In the aftermath of the devastating Kang War, the communities of the world are recovering surprisingly well, but it isn't long before a new global threat appears. Capital cities are disappearing, replaced by swirling voids, and the Scarlet Witch is stricken with a disturbing transformation.

It was probably a thankless task following Kurt Busiek's long run on the title but I think Geoff Johns did a pretty good job with it. My main problem with this slim volume is that the story feels incomplete. While the main action (above) is resolved, the masterminds behind it remain largely a mystery. And it ends on something of a cliffhanger, with the subplot about the sinister Secretary of Defense coming to a conclusion in the following volume ("Red Zone"). A larger, more inclusive collection would probably be a more satisfying read. ( )

It's hard to do this kind of ridiculous high-concept superheroing and not preserve at least a seedling of fun - "world's capitals disappear - avengers take over?" and there are a couple of good character moments, but they are weighed down by a lot of flat Pavlovian reflex writing (Cap lays down law, Tony is hothead, etc.) that was boring even at the time and now that the characters have (to a point) switched roled with "New Avengers" and the rest of it, it's clear just how misguided that division of roles was. So no big scores or spills on that arena, but what really makes this book wince-inducing is the cack-handed politics. "If you suspend the Maastricht treaty, you're giving up every economic and personal freedom the people of the European Union have fought for!" Like Paul O'Brien says, Americans: bless their American little hearts.

Oh, and colourist: LURK MOAR. Yikes. ( )