Review by Corwin C. Crowl

Writer: Andy Diggle
Penciler: Miguel Sepulveda
Colors: Frank Martin
Cover: Francesco “Matt” Mattina
Letterer: Comicraft’s Albert Deschesne
Production: Rev. Paul Acerios & Maritsa Partinos
Assistant Editor: Micheal Horwitz
Editor: Bill Rosemann
Published by Marvel Comics

Osborn: I am disappointed to see what you’ve done with your face…especially after all the trouble we took to make you a new one.

Now this, this is what I call intrigue and seeding a plot! Layers of intrigue, subterfuge and backstabbing finally begins to bubble before it boils over as the Thunderbolts have started to splinter into pseudo partnerships. Each member seems to know that Norman Osborn views them as expendable and that the Thunderbolts team may not last long so they begin to slowly create back plans. Ghost is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters in this motley crew. His distrust of people and corporations borders on the schizophrenic but he has a certain insane charm about him. He reveals to the Black Widow (Yelena) that he knows more than she thinks.

In Cleveland Ohio H.A.M.M.E.R troops attempt to clear out homeless people from public property. Much like Norman Osborn they are brutish and rough with the desolate. As the homeless make a stand the troops attempt to open fire when Songbird reveals herself from the crowd to defend them. Tired of keeping a low profile she decides to take action and strike back against Norman Osborn. Not one to be taken by surprise Norman is almost immediately noticed of her resurgence. Briefing his newest Thunderbolt, Osborn dubs him as the new Scourge. Adding to the mystery of his identity there is a brief mention how he messed up his new face and Norman makes him agree to wear a ballistics mask.

As Scourge arrives at the new Thunderbolts base and former Cube prison he is greeted by the Black Widow. Informing him of a mission briefing in thirty minutes she makes her way to the armory where she makes a special encrypted call to her real boss, someone who will come as no surprise.

Andy Diggle constantly takes this book to new ground every few issues. The cast of characters is quickly growing into a powder keg of uneasy emotions and egos. Last issue’s recruit Mister X is nowhere to be seen and suddenly another recruit is placed in the group. Trust is going to be a hard thing to come by when some members have even revealed their faces. I really like how Diggle balances the changing locale and missions with the steady character interactions and development. While the plot is not heavy or action orientated we get inside a lot of the character’s minds. We get a little fighting but overall this issue is nothing but talking and it works! Did anyone else notice the Black Widow’s eye color change? I would call it a mistake but one panel in the beginning of the issue and one panel at the end really focus on her eyes.

Sepulveda's un-inked pencil art bleeds through the colors and is a testament to his artistic skills. Without the inks you can truly see how much detail he puts in his work and I would not be surprised if there is a little bit of blood and sweat mixed in with his pencil lead. The man is just an overall great artist. He leans towards a realistic life art style that totally caters to my taste. Some of the fore shortening and angles in

the riot panels make some of the characters seem like midgets and other character’s limbs look skewed. However upon closer inspection I think it may just be a very realistic take on it even though it looks off. I would not be surprised if he used photo reference. I just hope Marvel does not pull him off this book for something with a higher profile. So strap yourself in and get ready for a wild ride with the darkest jewel in Norman Osborn’s crown. You will believe lightning can strike twice.

8 out of 10 (On It’s Way to Greatness!)