The New Avengers # 49 - Dark Reign: Part 2

     First off, I'll warn you.  Despite the fact that Ares and Sentry are on the cover, they are not even featured in this issue.  The cover lies (though compared to next issues cover, this is as honest as Abe Lincoln).
     That aside, I really enjoyed this comic.  The art is awesome, but the best part is Brian Michael Bendis does one of the two things he does best--taking B and C characters and making them into compelling and entertaining people.  
     For those of you who haven't read Dark Avengers #1, Norman Osborn has made a team of Avengers, disbanded H.A.M.M.E.R., and is in charge.  Among his picks are such famous (or should I say infamous) heroes as Venom (Mac Gargan) and Bullseye.  Ms. Marvel tells Norman Osborn in not to polite words she will not follow him--so she is no longer working for the government.  The new New Avengers have formed and they are Wolverine, Iron Fist, Ronin, Mockingbird, Ms. Marvel, Spider-woman, Captain America II, and Spiderman.  Luke Cage and Jessica Jones's baby Danielle has been kidnapped by a Skrull impersonating Jarvis.  Unable to find the baby, Luke Cage went to Norman Osborn.  Osborn lays out his deal: he'll get the kid, Luke Cage will join him.  Cage vows his loyalty.
     The plot brings up some interesting morals when the two "heroes" Osborn has brought along--Venom and Bullseye--act, shall we say, untraditionally, and Osborn does not care.  This issue, not to spoil anything, brings a change in Luke Cage's life, and showcases all of Bendis's effort on a character that was originally a somewhat racist creation, and later simply comic relief.  
     The downside of the story is since next issue will be so focused on action, this one doesn't have that much of it.  There is some though, and the story definately makes up for it with tons of plot.  
   All in all, this is a comic book must-have, not just for Luke Cage fans, but all Vine-members alike.      
        

Man what a good series this is turning out to be.  This book is probably my favorite of the year so far (only 2 months in but whatever lol).  The story line is not very complex, but simple is usually best.  At the beginning of the book it starts out with Luke Cage, Osbourne, Venom, and Bullseye go to the interrogation room and what a scene that is!  And I never thought I would feel sorry for the Skrull, but after I say what Venom did to one of them, they have my sympathies.  But of course Luke gets his baby back and Osbourne expects him to work for him.  You seriouse Osbourne??  Luke Cage kicks the shit out of Venom and Bullseye with a god damn crow-bar!!  All of Luke Cages family gets out safely with the help of Ms. Marvel.  Think Osbourne is looking for pay back??  But it was a good issue overall, but I would of liked a little more action and some more of the New Avengers.  But I am pretty sure in the big 50th issue, I won't run into that problem.