Dark Reign has turned the Marvel Universe upside down. The good guys are the bad guys and the bad guys are the good guys in a manner of speaking and everyone has Norman Osborn on their hit list. This month marks the first month that the Amazing Spider-Man get’s the Dark Reign treatment and it’s about time considering that Norman is Peter’s villain after all.
For now let’s look at some of the books that came out this week with the Dark Reign banner and try and piece together what’s going on.
Secret Warriors #4
This issue shows us Nick Fury and his Howling Commando’s putting the band back together. What remains of SHIELD is broken up between Dum Dum Dugan’s forces and HAMMER the new version of SHIELD that is being run by Norman Osborn.
Tension is high as a lot of people don’t know what to make of Nick Fury and his return to the fold. That aspect of the story makes everything feel more well rounded and complete.
There is also the inclusion of a new character from Australia that has links to Gateway. How he fits into the big picture remains to be seen, but the series just keeps getting better and better.
The Hood #1 of 5
While the Hood is currently trying to get his hands on the Eye of Agamotto in the New Avengers series, his new book focuses on the private life of Parker Robbins. If you care about where the Hood came from and where he’s going then I would suggest you check out this book.
The story gives you insight into Parker’s private life and what he’s trying to build for his daughter. The story also brings complexity to everything surrounding his part in Dark Reign. This first issue seems to only scratch the surface which means that the book should prove to be very interesting.
If you’re already reading Dark Reign then this book is vital to your collection.
The Amazing Spider-Man #595
Spider-Man draws ever closer to his 600th issue and it looks like they’ll get there swinging. This issue of Spider-Man is the first to carry the Dark Reign banner for his neck of the woods in the Marvel Universe. Peter has been through a lot recently abut has now set his sights on stopping Norman Osborn from turning the world into his playground.
The first issue of this arc is pretty explosive with more than a few surprises. It’s really good to see Spider-Man so proactive in his title and there is also a cool cameo by Wolverine. Just wait until you get a peek at Phil Jimenez’s artwork, it’s incredible.
The book takes a lot of dramatic turns and has an ending that will surprise you.
Avengers: The Initiative #24
This book picks up with the Shadow Initiative still stuck in Madripoor. This issue serves to tie up a lot of loose ends and further cements Osborn’s hold on the rest of the Initiative. HYDRA plays a big role in this as that organization is set to run smack dab into The Howling Commandos and HAMMER next month.
This book shows the fall of this particular branch of HYDRA as nothing is what it seems. Gauntlet also ends up on Norman Osborn’s radar in a bad way. Throughout all these books Norman is the constant, with the exception of Secret Warriors.
By the books end things take a definite turn as the Taskmaster will take center stage.
The New Avengers #53
Is this the end of the road for Dr. Strange? The current master of mysticism is looking for a replacement and he may have found it. What does this mean for guys like the Hood, and for Dr. Strange himself? The Son of Satan makes a cool appearance and really ramps up the action.
The new Sorcerer Supreme may also get introduced in this story but you’ll have to read it to find out!
So, that’s all the books for Dark Reign this time. The series is really shaping up and things seem to be building at a steady rate. Each issue of Dark Reign leaves me wanting more and that is what comics are about right? Check back here soon to get more updates on Dark Reign and some of your other favorite series.
