Carnage. The Hulk. Namor. Clea. Wolverine. Five of the most dangerous loners and antiheroes in the Marvel Universe. Nothing could make them work together…but Bucky Barnes and the Black Widow are going to give it a shot. Demented duplicates of the Illuminati are threatening the world, and if they figure out how to work together, they’ll be as unstoppable as the originals. Bucky and Natasha need allies who will do anything to take the duplicates out – but wrangling a team of killers and monsters presents its own dangers. Welcome to the New Avengers – hope you survive the experience! New Avengers #1 kicks off a new team with some familiar faces and a concept that’s usually under a different series name.

Written by Sam Humphries, New Avengers #1 feels a bit of a mix of Avengers and Thunderbolts with a team comprising of individuals who haven’t always been on the right side of things and whose tactics can be a bit explosive. What’s interesting is, the series takes place firmly in the world of “One World Under Doom,” but doesn’t feature its branding nor does it seem to really focus on that beyond a quick mention. Instead, the comic follows familiar tropes with this sort of story and team. There’s a dangerous mission, and we’re introduced to each member during the mission in a flashy way which is accompanied to a flashback of their recruitment. It’s all pretty standard but there’s just something about it that makes it a fun read.

Tom Lima‘s art is pretty good with some solid style that echoes earlier volumes of New Avengers. Lima is joined by Rain Beredo on color and lettering by Joe Sabino and the look of the comic mixes action and sexiness. There’s something about the comic that creates a flirtiness mixed with all of the destruction and death. There are some small issues with characters looking a bit odd in in a panel here and there, but overall, it’s an art style that really pops and embraces the chaos of the action.

Whether you’re a fan of this type of storytelling and concept really is the determination if you should get New Avengers #1. It’s a solid debut and the team dynamics are interesting so far. But, it falls into that “dysfunctional team” category of concepts, which is usually a Thunderbolts series, which can be hit and miss. The first issue definitely shows off potential though and we’re sure this series will play into the future of the Marvel comic universe in a big way. So, no matter your interest, this is one to keep your eyes on.

Story: Sam Humphries Art: Tom Lima
Color: Rain Beredo Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle