Jim McCann runs a clinic on how to use continuity, and, more importantly, why to use it. Right from the start of this ongoing series, Clint and Bobbi are dealing with issues from their past. Even though I’ve never read the West Coast Avengers comics that are being referenced, there is enough information given to let me understand the crux of the past conflict, and how it carries over into the characters’ current relationship.

To me, this is the reason that continuity is important — showing actions that have consequences, and relationships that never quite get off to a fresh start. Jim McCann is rapidly growing into a master of this kind of storytelling, and he has quickly become one of the writers whose work I will always buy. Along with the Clint & Bobbi story in this issue, we get a quick setup of the ‘new’ WCA team, and a marvelous exchange among Clint, Steve Rogers, and Bucky Barnes.

Marvel hasn’t been too kind to new series, lately, but I’m hoping and praying this one will have a nice long run.