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The New Avengers (2004) #1-2
The New Avengers, Vol. 1
In the aftermath of Avengers Disassembled come the New Avengers! With the Avengers disbanded following an attack by one of the team's oldest members, a shadowy villain has taken advantage of their absence to initiate his ominous plans. Employing Electro to disrupt the electrical systems of the maximum-security prison known as the Raft, hundreds of super-powered villains are freed to wreak havoc on New York. Without the Avengers to answer the call, a group of heroes must form a makeshift alliance to subdue the rampaging villains and save the city. In the heat of battle, this new team fills the void left by the Avengers' demise - the New Avengers. After shocking the Marvel fans with the series-shattering "Avengers Disassembled" storyline, writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist David Finch begin an all-new chapter in Marvel Comics history with New Avengers. Featuring a cast of fan-favorite characters including Wolverine, Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man and Spider-Woman teamed with the hard-edged heroes Luke Cage and the Sentry, New Avengers presents a 21st-century revitalization of the classic Avengers concept. The mystery of the Sentry revealed! The Avengers try to help the most powerful super hero in the world figure out who he is and where he came from! But will this knowledge destroy the man they're trying to help? Collects New Avengers #1-10, New Avengers Most Wanted Files, New Custom #676: Army & Air Force.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
2 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Brian Michael Bendis
4,409 books2,578 followersA comic book writer and erstwhile artist. He has won critical acclaim (including five Eisner Awards) and is one of the most successful writers working in mainstream comics. For over eight years Bendis’s books have consistently sat in the top five best sellers on the nationwide comic and graphic novel sales charts.
Though he started as a writer and artist of independent noir fiction series, he shot to stardom as a writer of Marvel Comics' superhero books, particularly Ultimate Spider-Man.
Bendis first entered the comic world with the "Jinx" line of crime comics in 1995. This line has spawned the graphic novels Goldfish, Fire, Jinx, Torso (with Marc Andreyko), and Total Sell Out. Bendis is writing the film version of Jinx for Universal Pictures with Oscar-winner Charlize Theron attached to star and produce.
Bendis’s other projects include the Harvey, Eisner, and Eagle Award-nominated Powers (with Michael Avon Oeming) originally from Image Comics, now published by Marvel's new creator-owned imprint Icon Comics, and the Hollywood tell-all Fortune and Glory from Oni Press, both of which received an "A" from Entertainment Weekly.
Bendis is one of the premiere architects of Marvel's "Ultimate" line: comics specifically created for the new generation of comic readers. He has written every issue of Ultimate Spider-Man since its best-selling launch, and has also written for Ultimate Fantastic Four and Ultimate X-Men, as well as every issue of Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, Ultimate Origin and Ultimate Six.
Brian is currently helming a renaissance for Marvel’s AVENGERS franchise by writing both New Avengers and Mighty Avengers along with the successful ‘event’ projects House Of M, Secret War, and this summer’s Secret Invasion.
He has also previously done work on Daredevil, Alias, and The Pulse.
Though he started as a writer and artist of independent noir fiction series, he shot to stardom as a writer of Marvel Comics' superhero books, particularly Ultimate Spider-Man.
Bendis first entered the comic world with the "Jinx" line of crime comics in 1995. This line has spawned the graphic novels Goldfish, Fire, Jinx, Torso (with Marc Andreyko), and Total Sell Out. Bendis is writing the film version of Jinx for Universal Pictures with Oscar-winner Charlize Theron attached to star and produce.
Bendis’s other projects include the Harvey, Eisner, and Eagle Award-nominated Powers (with Michael Avon Oeming) originally from Image Comics, now published by Marvel's new creator-owned imprint Icon Comics, and the Hollywood tell-all Fortune and Glory from Oni Press, both of which received an "A" from Entertainment Weekly.
Bendis is one of the premiere architects of Marvel's "Ultimate" line: comics specifically created for the new generation of comic readers. He has written every issue of Ultimate Spider-Man since its best-selling launch, and has also written for Ultimate Fantastic Four and Ultimate X-Men, as well as every issue of Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, Ultimate Origin and Ultimate Six.
Brian is currently helming a renaissance for Marvel’s AVENGERS franchise by writing both New Avengers and Mighty Avengers along with the successful ‘event’ projects House Of M, Secret War, and this summer’s Secret Invasion.
