Dark Avengers #6 Writer: Brian Bendis / Artist: Mike Deodato Jr.

Everything I was hoping for when the Dark Avengers series was announced is delivered in this issue. This may come as a surprise after the debacle of last issue, but Brian Bendis used everything from it wonderfully to tell an amazing story in this issue. The crisis at end of last issue creates an opportunity for some great characterization of not only the Dark Avengers, but also the Cabal. And finally, we get to see the real Norman Osborn as he realizes that he may be in over his head.

With every attack that happens, Osborn's reign gets questioned even more. That's exactly what happens after the Atlantean terrorist attack, which I originally thought was an alien attack because it really came out of nowhere, kills hundreds of people in Malibu. The government took a big chance in putting Osborn in this position to prevent those very kind of attacks. Suffice to say, he's very upset and calls the Cabal to discuss the situation.

The meeting with the Cabal is by far the best and most important part of this comic. Osborn is understandably pissed at Namor because he was supposed to control the Atlanteans. When Osborn gives Namor some orders to follow, the great Namor, characterized perfectly by Bendis, puts him in his place. This is when we finally get a glimpse at Osborn's better half, as he freaks out about the lashing he just received. He regains some composure, but the damage and entertainment have already been done and interestingly, a close-up of Loki is the last image we see as Osborn storms out.

After he realizes that Namor will not resolve the situation, Osborn decides to get the team together. Just like with the Cabal, the characterization here is impeccable. Ms. Hand is delusional, Marvel Boy is freaking out, and Moonstone is nonchalant. Apparently she did a real number on Marvel Boy last issue. The best part though is when Osborn decides to use Sentry, or better yet, the Void, to deal with the terrorists. Of course he's able to handle them in just a few awesome panels with his might of a million exploding suns, but the real treat is seeing the way Osborn handles him. Sentry has never been cooler than under Osborn's leadership because he realizes that both have a powerful dark side they are trying keep under control.

Right on cue, just as the Void is unleashed, so is the Green Goblin. Brian Bendis has done a stellar job creating this sort of interconnectedness between the two. A few issues ago we got to see Osborn make that comparison during a therapy session, and in this one we see it actually play out. He suggests to Sentry to let the Void out, but by doing so he may have unconsciously let out his own inner demon. In the final few pages, he gets annoyed by the smallest of things as we see the Goblin slowly corrupt him in those beautiful green dialogue bubbles.

Speaking of beautiful, Mike Deodato Jr. does another great job with the art. In just a few panels we actually see Osborn transform from calm and collected to irate. Deodato captures everyone else just as effectively. Moonstone stretches and yawns to show her carefree attitude, Venom looks frightening and hungry, and Sentry looks down and away as if shying away from the idea of the Void. Speaking of Sentry, his entire search and fight with the terrorist cell is silent and amazing. The atmosphere of tension, chaos, and war comes across brilliantly. And finally, Deodato once again utilizes shadows and panel layout better than anyone else to add to the craziness and stress of a situation.

In a week with the likes of Thor, Green Lantern, and Runaways, this book is shockingly the finest of the bunch. Bendis finally delivers something substantial that seems to plant the seeds for the inevitable changing of the tide. Sadly, with the next few issues dedicated to the crossover with Uncanny X-men, this issue will only serve as a glimpse of that.