This is a great jumping on point for anyone looking to get in on this run, which should be anyone who likes good comics. ‘Nuff said. Read Full Review

It may ostensibly be a marketing gimmick, but it's just as good as it ever was. It doesn't really matter what they call this book anymore. The next issue could be called “My Little Pony” to try and get that crowd to read this book and it wouldn't matter. As long as Parker is at the helm and working with fantastic artists like Shalvey, you should be reading this title no matter what. It is absolutely one of Marvel's finest current titles. Read Full Review

The title may have changed, but Declan Shavley is still rockin' it on art duties. He has a great way of giving each character unique body types instead of making them all muscle-gods, as can usually be the case in super hero comics these days. He executes the battle scene with a rarely seen amount of clarity that is more focused on the execution of each strike than the actual impact. Combined with Parker's excellent script, Shavley delivers a great looking start to the next chapter of Thunderbolts. I mean, Dark Avengers. Read Full Review

Aside from the name change, it's business as usual: strong characterization, great art and the same villains-as-heroes premise. Whether this "new era" grabs you ultimately depends on how interested you are in the incoming team and how willing you are to wait around for the old one. Other than that, the outlook looks promising. Read Full Review

It's hard to see yet why this title needed to be re-branded, but with the title change aside, the direction still feels organic, relying on the same tension and intrigue that have made Parker's "Thunderbolts" a success. There's still plenty of time for the time-displaced former T-Bolts to show up, and with their story left open-ended, it seems likely that they'll be seen sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, it's time to focus on those characters still in the present, with Abe Jenkins and Songbird also staying on board. This issue is definitely a speed-bump when compared to the racing action of the last several, but as the beginning of a new chapter, it works, propped up largely by the quality of the creative team. Read Full Review

With an eye-roll, you accept the rather pointless name change, though you'll be more reluctant to accept the team additions as potential long-term members of the cast. Read Full Review

So, the Dark Avengers begin again, and this is a strong start that (I hope) ticks all the boxes for new readers and old alike. It's clear that the title change hasn't stopped Parker and Shalvey's momentum with the Thunderbolts cast, and the Dark Avengers seem to slide into place nicely. If you're a new reader to Dark Avengers, let me know in the comments if you enjoyed the issue, I'd really like to know how easy it was for you to get into the title, and if you'll be sticking around for the next issue. Read Full Review

My main issue, though isn't the story, or the art, or the lack of understanding of what's been going on with the Thunderbolts. It's the title. It's yet another Avengers title in a sea of Earth's Mightiest Franchise. Read Full Review

Parker and Shalvey don't do anything to give us a reason to pay any attention to this fight. The introduction of the Dark Avengers vaguely refers back to some previous battle that we're supposed to know about that supposedly gives this battle some pathos. Instead, it's just an excuse to watch Thor pound on Luke Cage even if it isn't the real Thor but it is the real Luke Cage. Dark Avengers #174 introduces a new twist on an old team but the concept already feels worn by the end of the issue. Read Full Review