Dark Avengers #5 (Marvel – Bendis / Deodato)
When the public is reminded of Norman’s terrible past, Norman’s wheeling and dealing becomes a public concern. Plus, some of the Avengers are getting frisky with each other, and that can’t be good. Plus the return of…the Cabal!
In the same way that Ultimate Nick Fury became Samuel L. Jackson, Norman Osborne is becoming Tommy Lee Jones… unmistakable, I wonder what old Kay thinks about that. 🙂
This issue mostly revolves around Norman’s live television appearance talking about about his past both as a villain and as the Green Goblin specifically. He goes on to compare himself to his accuser, Hawkeye, and how villains can become heroes when given the chance to redeem themselves. Even to the reader, Norman is very convincing.
While it is a very story-driven in the context of the arc, you still can’t help but notice this is a Bendis’ slightly veiled social commentary on politicians in general here. As it has been, Dark Avengers keeps surprizing me with how ggod and releveant this book is. It is very un-Marvel like to have a great book and not have their PR machine be beating fans to death with it. But this is very much like how one of the best series in the past few years Avengers: The Initiative, is coming to a close without any fanfare at all.
Speaking of an ending, this pretty action-less issue ends with a 90’s flashback… Atlantis Attacks!
good story, good art… worth your time!
issue grade: A-
series grade: B+
