Writer - Brian Michael Bendis

Art - Alex Maleev

Summary:

Following the victory over the Skrull Empire's "Secret Invasion", Emma Frost receives an invitation to a meeting with Norman Osborn at the Avengers Tower. There she finds Doctor Doom also waiting. Soon Namor, The Hood, and Loki also join them. When Osborn arrives, he explains his new place in the world order. He offers his help to let them achieve their goals in exchange for them all working together. The Hood asks what if they decide to betray him. Osborn gestures to his secret ally, who will punish them if they do. Osborn's plan is to keep their victories secret, work with the system to achieve their goals. He tells The Hood to have his men sign up with the Initiative. To Doom he offers freedom to return to Latveria. Finally he must leave for a meeting. He leaves them all saying that he will be in touch. All leave except Doom and Namor. Namor asks Doom if this changes their plans. He says it doesn't. They have only to wait until Osborn's plan implodes and then they will split the land and sea between them.

Comments

Basically a set up for 2009's big event. Its nice to see that Doom will apparently be in the spotlight. Doom's voice in this particular issue is good, probably better than his last appearance in New Avengers (also by Bendis). Art by Maleev is 50/50. His Doom is pretty good, though he seems to model him after the Sideshow Toys statue (at least that's what it looks like to me). Namor is the worst, by far. The mystery of who was behind the door is this year's hook. Hopefully the story will deliver. Whoever it is, he will need to be very powerful if he/she is meant to intimidate Doom. I wonder of the people who could threaten Doom, who fits in that doorway? I do shudder somewhat as to what Bendis has in store for Doom in this event. Lets hope its something good. One thing is for sure, Doom fans have something to be excited about this year. Bottom Line: *** out 5

Notes:

• This isn't the first time Doom has teamed with a band of super-villains in order to work together against heroes. The meeting depicted here is somewhat similar to the Acts of Vengeance council , which both Doom and Loki were a part of. Although later it was revealed that, for the most part, it was in fact a Doombot who served on that council.
• A team up of super-villains has been hinted at before, specifically Doom and Loki were revealed to be working together in Thor #5.
• Doom and Namor became allies again in the aftermath of SHIELD's invasion of Atlantis. The Atlantean army is said to be hiding in Latveria. See Namor: The Sub-Mariner #6
• Doom's arrest (undone here) was made in Mighty Avengers #11. He was later broken out by the future New Defenders in Fantastic Four #557 after which he was presumably taken into custody again, and held until the events depicted in this issue.
  

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