In our history of reading Hickman, his stories usually need a few issues to gain enough momentum for us to see where he's going and to feel the anxiety he's stirred up in his imaginative world. This remains true with his Avengers run with Ribic. Not so with the New (Illuminati?) Avengers. What a great way to scratch the New Avengers "record": the concept of the Illuminati has been very exciting since the very beginning, and it was left somewhat marginalized and unfinished after it began in fits and spurts several years ago. So glad Hickman revived the concept (and also got rid of the "rebellious" Avengers, the prior rendition of the New Avengers -- it was getting *routine* and boring. Hardly "rebellious"). Epting is such a warm (thanks, too, D'Armata), emotive artist that reminds me of all the good stuff that was the New Avengers way beck in the very beginning when Finch's dark and moody tone took the reigns. All the good stuff, none of the bad. This story is busting right-out-of-the- gates exciting. Can't wait for more!!!