Dark Reign 1 (And A bit) Months on II

Ok, so I've covered the main Dark Reign titles with Avengers in the title, now the others. I've already covered War Machine, so it will be missed out and I'll probably post about the conclusion to the first arc when it concludes.

The Invincible Iron Man

Well now 3 issues into its dark reign arc, and a good sign if not a little annoying, I missed one. Still its been great, Tony destroys a load of HAMMER systems and deletes the Initiative database, and only 1 copy now exists, in Stark's head. Osbourne has started a media offensive implying (well now accusing) Stark of colluding with Skrulls. This has been fantastic and I'm glad its being read. I hope this story will join some of the other classic Iron Man stories as all time greats and I'm just glad to be here reading it as it comes out.

Ms. Marvel

This title actually kicked off its Dark Reign plot before Dark Reign even started, Secret invasion was still running. We've seen flashbacks to Carols life in the Air Force and intelligence and it has eventually been revealed that she's working to collect information on a certain individual who is now running the show. It also explains why she's not been in costume, Moonstone having been awarded her identity. Its been a strong book but I have fears. You see, the writer has said he plans to kill off carol and put Moonstone front and centre. I'm not keen, not just because Moonstone is in her original costume and her current one is one of the best looking female super-hero costumes in existence. I do feel invested in Carol as a character, so suddenly switching to moonstone (Who I do know quite well through Thudnerbolts) is a bit jarring. Still, will give it fair chance.

Punisher

Oh yes, Just when I thought I wasn't picking up any more Punisher. Dark Reign is really a reboot of War Journal aiming to put frank back into the main MU (Since his Max counterpart tends to stay well out of it) In this title he takes a sensible decision and tries to take out Osbourne, sadly he is stopped by the Sentry. This looks at least interesting enough to keep during dark reign, as I reckon the Punisher has more chance of stopping Osbourne than just about anyone else.

Secret Warriors

Just out last week this title focuses on Nick Fury and his "Caterpillar" team we last saw in Secret Invasion. So far its mostly setup and trying to get us knowing these people a little better, but it had a pretty major revelation at the end and it has me curious enough to keep an eye on. I think I may be a sucker for new characters, that could be it.

Agents of Atlas

I really enjoyed the previous mini, using old 1950s characters who I had only seen previously during a brief moment in Avengers Forever. Now, following the events of the mini the Atlas foundation are operating as a criminal cartel, which looks better when the guy they're ripping off is Norman Osbourne. But could they be forming an alliance? It was enjoyable stuff, and I liked the little wolverine Agent of Atlas story at the end, with the retro styled art. In fact with this having that short and Darkhawk having a reprint of Darkhawk vol 1 #1 I really felt like i was getting value for money.

Thunderbolts

Not seen the new issue but the past two have been a sort of prelude. Obviously the current team are no more, with Bullseye, Moonstone and Venom in the Dark avengers, Radioactive man recalled to china, swordsman apparently dead, Penance institutionalised and Songbird officially dead, actually on the run we're getting a whole new team. Story is that this team are going to be Norman Osbourne's personal kill crew, and the new lineup includes Black Widow II, Ghost, Paladin and the irredeemable Ant Man. Again, could be interesting but I am always dubious about entire cast changes, and indeed how well this title will go post Dark Reign. Still, I'll stick to it at least until after the Deadpool crossover, lets face it, to see ant man and deadpool banter will be worth a few of my earth pounds.