The issue ends in perhaps the best cliffhanger of recent memory as Hawkeye, the character whose perspective is most closely aligned with readers, must make a choicewho wins? Songbird wonders: What does he do now? Hang onto hopeonto that bedrock belief of his that theres good in everyone if you give it a chance to come out? The characters and readers realize that Hawkeyes decision isnt merely leading to the end of a battle, but the possible end of a precious belief that people can always be better. And this is a powerful, albeit disturbing, dilemma to leave readers with, wondering if a former criminal who previously demonstrated great signs of compassion and honor, can ever really be trusted. Yet, this is exactly what good storytellingand the THUNDERBOLTS seriesis all about: leaving readers guessing, not just about the characters, but themselves. Read Full Review
Avengers/Thunderbolts is so good that it's painless. The creative teams give the Avengers one last hurrah, pave the way for Songbird's inclusion on the team and explore what it is that makes a super-hero a super-hero through panels that flow into one perfect movement. Read Full Review
Grummet and Erskine have a clean style that recalls the lamented Power Company, while the departed Kitson still supplies the covers. The final silhouette of Hawkeye with an arrow poised is an excellent example of their skill. Unlike a recent silhouette I complained about by Bart Sears that muted a powerful moment, this one captures the mystery and ambiguous nature of Clints decision, underlining an already powerful cliffhanger. Read Full Review
Tom Grummett is a sound artist who knows how to deliver an action heavy issue like this one with a proper sense of excitement, as there are some great big impact visuals in this issue, from the scene where Atlas enters the fight, to the arrival of a surprise character who shows up to help save the day. The art also manages to convey the various emotions, from Atlas' near madness as he lashes out at Moonstone, to the grim determination that is etched on Hawkeye's face as he notches that final arrow. My only real complaint with the issue's art is that Songbird's sonic constructs looked a bit simplistic, and don't really look like they are making all that great of an impact on Moonstone. Read Full Review
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