors, John Rauch ; letters, Dave Lanphear Slott, Dan.

10 Second Review
The Mighty Avengers team consists of old Avengers members that are no longer welcome on Norman Osborn’s Dark Avengers team. They run into problems with the Scarlet Witch and the unfinished business of the Inhuman royalty.

The Chinese super team joins in on the fun

Notes
Hank Pym gets a big promotion!

Learning Curve
Moderate: New readers will likely be confused.

Reading Order
Chronological

Dark Avengers Assemble

Title

Dark Avengers Assemble

Library Link
Dark Avengers. Assemble / writer, Brian Michael Bendis ; artist, Mike Deodato, Will Conrad ; color art, Rain Beredo ; letterer, Virtual Calligraphy's Cory Petit Bendis, Brian Michael. New York : Marvel Publishing Inc., c2009.

10 Second Review
Norman Osborn takes over Tony Stark’s job as the nation’s top cop. Since most of the original Avengers are MIA, Norman looks to the criminal element for replacements.

The first job is to deal with something Dr. Doom can’t handle.

This is a good place to start for those interested in the Dark Reign series.
This book introduces all of the new team members and provides some background.

Notes
Morgana Le Fay plays a role

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers with a basic understanding of Marvel

Reading Order
After Secret Invasion

Siege New Avengers

Title

Siege New Avengers

Library Link
Siege. New Avengers / writer, Brian Michael Bendis ; artist, Stuart Immonen Bendis, Brian Michael.

10 Second Review
Norman Osborn decides to attack Thor’s home with the help of the Sentry and various reformed villains. Clint Barton (Ronin) decides to attack Norman solo, Spiderman and Spider Woman play with some monkeys and the team takes on Nefaria.

This book focuses on Hood’s crew and the New Avengers including Ronin (aka Hawkeye), Mockingbird, Luke Cage, Capt. America (the new one) and Spider woman. Good story and lots of info but it doesn’t really add much to the Siege storyline.

Notes
Captain America is back!

Learning Curve
Moderate: New readers will be confused

Reading Order
Siege
Siege: Dark Avengers
Siege: Avengers – The Initiative
Other Siege titles

Siege: Avengers – The Initiative

Title

Siege: Avengers – The Initiative

Library Link
Siege. Avengers : the initiative / writer, Christos Gage ; artist, Rafa Sandoval Gage, Christos.

10 Second Review
Norman Osborn decides to attack Thor’s home with the help of the Sentry and various reformed villains like Taskmaster.
Taskmaster was the head teacher at Norman’s new hero training camp.
While a different perspective on the same Siege story, this book focuses on Taskmaster and the relationship between Constrictor and his double agent girlfriend.

Good story that compliments the main event but includes minor characters that may not appeal to all readers.

Notes
Tigra shows off her new baby!

Learning Curve
Low if read in order

Reading Order
Siege

Siege: Dark Avengers
Siege: Avengers – The Initiative
Other Siege titles

Siege Dark Avenger

Title
Siege: Dark Avengers

Library Link
Seige. Dark Avengers / Brian Michael Bendis, writer ; Olivier Coipel, penciler ; Mark Morales, inker ; Laura Martin, colorist ; Chris Eliopoulos, letterer Bendis, Brian Michael.

10 Second Review
Norman Osborn decides to attack Thor’s home with the help of the Sentry and various reformed villains.

This book focuses on the Sentry and will address many of the questions readers may have after reading ‘Siege’.

An excellent edition which compliments the first Siege book very well.

Notes
Includes the Sentry’s origin story.

Learning Curve
Low: If read in order

Reading Order
Siege
Siege: Dark Avengers
Siege: Avengers – The Initiative
Other Siege titles

Siege

Title

Siege

Library Link
Siege / Brian Michael Bendis, writer ; Olivier Coipel, penciler ; Mark Morales, inker ; Laura Martin, colorist ; Chris Eliopoulos, letterer Bendis, Brian Michael.

10 Second Review
Norman Osborn (aka The Green Goblin) is now the top cop in the U.S.
Thor (Norse god) has parked his home of Asgard over Oklahoma.
Norman doesn’t like this so he decides to attack Thor’s house.

Crazy? Not when you have the Sentry on your side.
This story has been building for a long time and this book does not disappoint.
Lots of shocks, thrills and surprises.  Marvel fans will enjoy this book.