He has also previously done work on Daredevil, Alias, and The Pulse.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 16, 2023
I've decided to review these comic book using this double-volume hardback collection to limit the number of reviews I make on this awesome run: In Volume one: Breakout, the series kicks off in an Avengers-less world post Avengers Disassembled where there's a mass supervillain breakout of The Raft that sees a group of heroes in the wrong place at the right time to inspire Iron-Man and Cap to put together the New Avengers! In a murky world of SHIELD, Spider-Woman(!), The Sentry (who? :D) and multiple villain secrets ad lies the conspiracy starts on page one. The only downside was the homage to the original Avengers origin; otherwise the super fine dialogue and plotting kicks all other Avenger iterations out of the park.
In Volume two: The Sentry The new team chase up jailbreakers, Iron Man investigates ne'er heard of before super-powerful The Sentry, and as he digs deeper, The Void arrives! Amazing volume: - enter The Illuminati, The Sentry's 'origin', a betrayal, the first Iron Man vs Captain America differences' stirring, an Astonishing X-Men team-up; one mutant joining the New Avengers, and that's just the plot! There's super annoying, but spot-on Spidey natter, there's the superbly drawn and choreographed battle with The Wrecker, and above everything else there's cross-Marvel spot-on continuity harking back to the days of Lee and Kirby! I will never stop re-reading Bendis' Avengers, because I just can't see how they'll ever be bettered! 8.5 Four Star read.
2023 read; with at least five reads of the comic books in this volume across different editions.
In Volume two: The Sentry The new team chase up jailbreakers, Iron Man investigates ne'er heard of before super-powerful The Sentry, and as he digs deeper, The Void arrives! Amazing volume: - enter The Illuminati, The Sentry's 'origin', a betrayal, the first Iron Man vs Captain America differences' stirring, an Astonishing X-Men team-up; one mutant joining the New Avengers, and that's just the plot! There's super annoying, but spot-on Spidey natter, there's the superbly drawn and choreographed battle with The Wrecker, and above everything else there's cross-Marvel spot-on continuity harking back to the days of Lee and Kirby! I will never stop re-reading Bendis' Avengers, because I just can't see how they'll ever be bettered! 8.5 Four Star read.
2023 read; with at least five reads of the comic books in this volume across different editions.
July 5, 2014
This book is an absolute blast. After thoroughly breaking down the Avengers status quo in Disassembled, Bendis laid the groundwork to do what he really wanted to do with the Avengers: bring them into the modern world. The title "New Avengers" seems incredibly fitting, as it's still definitely an Avengers book, but in a much more current, post-Iraq mindset. The villains aren't as cut-and-dried, and it's not clear what the best solution is to any given conflict. This is a fairly well-trod concept in 2014, but Bendis kind of pushed mainstream comics in that direction almost by himself back in 2005 with these stories.
The character work in this book is almost perfect. Each character has a very unique, specific, and most importantly human voice, with the banter reminding me a lot of the Avengers movie: very real with a bit of comic flare. Bendis had been writing Ultimate Spider-Man for a while at this point, so his Spidey stuff is super on point (particularly compared to the mostly-shitty stuff JMS was doing concurrently in Amazing Spider-Man). He gives Captain America a solid edge of authority mixed with compassion that works better than a lot of Cap stuff I've seen. These points, combined with the thrilling-but-straightforward plotting, make a book that is a breeze to read while still feeling complex.
The only minor quibble I have with the book is its portrayal of Jessica Drew (Spider Woman), the only female Avenger thus far. I know these complaints have been levied against comics for years now, but she sometimes comes across very much as a sex object. However, here's the thing: it kind of feels like it's intentional? As in, maybe Bendis intentionally overly sexualized this character as a commentary on over-sexualized female characters, rather than just to blatantly do it. Here's my reasoning: nothing Jessica ever does is blatantly sexual, it's all in how she's viewed by the males in the book. Granted, she does wear a ridiculously tight spandex suit, and she's drawn as the most voluptuous woman this side of Power Girl, but she herself does not act sexual in this book. Characters comment several times on "how hot" she is, and she's even slightly capable of controlling men with her attractiveness, but she almost comes across as embarrassed of these abilities and the fact that they work so well. So, having not read any of the rest of New Avengers, I'm looking forward to how Bendis proceeds with Spider Woman, to see if this is a commentary, or if it's more stuff written for horny dudes. In any case, there is still more to her character than these traits, so there's that at the very least.
Another positive aspect of this book is Bendis's dialogue. He's long been a love-him-or-hate-him writer in this regard, but I feel like for New Avengers he really nailed his style. There's quips and side jokes and lots of (sometimes too much) talking, but it always flows organically during the scenes rather than just feeling like big blocks of time wasting text. This lets the book flow incredibly well, like watching a great action movie or something.
