Carnage, Clea, Hulk, Namor, and Wolverine. Five of Marvel’s most unpredictable and deadly lone wolves and antiheroes. They’re hardly a team anyone would expect to come together, yet Bucky Barnes and Black Widow are determined to make it work. Facing off against twisted copies of the Illuminati who threaten global destruction, these imposters could be just as formidable as the originals if they unite.
Enter the new Thunderbolts: a team unlike any other, where survival is far from guaranteed. Step aside, Earth’s classic champions: New Avengers #1 storms in with a gritty edge and a fierce attitude, bringing together one of Marvel’s most unpredictable and intense lineups yet. Sam Humphries marks a strong comeback to Marvel, crafting a squad that feels less like traditional Avengers and more like a cosmic, battle-scarred version of the Suicide Squad.
The story kicks off in a desolate New Mexico gas station, where the Winter Soldier shares a seemingly harmless conversation with an older man until it becomes clear the man’s allegiance lies with Doom, now a dominant force in this new world order. Without hesitation, the Winter Soldier turns on him, setting the tone for the gritty, no-nonsense dynamic to follow. That intensity gives way to a more intimate moment, as we quickly cut to the Winter Soldier and Black Widow together in bed, showcasing their chemistry and shared commitment to the mission.
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From there, the story shifts into recruitment mode, adopting the energy of a slick heist as Bucky and Natasha begin assembling their team. Their first target is Wolverine, introduced with a brutal full-page illustration by Ton Lima that immediately signals the series isn’t holding back on the violence. The visuals are bold and visceral Wolverine’s claws slicing through a foe’s skull leave no doubt that this series is leaning into mature, high-stakes territory.
The plot escalates swiftly, and instead of saving the arrival of the villains, the Killuminati, for a last-page surprise, the story brings them in earlier, allowing space for a full-blown confrontation. These twisted doppelgängers are more than just visual shocks; they bring immediate tension, and the New Avengers are forced to respond with equal ferocity. The brawl that follows doesn’t shy away from consequences, as characters take serious damage.
Amidst the action, the romantic thread between Bucky and Natasha continues to develop. Their connection adds emotional depth and a seductive edge to the chaos around them. They’re not just co-leaders, they’re longtime allies with a complex history, and their relationship adds layers to the otherwise violent, mission-focused narrative. All told, it’s a confident and gripping start to the series.
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What makes New Avengers #1 so compelling is its raw, unfiltered approach to redemption. It takes the core idea of morally grey characters trying to redeem themselves and strips away any pretense. Unlike the original Thunderbolts, who wore the disguise of heroism, this crew doesn’t bother pretending. Bucky and Natasha are barely keeping things from falling apart, relying on grit, shared scars, and sheer force of will to hold this volatile alliance together.
Lima’s visuals do a great job of guiding the reader smoothly through each panel, giving the story a natural rhythm and sense of momentum. The action sequences are clear and punchy, and the bigger moments land with strong visual impact. If there’s one minor flaw, it might be that Killuminati’s version of Black Bolt looks a little awkward, almost exaggerated to the point of parody, but overall, the character designs are inventive and memorable, sparking curiosity about each villain’s twisted origins.
The debut issue of New Avengers kicks things off with energy and style, setting the tone for what could be a wild ride ahead. Sam Humphries delivers strong character work, capturing distinct voices while keeping the momentum brisk. Visually, the book shines thanks to striking artwork and bold color choices that bring the chaos to life. The dynamic between Bucky and Natasha crackles with potential, and the rest of this unpredictable crew adds even more intrigue. It’s a solid launch, and one that promises more stylish tension and messy team-ups to come. Worth keeping an eye on.
‘The New Avengers’ #1 Review: Thunderbolts* Assemble
The debut issue of New Avengers kicks things off with energy and style, setting the tone for what could be a wild ride ahead. Sam Humphries delivers strong character work, capturing distinct voices while keeping the momentum brisk. Visually, the book shines thanks to striking artwork and bold color choices that bring the chaos to life. The dynamic between Bucky and Natasha crackles with potential, and the rest of this unpredictable crew adds even more intrigue. It’s a solid launch, and one that promises more stylish tension and messy team-ups to come. Worth keeping an eye on.
