As I read this book one overarching thought went through my brain: this is the book I was hoping Secret Avengers would be. Now, don’t get me wrong, Brubaker has proven to do some interesting things with that title; but this book has a covert, espionage feel mixed with superhero sci/fi that is a perfect marriage between those two (or three?!) genres.
The other thing about this book that immediately struck me once I completed the issue was what an incredible debut for a team book it was. Even though some of the characters on the book’s cover did not make an appearance in the book it is made clear that this is a story to be told from bird’s eye view, with “the controller” directing the actions of any number of the “heroes for hire.” Indeed, DnA appropriately chose The Falcon as the first hero showcased, with panels of him viewing the action from above. Additionally, we are shown multiple panels of mysterious characters looking down on the action from above. Knowing DnA and Walker as the accomplished storytellers that they are—this is certainly not a coincidence. These guys are setting a tone and flavor for the book perfectly. And it’s a blast to read.
That this is a different type of team book is immediately clear. Each hero is used to accomplish quite different goals with respect to their talents. As these characters are left largely in the dark as to the greater purpose of their work, the reader is in a privileged position to see that this team structure is certainly subject to potential manipulation. Again, DnA establish this potential threat of manipulation brilliantly, and set up this theme of the work which fits pitch perfectly with its tone as well.
To say anything more about the plot could lead into spoiler territory, but suffice it say that DnA have effectively proven their ability to take their success in cosmic stories to marvel’s street level. I have been excited for this book for some time–very excited, in fact–but all that excitement pales in comparison to my eagerness to get my hands on the next issue.
Buy this book folks. You won’t regret it.