Friday, November 20, 2009

Dark Avengers #11

This book has really taken a turn for the strange, although it's still a darned interesting read.

Following up on last issue's events, the Dark Avengers find themselves facing one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Universe.

The Molecule Man has only been seen sporadically since the long-ago Secret Wars, but his name has been offered by many as the possible identity of the mysterious character Norman Osborn used to keep Dr. Doom, Loki, Namor and Emma Frost in line.

Just for fun, other candidates for that mysterious role also appear in this issue (although presumably they're not the genuine article), including The Beyonder and Mephisto.

The issue offers some background on Osborn's assistant, Victoria Hand, but most of the book is turned over to a surreal trip through the Molecule Man's thoughts, as he confronts each member of the Dark Avengers.

With the Dark Reign apparently winding down, it'll be interesting to see where this goes after the odd ending.

As always, Mike Deodato is doing amazing work here, and the weird storyline gives him lots of room to flex his artistic muscles. The issue also features several pages of outstanding additional art by painter Greg Horn.

I'm not sure where writer Brian Bendis is going from here, but he has lots of storylines to resolve. Whatever happened to Captain Marvel? And the Sentry's wife? And what was going on with Osborn a few issues back?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Grade: B+

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