Biff Bam Pow Comics

One word can sum up this entire issue.

“Woah”.

This issue will have an impact on anyone reading just The New Avengers series in isolation, but will have an even greater impact on readers who have been picking up recent issues of The Mighty Avengers, Avengers: Illuminati, and Secret Invasion.

Before I get to the crux of why this issue can be summed up in one word (and I will) - it’s worth mentioning the wonderfully crisp artwork served up by Jim Cheuno within the book. Jim has obviously put a great deal of effort into the issue, lovingly capturing the beauty within Princess Veranke, whist painstakingly outlining every little detail within the rocks under her feet.

Truly beautiful stuff, his effort shines through and compliment Brian Michael Bendis’ outstanding storyline perfectly.

But anyway - what’s the big deal about this issue?

***SPOILER ALERT***

The book takes a slight ‘diversion’, of sorts, choosing to take us away from the team, and back to an Avengers: Illuminati storyline (where Iron Man, Mr Fantastic, etc were captured, then fought their way to freedom), picking up around the resulting plots / plans put in place by the Skrull empire to rebuilt and conquer.

So - being a Bendis book - there are a few twists and turns within the story. New Avengers 40 sees a shift of main character that makes a nice nod to Marvel universe history, some back story to how the Secret Invasion began (including a minor insight into how it’s possible for Skrulls to be hidden so effectively on earth), and a big question mark placed over a superheroine (major spoiler coming)…

***MAJOR SPOILER ALERT***

It looks like Spider-Woman may very well be a Skrull after all - and possibly none other than Princess Veranke - the leader of them all…

“Woah”.

Pete’s Score: 4 out of 5
(big things happening in this issue - it will no doubt be essential to give you an insight into the later issues of Secret Invasion)