It’s funny how we all consider this is the best team book Marvel has to offer. I’m not gonna call it the best ‘Avengers’ book because it isn’t an Avengers book. While those titles muddle in Bendis’s typical storytelling process, Jeff Parker is giving us a damn good reason to root for villains. In any other title, people like Juggernaut or Moonstone would just be any old characters. Not here though, Parker is showing us that any characters evil or not are great characters. In this issue Parker gives us even more characters to play with in the future.

So far Parker is juggling fifteen characters, not including the random villains in this, and he isn’t losing a beat. Of course it does help that he is seperating the two squads which makes it a little easier. Thunderbolts ‘A’ are dealing with this weird German scientist while Thunderbolts ‘Beta’ are learning the ropes of becoming a team in the first place. With the original team in the castle, I just loved how ‘Mignola-esque’ it all was. Crazy German scientists, a big spider creature, and all things magic really screamed Mignola here. But by also giving more doubts with Juggernauts place in the team he’s giving more emotional depth to the character then a lot of other writers. Ever since Crossbones has left Juggernaut has become ‘the’ character for me in the book. With the ‘Beta’ team I did like how excited all the villains were, especially Shocker (? I think it was him) acting like a kid when they’re told they have their first mission. Also, mad props for Parker to use Shocker now because he is one of my all time favorite villains. (Not joking…)

What makes this issue even better is the double dose of artists with Kev Walker and Declan Shalvey. Shalvey is handling the ‘Beta’ team pages while Walker works on the ‘A’ team’s (ha!) mission. Both styles really mesh well together even though they are drastically different (if that makes sense). Shalvey has this great, gritty look to the pages while Walker keeps the ‘Mignola-esque’ vibe going with the crazy magic, technology, and creatures. When both teams finally meet it’s all Shalvey and without spoiling it let’s just say his work on ’28 Days Later’ comic works well with this new mission. I think what also works is the coloring styling consistant. Having some muted colors, but adding in some bright oranges and greens when nessicary.

This issue was a lot of fun and it had all the right elements to it. Parker continues this great run by adding in more characters and showing us a great balancing act. While the art continues to shine with both Walker and Shalvey giving their styles to the book. In the end this book continues to show why it’s the best ‘team’ book out there. Take away all the history and ‘mystique’ of Avengers or X-Men titles and just show off some great art and characterizations. That’s why, for my money, this blows away any other team book comics in general has right now.