The Secret Avengers should be all about going on secret missions and that's exactly what we get here.
The Good
Obviously Rick Remender knows a thing or two about secret teams. As a Point One issue, there is so much that makes sense. Many of the Point Ones in the past haven't felt like good jumping on points and often interrupted the flow of stories going on in the series. This issue has Captain America and Hawkeye on a covert mission in a nation they wouldn't be accepted. Remender delivers a slew of dialogue between the Cap and Hawkeye. They've worked together many times but Cap really lays it all out when talking to him. This sort of talk isn't too common when it comes to Cap and is great seeing how it all plays out. It's no secret that Cap want's Hawkeye on the team and promo images have shown that Cap doesn't appear to be a member.
It might not be the best time to have the conversation they're having but Remender does a great job. The little attention to detail, such as how they might move around without being seen, was great to see. How could and why would they go on a covert mission in Cap's red, white and blue suit and Hawkeye's purple one? That is addressed here. If this issue is an indication of what Remender has planned, the book will be in good hands.
Patrick Zircher won't be the regular artist on the series but you have to give him praise for being able to draw Cap and Hawkeye out of costume and having them be completely recognizable. The city is also believable as being a foreign country and not just a generic city.
The Bad
While Cap's talk/speech to Clint is great, it almost felt a little out of line. We're used to Cap pretty much always being positive. He has his reasons and it's almost a little jarring. But it's something that he has to do.
The Verdict
The idea of the Secret Avengers hasn't always made sense. Actually, there have been times when their actual potential hadn't seemed fully utilized. With a Point One issue, new series writer, Rick Remender, jumps in full force to give us a taste of what covert Avengers missions should and could be about. Focusing on Captain America and Hawkeye, we get some set up for the new direction and Remender writes some very direct dialogue between the two. Some of the villains that appear feel a little out of place but it all works out and we have something to look forward to in the coming issues. Patrick Zircher does a great job and succeeds in making Cap and Hawkeye distinguishable when not wearing their costumes. I was a little sad to hear that Captain America wouldn't be on the team but Remender based on this issue, we're in for a great new direction.