This is a good little transition from Secret Invasion to Dark Reign. While not earth shattering it did contain some "need to know" information.
A couple of things did rub me the wrong way though. First was Norman's dialogue. There are a couple of places where he says "you'll see next week" when referring to the Avengers and "It's going to be a bad year" when asked about Tony Stark (not exact quotes I am just summarizing). This seemed more like Bendis talking, telling us Avengers is next week and that Stark will be on the run for a year which is, incidentally, what the solicitations are saying.
Why will Tony have a bad year? Editorially I know why, because it's a new story opportunity (I am selectively not recalling the Bruce Wayne: Fugitive storyline which also had a rich guy with his toys wrongfully being hunted by the government) but why would Norman not just kill Tony or put him out of the picture in another way? I know he's the epitome of the boastful villain who want's you to suffer but come on. Plus, he has it planned out for a year? Really? Between running every super-hero agency in the world he has time to mess with Tony for a YEAR? Forget the big three automaker CEO's wasting money and time, somebody on an oversight committee would have a field day with Norman.
My second complaint is the art. I love Maleev on Daredevil. I love Maleev on any of the crime books. But HOLY CRAP ON A CRACKER was this art horrible. I don't just mean bad I mean horrendous. I was constantly being drawn out of the story because of how ugly and old everyone looked. These ugly people are great for the real life gritty underworld books, but not for superheroes.
Namor was hitting on Loki who looked liked a washed out heroine addict with those bags under her eyes and wrinkles on her face. Emma went from having boobs sagging almost to her navel to being next to her chin depending on the panel. Worst of all was Namor though. He looked more like the old pervert on Family Guy that's always hitting on Chris than the king of the seas. His was going bald and just looked creepy. Not scary creepy but retarded looking like Sloth from the Goonies creepy.
I did like that they are already setting up a Doom and Namor alliance against Norman. On the other hand killing Swordsman and ending with Norman on his knees screaming seemed like it was out of nowhere. I'm not sure if this is supposed to add to his crazy factor but enough already. We know he's crazy. We don't need reminders every issue he's in. Seriously, stop with the overdosing on the crazy.
Part of me did feel robbed by not being able to see who Normans friend was behind the door. The other 98% of me got over it very quickly and moved on without caring. I feel like I SHOULD have cared more about this issue as a whole but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

Overall this was an average, but necessary, book with some art that really detracted from the story. I really hope Bendis gets back on his "A" game and quick because if this is what's in store for the Marvel U over the next year, well, I would rather be in Tony's shoes.