I know every comics person has already read this, but if you haven't, you really should. This is some of the most solid superhero stuff I've read in a long time.
The character work in this book is almost perfect. Each character has a very unique, specific, and most importantly human voice, with the banter reminding me a lot of the Avengers movie: very real with a bit of comic flare. Bendis had been writing Ultimate Spider-Man for a while at this point, so his Spidey stuff is super on point (particularly compared to the mostly-shitty stuff JMS was doing concurrently in Amazing Spider-Man). He gives Captain America a solid edge of authority mixed with compassion that works better than a lot of Cap stuff I've seen. These points, combined with the thrilling-but-straightforward plotting, make a book that is a breeze to read while still feeling complex.
The only minor quibble I have with the book is its portrayal of Jessica Drew (Spider Woman), the only female Avenger thus far. I know these complaints have been levied against comics for years now, but she sometimes comes across very much as a sex object. However, here's the thing: it kind of feels like it's intentional? As in, maybe Bendis intentionally overly sexualized this character as a commentary on over-sexualized female characters, rather than just to blatantly do it. Here's my reasoning: nothing Jessica ever does is blatantly sexual, it's all in how she's viewed by the males in the book. Granted, she does wear a ridiculously tight spandex suit, and she's drawn as the most voluptuous woman this side of Power Girl, but she herself does not act sexual in this book. Characters comment several times on "how hot" she is, and she's even slightly capable of controlling men with her attractiveness, but she almost comes across as embarrassed of these abilities and the fact that they work so well. So, having not read any of the rest of New Avengers, I'm looking forward to how Bendis proceeds with Spider Woman, to see if this is a commentary, or if it's more stuff written for horny dudes. In any case, there is still more to her character than these traits, so there's that at the very least.
Another positive aspect of this book is Bendis's dialogue. He's long been a love-him-or-hate-him writer in this regard, but I feel like for New Avengers he really nailed his style. There's quips and side jokes and lots of (sometimes too much) talking, but it always flows organically during the scenes rather than just feeling like big blocks of time wasting text. This lets the book flow incredibly well, like watching a great action movie or something.
I know every comics person has already read this, but if you haven't, you really should. This is some of the most solid superhero stuff I've read in a long time.
September 15, 2018
This is typical Bendis superhero team book nonsense....he does decent moments between heroes, but he writes them all with the same voice, the plots exist only to jam onto the team whomever he cares to write, and entire issues become about anyone except the Avengers.
January 10, 2014
In the wake of the Disassembled event, in which the Scarlet Witch had a mental breakdown that caused the deaths of three members, the Avengers broke up. Tony Stark could no longer afford to support the team and they were disheartened by the destruction wrought by one of their own. The New Avengers opens with a massive prison break at the Raft – where all the supervillains are kept. Several superheroes arrive to try and stop the chaos, and Captain America feels that fate has intervened to create a new team of Avengers. Forty-two villains escape.
The first section of the book entails Iron Man and Captain A convincing these heroes to become a team: Spiderwoman, Spider-Man, Luke Cage, Wolverine and, eventually, the Sentry. Once they agree, the first order of business is discovering who was the intended target of the breakout and tracking that villain down. Along the way, they discover SHIELD is doing something it shouldn't be which causes dissension between the organization and the heroes.
The largest section deals with The Sentry. I’d never heard of the character before (except for his major role in Dark Reign/Siege) but readers don’t need to because the storyline is designed to introduce him. None of the Avengers know who he is and there is a reason for that. Once this is dealt with, the last brief story concerns the discovery of a crashed Kree vessel, which is no doubt a set-up for something down the road as nothing comes of it. The book closes with some “files” on the various villains imprisoned in the Raft.
Overall, this is a solid start for a new team. I like the mix of characters, especially Spider-man whose trademark wisecracks help lighten the action-heavy stories. Spiderwoman may or may not be working for someone else, and the Sentry may or may not have all his marbles. There’s a lot of potential here. I do feel that the files at the end didn't add much to the book. They were overly wordy, with lots of b or c level villains. Still, highly recommended.
The first section of the book entails Iron Man and Captain A convincing these heroes to become a team: Spiderwoman, Spider-Man, Luke Cage, Wolverine and, eventually, the Sentry. Once they agree, the first order of business is discovering who was the intended target of the breakout and tracking that villain down. Along the way, they discover SHIELD is doing something it shouldn't be which causes dissension between the organization and the heroes.
