New Avengers (Vol. 2) #18
Background
Last issue the group known as H.A.M.M.E.R. were using Ultimo to attack Iron Man. When The New Avengers arrived H.A.M.M.E.R. were able to steal a D.N.A. sample from Wolverine. After Osborn got what he wanted Ultimo was ordered to self destruct.
Story Details
New Avengers (Vol. 2) #18
| Executive Producer: | Alan Fine |
| Publisher: | Dan Buckley |
| Chief Creative Officer: | Joe Quesada |
| Editor In Chief: | Axel Alonso |
| Editor: | Tom Brevoort |
| Associate Editor: | Lauren Sankovitch |
| Writer: | Brian Michael Bendis |
| Artist: | Mike Deodato, Jr. |
| Cover Art: | Mike Deodato, Jr., Rain Beredo |
| Lettering: | VC's Joe Caramagna |
| Colorist: | Rain Beredo |
Yesterday in the Savage Land Skaar, son of Hulk is approached by Norman Osborn. Osborn wants him to be part of his new team of Avengers because he believes he can help him change the world for the better. A week ago Osborn is introduced to Monica Rappaccini, Madame Hydra and The Gorgon, the leaders of A.I.M., Hydra and The Hand respectively. Back to yesterday and we see Barney Barton, Hawkeye’s brother who is in a coma be given an injection that appears to kill him. Later Barney wakes up in a morgue and is welcomed by Osborn to The Avengers. A week ago the faction leaders reveal why they are aligning themselves with Osborn, they’re sick of losing. Two days ago Osborn was in the Brazilian jungle and to recruit Ai Apaec. Osborn offers Ai Apaec the chance of a new life and what appears to be a cure for his condition. After taking the cure Appaec is turned into a six-armed black suited Spider-Man.
Back to one week ago and Gorgon tells the others of his past accomplishments and realises Osborn will be putting his Dark Avengers back together. Osborn asks him who he’d like revenge on the most? Three days ago we see Osborn in bed with his prison doctor, June Covington. He’s there to offer a spot on his team. One week ago and A.I.M. reveal they have a secret weapon which just requires funding, Ragnarok the cyborg clone of Thor from the Civil War.
Later we see the full roster of Osborns new team, Gorgon as Wolverine, Skaar, Covington as The Scarlet Witch, Apaec as Spider-Man, Dr. Wentworth as Ms. Marvel and Barton as Hawkeye. Osborn asks where he can get a suit of armour...
General Comments
This issue shows how Normans latest incarnation of Dark Avengers came together. While the team appears to have some powerhouses there are some weak links. I'm not sure why Skaar joined the team but he does look cool.
Overall Rating 
No follow up for last issues cliff hanger and I'm not sure how Osborn can do some serious traveling and not be caught. Also how he managed to engineer a cure for Ai Apaec which leaves him with a nice white spider on his chest is a bit silly but this is a comic book!