A lot happens in this issue, but little of it is super-hero action. We learn of developments in S.H.I.E.L.D., and we see the heroes stand up to those who see them as less than they are. We see the heroes make headwya in their investigation as they also make progress in terms of getting organized. The whereabouts of promised members are touched upon as well. Yes, a lot happens here, but make no mistake, this issue is all about Spider-Man. Bendis doesn't put the character in the spotlight, but the character shines in this script, as his dialogue demonstrates how different he is from the other heroes, how he's out of his element but also how he will be able to contribute.
The New Avengers contact the new director of S.H.I.E.L.D., not only to announce the formation of the new team but to co-ordinate efforts to retrieve the 42 superhuman escapees from Ryker's Island Prison. As Iron Man unveils the tech with which he's outfitting the team, the various heroes uncover clues that point them in the direction of the person responsible for the jail break, and the trail to that person leads south... really far south.
Finch does a great job of conveying the expansive nature of the New Avengers' skyscraper digs, but more importantly, his depiction of the heroes reflects the dynamics of this new team. Captain America and Iron Man have that lantern-jawed, larger-than-life feel, and Spider-Woman exudes confidence; she knows what she's doing and is able to play with the big boys. But the most interesting thing about the art is Finch's portrayal of Spider-Man (see, I told you). He makes Spidey seem young and small as compared to these other icons of heroism. He's the little brother of the group, the one who's in over his head, and we can see that in the art.
There was a strong sense of family, of kinship, among the traditional Avengers lineup that dominated this title's predecessor over the decades. That feeling is gone, and there's more of a law-enforcement, we-mean-business tone to what's going on here. I like it. The heroes don't just react. They investigate. They compare notes on bad guys they've met before.
If there's one thing Bendis has proven on Ultimate Spider-Man, it's that he knows Peter Parker. It doesn't matter what incarnation of the character he's dealing with; he simply gets him, and he proves it here. As the other heroes go about serious business, he's cracking wise and asking about the little details that don't really matter at that moment. But over the course of this issue, he also realizes he has something he can contribute. He knows things about other players, about other circumstances he's experiences, that the others don't. Spidey shines in this issue while always remaining in the background. 9/10