The largest section deals with The Sentry. I’d never heard of the character before (except for his major role in Dark Reign/Siege) but readers don’t need to because the storyline is designed to introduce him. None of the Avengers know who he is and there is a reason for that. Once this is dealt with, the last brief story concerns the discovery of a crashed Kree vessel, which is no doubt a set-up for something down the road as nothing comes of it. The book closes with some “files” on the various villains imprisoned in the Raft.
Overall, this is a solid start for a new team. I like the mix of characters, especially Spider-man whose trademark wisecracks help lighten the action-heavy stories. Spiderwoman may or may not be working for someone else, and the Sentry may or may not have all his marbles. There’s a lot of potential here. I do feel that the files at the end didn't add much to the book. They were overly wordy, with lots of b or c level villains. Still, highly recommended.
September 21, 2012
Bendis started his massive Avengers run with Avengers Disassembled. Pretty much tearing down the existing Avengers status quo to make room for what he wanted to do. This volume collects the first two story arcs of his relaunched New Avengers. Captain America and Iron Man are joined by mega popular characters Wolverine and Spider-Man (surprising they never were on the team before). Also Bendis' pet characters Luke Cage and Spider-Woman. He also uses Paul Jenkin's created character The Sentry. But that is the downfall of the series. Bendis has a habit of using popular characters from other books cause he can and then either doing nothing with them or just missing the point.
Breakout is the opening arc and deals with the Avengers coming together to stop a supervillain prison riot. I like Finch's art and this is summer blockbuster in comic form.
The Sentry brings the character back to the Marvel Universe and explains where he has been. Bendis doesn't quite grasp the character. McGiven is the artist and is amazing. This was better then his work on Civil War later.
Breakout is the opening arc and deals with the Avengers coming together to stop a supervillain prison riot. I like Finch's art and this is summer blockbuster in comic form.
The Sentry brings the character back to the Marvel Universe and explains where he has been. Bendis doesn't quite grasp the character. McGiven is the artist and is amazing. This was better then his work on Civil War later.
August 22, 2011
Not bad. I'm actually surprised I liked this book because I prefer X-Men over Avengers big time. And I think that including Wolverine to this team was a really bad idea. He seems really out of place here. He's a hated mutant and now he's a hero? I could live with that but he's both AT THE SAME TIME. So he's here just because he's a popular character (pretty much like Spiderman) and that's stupid. I probably won't continue reading Avengers because X-Men are simply more interesting bunch. But this book's pretty good, anyway.
June 23, 2011
I don't know why I read house of M, then civil war and then Alias, and then decided to start "at the beginning" with this tome. i just did.
I loved Jessica Drew, who I didn't really understand before this book. I loved how the team assembled itself. I was really confused by the Sentry, and once I was "set straight" by friends, I was even more confused.
But more than anything, I adored Luke Cage.
Oh, right. The storytelling is great. The art is lovely. I like reading in chunks this big.
I loved Jessica Drew, who I didn't really understand before this book. I loved how the team assembled itself. I was really confused by the Sentry, and once I was "set straight" by friends, I was even more confused.
But more than anything, I adored Luke Cage.
Oh, right. The storytelling is great. The art is lovely. I like reading in chunks this big.
September 6, 2011
This was a great story and I'm headed to pick up Deluxe HC #2 from my bookshelf right now.
Both Finch and McNiven provide great art and I really appreciate that Marvel kept a great backup for Finch when he didn't the the pencils done so the book didn't suffer. Great consistent art from both artists and a great collaboration.
As for the story this is Bendis at his best, which is pretty dang awesome.
Both Finch and McNiven provide great art and I really appreciate that Marvel kept a great backup for Finch when he didn't the the pencils done so the book didn't suffer. Great consistent art from both artists and a great collaboration.
As for the story this is Bendis at his best, which is pretty dang awesome.
September 13, 2015
Why did it take me SO long to read this?! I literally had this booked cheched out for a little over a month and had I known it be this good I would have read it sooner! Love seeing how this new set of Avengers become a team. I'm now a new fan of Spider-Woman, Luke Cage and The Sentry! Now I need more NEW AVENGERS!
September 13, 2009
Honestly? I thought this was really incredible. I enjoyed it even more than I thought that I would. I love Spider-Man and Wolverine, and seeing them working all together as (and with the other) Avengers was so much fun. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series leading up to Civil War.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews