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Marvel Comics’ “Secret Invasion” is over. In its place is “Dark Reign,” a new comic series in which the super villain Norman Osborn, also known as the Green Goblin, has become America’s hero and the most powerful person in the country.
“Dark Reign” has allowed many comics to take new risks, some of which have been great decisions, others which have fallen flat. Three titles stand out among the others, for better or worse.
‘Thunderbolts’
This comic has been one of Marvel’s standout comics in the past few months and has done what many people thought impossible: It has gotten better. Previously, the Thunderbolts were a group of former super villains who were assembled into a makeshift super team. Osborn, the leader, disbanded the controversial team and put together a private team of super villain assassins that tracks down and kills targets at his cue. The Thunderbolts’ most recent target is the new president himself, who proved not to be an Osborn supporter. The art is done well. Detailed coloring brings together wonderful dark tones to evoke an edgy feeling.
‘Deadpool’
Marvel resurrected the anti-hero assassin in one of the funniest comics yet. The Merc with a Mouth, as he’s called, is certifiably insane and knows he is in a comic book. In this new story he is being tracked down by Osborn. The original “Deadpool” series from the ‘90s had a great cast that seems to be reassembling with the addition of Bob: Agent of HYDRA. Bob is my favorite comic book sidekick, as he is completely useless and frightened of everything. In his case, he’s not there to add to “Deadpool” but to the comic side of a very witty and action-packed book. The art perfectly represents the aura of the comic with both detail and rounded figures — a mix between serious action and light-hearted humor. “Deadpool” is by far one of Marvel’s most satisfying comics.
‘Mighty Avengers’
One comic that has not lived up to expectations as of yet is the “Mighty Avengers” series. The formula for a basic Avengers story is this: Put together a group of superheroes that you would never imagine together and have them fight an almost insurmountable threat. Writer Dan Slott follows this formula, but the problem is how this series compares with other more serious and gritty “Avengers” titles, such as “New Avengers” and “Dark Avengers.” This story reads more like a fantasy, involving a demon who is destroying the world. The art has moments of greatness and moments of mediocrity but would be acceptable if the story were better. This title will be embraced by fans of old-school “Avengers” comics, but that’s probably it.
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