Reading this was a chore. I went into it with a decent level of excitement based on A. Remender and B. the revised concept for the title brought to bear by Warren Ellis (clandestine Avengers tackling global-scale threats in compact but fully realized stories.) But after only three pages I had this pegged for bin filler. Here's why: A. The entire intro conversation between Hawkeye and Cap is poorly scripted, forced exposition used to inform the reader. There are infinite ways to fill in these blanks- every writer knows that you "show, don't tell." Instead, we get beaten over the head with stilted banter that contains zero suspense or wonder, just rote mechanics. That's no way to open a book like this. B. Are we really supposed to think Cap regards Hawkeye as too immature to lead a team? He led West Coast Avengers, Thunderbolts, and he's been a hero for decades. Does Remender expect us to believe that Cap still has reservations about Clint being a headstrong rebel? Didn't that character device die in the 80s? C. Max Fury's big plan is to get a new Masters of Evil together? Really, that's the best he's got? Why does that require Secret Avengers, and not regular Avengers? Why should I care about where this story is headed, based on this? D. I know the Hawkeye and Whiplash costumes have to mirror the movies. I know these decisions get made by super smart and super rich marketing execs. That's fine. But... they still suck. On top of everything, Zircher draws stiff and clunky super-people with basically one facial expression. I've seen more dynamic action in a Sears catalog.