New Avengers
Marvel Comics
$2.25

I just got done reading New Avengers #7 and really liked it. I didn’t think it was possible to get over my bitterness at how the Avengers were “disassembled”, but it has finally happened, and I am enjoying the book at face value.

Issue 7 is part one of the Sentry storyline. It flowed smoothly, setting up the tale to be told and floating a few side plot threads in the process. Brian Michael Bendis’ scripting is always purposeful, as I have found in other titles, and it is no exception here. From Jessica Drew’s dual role as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and Avenger to the fact that Wolverine is a member of two teams now, each step taken is setting up a future arc. What I most enjoyed is how Bendis slams readers into the Sentry’s tale at the last possible minute, leaving us all to scratch our heads and pray the next issue comes out on time, because that ending was a doozy.

Steve McNiven should be the permanent co-artist on New Avengers along with David Finch. McNiven’s art is brilliant in this issue, leaving me drooling for more. Every time I see his work, I can hardly believe this is the man who started as a fill-in artist at Cross Gen. I also have to appreciate Mark Morales as an inker. I think he retains McNiven’s style beautifully in his finishes. I also have to give a shout out to colorist Morry Hollowell. His color palette was unique to what I am used to seeing in New Avengers, but it fit the tale being told perfectly.

If you have been avoiding New Avengers, issue 7 is a perfect time to pick it up. It is the start of a new story, and features a wonderful artistic team.

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