A fun “nerd game” is whenever a new Thunderbolts line-up arrives, study the cover and try to figure out who is pretending to be who.
At the start of this issue, the New Avengers do just that with the image of the Dark Avengers on television.
Another fun nerd game is pit a team against another and figure out who should face off against who. That wide-screen cover serves that purpose–in the grand tradition of “two teams running at each other” covers.
So, we’re off to a fun start for a “fiftieth issue bonanza.” And the list of artists is basically every one of Joe Quesada’s rock stars.
Given her civilian military background and her past working with intelligence organizations like SHIELD, Carol Danvers devises a strategy that will enable her team to take on Osborn’s, which involves power inhibitors and using Jessica Drew–who has a history of being a double (triple) agent.
The plan goes south, though, as Hood’s gang of criminals attack the New Avengers.
The heroes fight them off but are outnumbered and are forced to retreat.
Afterwards, Clint Barton goes on TV to tell the world that Norman Osborn is still the nutjob formerly known as Green Goblin, and encouraging people to resist his reign.
Solid action story perfectly appropriate for a 50th issue. Interesting to see Clint Barton emerging as the speechmaker and public face of the team, in Steve Rogers’ absence. He and Cap used to constantly bicker and compete for the leadership role.