This was my most anticipated book of the week and the first I read off the stack.  I was intrigued by where they could take the Ronin/Mockingbird relationship post Secret Invasion.  Big disappointment.  Firstly, the artwork was sloppy (huge distraction).  Clint looked to be about 16 years old.  Obviously art is a subjective thing, but I would not have recognized most of the characters without their costumes.

There were a few good moments of dialogue (e.g, banter betwen Clint and Bucky) but too often it felt forced.  The interactions between Clint and Bobbi seemed very contrived IMO.  Also, in private conversation would Clint really call her “Mock” instead of just using her first name?  (I’m sure some old West Coast Avengers fan will prove me wrong on that point).  Wouldn’t long separated spouses spend a little time reconstructing their relationship before one of them jumps right into a new secret adventure?

I’m guessing this will improve as we learn more about her deep, dark, skrull world secrets but I’m probably jumping off after this issue (just did not do anything at all to hook me).  I accept $3.99 as our new price point, but expect some reasonable amount of product quality to accompany it.  Back to the stack …