Hail, fellow Foomers! Drink in hand, I’d like to examine the current status quo in the Marvel U. Currently, Marvel Universe Earth 616 is in the midst of Dark Reign. Norman Osborn is in charge, having emerged from the Secret Invasion triumphant as the man who commanded the Thunderbolts and killed the Skrull Queen. As a result, he was placed in charge of American security, and immediately disbanded S.H.I.E.L.D., the former preeminent peace-keeping force. Tony Stark, former leader of S.H.I.E.L.D. has been accused of having had knowledge that the Skrull Invasion was imminent, and has gone on the run as a result. In the wake of these events, Osborn instituted his own organization, H.A.M.M.E.R. He has his own Illuminati-like team of behind the scenes power players, the Cabal. Osborn’s even had the gall to put together his own team of Dark Avengers, having criminals assume the personas of established heroes. In short, it’s a dangerous time to be on the right side of the law in the current Marvel climate.
Check it: Lots of new hologram, promo cards and other marvel cards are available.
Good guys like Spiderman and the New Avengers are in more danger now than they were as unregistered heroes during the Superhuman Registration Act. Some must go underground and avoid being captured for being unregistered, all while villains arrogantly break the law with no fear of repercussions. Some have criticized Dark Reign as just an extension in what was going on during Warren Ellis’ run on Thunderbolts. That’s more or less the truth, but it doesn’t lessen my enjoyment of Dark Reign.
Osborn’s evolution from psychosis-inflicted Green Goblin to National Hero may strain credibility more than a bit, but his interactions with others in power have been a hoot. Dark Avengers has been a stand-out title, and having Osborn be the field leader of the team while dressed in modified Iron Man armor is s stroke of genius. These are details better suited to my upcoming reviews, however, so please forgive.
I’ve also enjoyed the machinations of the Cabal and am in eager anticipation of where it will all lead. Far away from Marvel’s Earth, the Kree and their leaders the Inhumans wage war with the Shi’ar and their King Vulcan in a War of Kings. Most of Marvel’s cosmic characters, like Nova and the Starjammers are involved. Whatever the outcome, this is a status changing event of an epic scale.
Initially, I hadn’t planned to pick up this series and it’s tie-ins. I’m glad I changed my mind and picked it up. As I said earlier, I’ll be reviewing the series as a whole, so I’ll leave it at that. Hopefully, this little over-view will allow those that may have been away for awhile to better understand and enjoy what I’m talking about in my reviews.
See you in the funny pages…