New Avengers #32 *Spoilers*

[Prince Of Orphans]

This issue read terribly. There's too much confusion among the Avengers to develop a cohesive story here when every second speech bubble is "What is going on?" or "What's happening?" These deaths aren't doing anything to make the story better either, and I'm not sure Bendis understands that.

The Dr. Strange/Jericho Drumm parts were interesting though, but I'm pretty pissed that Hellstrom got offed. I'd say it's up in the air whether he comes back or not, Kale too. I'm sure they will though, since it wouldn't make sense that Bendis would bring everything back to the way it was before he took over, but have other characters dead in the final arc. I'm not sure Victoria Hand will be back though. She was always just wasted space with the Avengers and she seems pretty expendable to me.

Either way, can't wait for this to wrap up.

[Goldgeller]

I hope Daniel isn't killed off.

He probably won't be, but I'd like him to die or get "vanquished" after him killing Hand.

Strange was missing his own book for a long time, until Bendis took him and made him a New Avengers. Since then, Dr Strange has taken center stage in more stories n the NA than anyone else, so well done Bendis, for at least keeping magic alive.

I agree with this to an extent. I'm happy Bendis decided to use him. But, Bendis got himself into some trouble with Strange I think-- sometimes Strange was powerful and had tricks, other times Strange was hit with the equivalent of Spider-man's "Whoops I'm out of web-fluid!" Bendis then tried to explain this with Dormammu and Strange stealing/not deserving the Eye of Aggammoto-- I never really bought any of that.

But on the whole, I'm happy Bendis kept hope alive with Strange.

[themortalfist]

What's at stake is the reputation of the people involved. If Daniel is never found out, everyone on this team (especially Luke, Carol, and Strange) are going to look questionable at best in the eyes of the law. They'll live under a cloud of suspicion since people think they got away with murder.

Yes, we know Strange lives to be in New Avengers Illuminati stylee, but that doesn't mean he's an established hero. He might still be considered a fugitive from justice, granted amnesty for the same reason Namor is.

I hear what you're saying, but -- maybe this is Bendis fatigue talking -- but that's been his whole take on superheroes since Daredevil. The media scrutiny, the government hand-holders, Simon Williams, etc.: Superheroes are to blame for all their own problems. There's nothing at stake because it's not like the Avengers aren't going to try to figure out who just killed Hand. I mean, what, they're going to walk away? It's a scenario with lots and lots of fake tension, everyone pointing guns. And why is it the New Avengers are constantly surrounded by the media, Norman Osbourne's fanbase and SHIELD? Enough.

(That said, I'm pulling for Strange to NOT be a fugitive. I don't want to see you disappointed )

[jackolover]

So over at adjectiveless Avengers, we're getting what looks like a happy ending -- and undoing every storyline there. So why here, of all books, after everything with Osborne and the constant media backlash and what seems like SHIELD surrounding the mansion every issue and Mockingbird getting nearly killed ... why all this? Why does undoing this team have to be so fake-feeling? (I gett that the point is the point to break up this team for Hickman and his New Avengers Illuminati.) So Hand dies. It's his character. You know Strange is going to be just fine. He's going to be re-set for the Illuminati. You know Cage is going to be fine. It just reads as more artificial drama to wrap up a plot thread that started 31 issues ago. It just feels like there's nothing at stake.

The NA were specifically formed because of AD. Bendis is now doing an AD on the NA.

[chariset]

(That said, I'm pulling for Strange to NOT be a fugitive. I don't want to see you disappointed )

Aw... you're sweet.

The thing is, a Strange-on-the-run story could be very good. Can be, actually - there are already a couple out there. Pursued, desperate, alone or with only a couple of allies, trusting in his own convictions even though no one is with him... And a corrupted/evil Strange could be interesting too. What would he do if he abandoned all his morals and just started blasting people?

But I don't trust Bendis to write either of those. What I want to see here is just Bendis tying off his loose end from the story about Agamotto and Jericho Drumm. I think jackolover's right that it's going to end with the New Avengers shattered, but I'd like to hope they'll be vindicated as well. The whole Avengers organization is at such a low, PR-wise, that they need at least one big heroic moment to redeem themselves

[Zen-aku]

Aw... you're sweet.

The thing is, a Strange-on-the-run story could be very good. Can be, actually - there are already a couple out there. Pursued, desperate, alone or with only a couple of allies, trusting in his own convictions even though no one is with him... And a corrupted/evil Strange could be interesting too. What would he do if he abandoned all his morals and just started blasting people?

But I don't trust Bendis to write either of those. What I want to see here is just Bendis tying off his loose end from the story about Agamotto and Jericho Drumm. I think jackolover's right that it's going to end with the New Avengers shattered, but I'd like to hope they'll be vindicated as well. The whole Avengers organization is at such a low, PR-wise, that they need at least one big heroic moment to redeem themselves

One o th ethings i love about bendis's run in general is that he threw out the hypocrisy of the MU hating mutants but trusting Super humans completely. So i kinda like how no mater what the avengers do they get shit from some where, it feels realistic.

[jackolover]

One o th ethings i love about bendis's run in general is that he threw out the hypocrisy of the MU hating mutants but trusting Super humans completely. So i kinda like how no mater what the avengers do they get shit from some where, it feels realistic.

Yeah. I can't see this happening to the Justice League over in DC.