This book focuses largely on the ‘good guys’

Notes
Includes a short story that seems out of continuity.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Likely to confuse readers that are new to Marvel

Reading Order (Suggested)
Siege
Siege: Dark Avengers
Siege: Avengers – The Initiative
Other Siege titles

Iron Man Extremis

Title

Iron Man Extremis

Library Link
The invincible Iron Man : Extremis / writer, Warren Ellis ; artist, Adi Granov Ellis, Warren.

10 Second Review
An old friend calls Tony Stark for some help with a meta-human problem.
Iron man gets beaten and makes a radical choice.

An image heavy book that is light on story.
Fortunately the art is exceptional.

Notes
Stark International wants a new CEO

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers

Reading Order
n/a

Secret Warriors 2

Title

Secret Warriors 2

Library Link
Secret warriors. Vol. 2, God of fear, god of war / writer, Jonathan Hickman ; artist, Alessandro Vitti Hickman, Jonathan.

10 Second Review
Nick Fury's team of 'caterpillars' robs a bank and goes head to head with the Dark Avengers.

The art is varied but good.
The story focuses primarily on the father/son dynamics of Ares and Phobos which is interesting because they are on opposing teams.

Leviathan is introduced

Notes
The Baron makes an appearance.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to Marvel or Secret Warriors will be confused.

Reading Order
Chronological

The Mighty Avengers Vol. 2

Title

The Mighty Avengers Vol. 2

Library Link
Venom bomb / writer, Brian Michael Bendis ; artist, Mark Bagley
Bendis, Brian Michael.

10 Second Review
Spider Woman joins the team and Simon gets a costume intervention.
Regular citizens are turning into monsters and the trail leads to Dr. Doom.
The team trespasses on Doom property.

Doom gets mad.
Sentry gets madder.

Notes
Dr. Doom has a new ally.

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers.

Reading Order
Chronological

The Mighty Avengers Vol. 1

Title

The Mighty Avengers Vol. 1

Library Link
Mighty Avengers. Vol. 1 : The ultron initiative / writer, Brian Michael Bendis ; artist, Frank Cho
Bendis, Brian Michael.

10 Second Review
A new Avenger Team is formed after the Civil War event.

First, Mole Man attacks, the Iron Man turns into a woman and the Sentry loses his cool.
Later, Sentry does the impossible, Henry Pym shrinks Ares and Spider Woman brings an unwelcome gift.

While lots of story, this book mainly focuses on introducing the new team.
A good read with excellent illustrations.

Notes
Frank Cho art!

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers.

Reading Order
Chronological

Dark Reign: The List

Title
Dark Reign: The List

Library Link

Dark
reign : the list / writers, Jason Aaron ... [et al.] ; artists, Esad Ribic
... [et al.]

10 Second Review
Norman Osborn ('reformed' villain) is now the world's top cop and is using his political power to exact revenge on his enemies.

Art varies from good to standard but the story is interesting.
Osborn has the power and resources to do some serious damage and this book does not disappoint.

While this is part of the 'Dark Reign' story line, this book can be read outside of the series.

Notes
Some surprises for Punishers fans.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to comics will likely be confused.

Reading Order
N/a

Dark Reign Accept Change

Title
Dark Reign Accept Change

Library Link

Dark
reign : Accept change / writer, Brian Michael Bendis ... [et al.] ; artist,
Alex Maleev ... [et al.]

10 Second Review
The first half of this book contains key points in the 'Dark Reign' story line while the last half provides some interviews with the creators and a mini-encyclopedia of the 'Dark Reign' characters.

This book will probably appeal to hard-core fans looking for every bit of information they can collect. Others will likely find this confusing.

Notes
Reading this book is like watching a recap of last weeks 'Lost' episode.

Learning Curve
High: Likely to confuse new readers.

Reading Order
Try reading this after completing the 'Dark Reign' story line.

New Avengers: Power

Title
New Avengers: Power

Library Link

The
new Avengers. Power / Brian Michael Bendis, writer ; Billy Tan, penciler ;
Matt Banning, inker ; Justin Ponsor, Paul Mounts, color artists, RS &
Comicraft's Albert Deschesne, letterer
Bendis,
Brian Michael.

10 Second Review
'Reformed' criminal Norman Osborn first takes over the Thunderbolts and then uses them to dismantle S.H.E.I.L.D. and the Avengers. Now seen as a national hero, the former Goblin flexes his political muscles while Luke Cage and Jessica Jones search for their stolen baby.

Good art and lots of story here. This is likely a good starting point for those interested in the Dark Reign story line.

Notes
The new Captain America makes an appearance.

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: Readers that did not follow the Secret Invasion story line might be confused.

Reading Order
N/a