The Initiative is falling apart with Norman Osborne’s arrival at the head of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers. Hank Pym has left and none of the former senior Avengers wants to replace him. Tigra, Stingray, Hellcat all pull out. Meanwhile the last wildcard of the Skrulls, the clone of the original Thor is running loose and wants to destroy everything. Who will stop him?

When I saw that Dan Slott’s name was missing from the credits, I was afraid that the issue might not turn out so good. Ramos’ art did not help and really did not encourage me to read this book. His characters feel like a bunch Play-Doh figures without spines and incredibly large muscles. They have incredibly small tiny heads and large mouth the size of the state of Arizona. Supporters call his art cartoony. I call it annoying. Yet, there is a little bit more structure to his work in than past material I’ve read by him. Ramos’ style is definitely no longer in with the times, though.

Gage continues the plot exactly where it ended last issue. It’s interesting to see that he worked for several issues with Slott before he took over the series on his own. I think it’s a good way train groom a new writer. I’m afraid that the Thor clone (also known as Clor), will become a regular villain in the Marvel Universe. I’m tired of those dark versions of super heroes running around. The Thor clone was a good device for the Civil War series, but his continued use makes him but another crazy bad guy. In this issue, he certainly has lost the greatness that he exhibited in Civil War.

Gage is a good writer and ads layers of characterization to his characters. Each is unique and has its own motivations. It’s hard to guess where this story is going though. Oh, well, at least the ride is worthwhile.