The Good
There are a few different Avengers titles. This is more than just another one. Ales Kot was on board towards the end of the previous volume with Nick Spencer and takes over the series. While this may be a new beginning, it does follow up on some of the previous threads.
There's a great feel to the book. As I mentioned, this isn't just another Avengers book. It definitely has a very distinct and separate feel compared to those. The fact that we have an extremely smaller cast of characters. There's also the unification of having Avengers members and S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. I'll admit, when we started seeing more of Agent Coulson in comics along with Nick Fury Jr, I wasn't the biggest fan. It is a good way to try to reach those who may have had their start with the characters from the Cinematic Universe or simply haven't read comics in a while. The good news is I kinda love the two in this issue. There's a great report between them and they are in a pretty crazy situation.
They aren't the only ones in a crazy situation. Even though our cast only really consists of Maria Hill and M.O.D.O.K., Black Widow and Spider-Woman, as well as Hawkeye sort of worming his way in, there's a lot going on. Ales Kot gives a great mix of action and the type of humor you'd find in a Marvel Studios movie (although without being too over the top or forced). There's just a really great feel that meshes the spy genre and superhero characters it such a fun way.
I'm super excited for Michael Walsh on this series as well. I've been a huge fan of his work since I first came across it. Walsh and Kot have worked together on the first issue of ZERO and Walsh just finished a stint on THE X-FILES SEASON 10. He jumps in here and doesn't miss a beat.
Aside from the action, humor, and great art, there is also a very interesting story. Things are developing in big ways for these characters and you really feel a darkening cloud arriving overhead as the issue approaches the end.
The Bad
Did we really need a new #1 for this series? No, but it doesn't really matter anymore. It's a great issue full of fun and excitement. That's my main concern--reading a comic and enjoying it immensely.
The Verdict
This new volume of SECRET AVENGERS carries on the tradition of the previous and hits the ground running. Ales Kot has a great feel for the characters and mixes up the action, humor, and adventure. Michael Walsh delivers a great vibe to the story and establishes the tone right away. Reading this series is like getting the best of both worlds. We're getting secret spy missions with some of our favorite Avengers in tow. It's possible this just might become my favorite AVENGERS series.