Transitions in team members shouldn't always be an easy thing and Rick Remender is showing us that even the best of heroes have problems getting along with each other.
The Good
For too long, we've pretty much always seen superheroes as being near perfect. The heroes and teams would sometimes have their faults but everything always worked out in the end. With the new roster for the Secret Avengers, they haven't started off on the right foot. Hawkeye was given leadership when Captain America felt he needed to step down due to all his other responsibilities. Hawkeye is clearly capable of leading a team but his recent need to constantly prove himself is getting the better of him (we also saw this recently in AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #4). Hawkeye means well but he doesn't always think things through before reacting. This was seen last issue when the new team had barely had a chance to get to know each other before jumping into the action to face a mysterious threat. Granted, most of the team has already been operating together but there are still others that aren't used to working with each other.
The greatest thing about this issue is the focus on Eric O'Grady. He has been the furthest thing from a hero and the decision to make him part of the Avengers was a decision of Cap's that many questioned. He stole the Ant-Man suit. He used it for non-heroic activities. He basically is a pretty slimy guy. But who really wants to be a slimy guy? Rick Remender gets into his head and reveals that there actually is a little more to O'Grady than we've seen. Some might feel it goes against his characters but it actually makes more sense. Why else would be be risking his life as part of a secret team of Avengers. He's been seen in the past trying to use this status to impress the women but if he's on a 'secret' team, who's going to believe him?
Of course Gabriel Hardman's art is a joy to see with Remender's script. The art and colors adds a vibe to the story that would be lost on another artist. I hate to think of the day that Hardman might need to take a break to keep up on the series. Let's hope he's signed on for the long haul.
The Bad
Maybe this is nitpicking and I shouldn't get hung up on it but CONTINUITY. Since Remender and Hardman have been announced on the title, we knew Venom would be part of the team. The problem is, this issue takes place after the current 'Circle of Four' weekly story taking place in VENOM. Remender is also overseeing that but his appearance here basically spoils that everything will work out nicely and Flash Thompson will make up with Captain America after punching him out and stealing his motorcycle.
There's also quite a bit of bickering going on. It's nice to see that not all teams get along perfectly but the back and forth between Beast and Hank Pym gets to be pretty catty. Hawkeye seems angry at the world. He has a major chip on his shoulder and does get called out on it. It's not the best way to lead a team especially since he's just started working with them.
I can't say I'm overly thrilled with the 'bad guys.' I want this threat to be over to see what else this team will take on.
The Verdict
As a big fan of Remender, Hardman and many of the characters, I was a little let down. I do have high hopes for this series and there is so much potential with both this roster and the new creative team. Everyone is getting used to the new situation but some of it is feeling a little out of place. There is too much bickering going on and I would like to see a different set of villains for the team. Remender does do a great job on building up the characterization, especially with Eric O'Grady. Hardman's art adds the perfect tone to the title and whether it's action or characters sitting around, it all looks good. We're seeing both Remender and the team getting warmed up to the this new direction and there's no doubt things are going to get better and better. We have a doosey of a cliffhanger that I refuse to fall for. Remender is adding a lot of team dynamic as well as suspense to this title that has been missed in earlier issues.