Writer:
Andy Diggle

Artist:
Roberto de la Torre

Letterer:
Albert Deschesne (Comicraft)

After the era-defining Warren Ellis story and one of the better Secret Invasion tie-ins, the Osborn Administration incarnation of the Thunderbolts has come a long way. One might even say they have grown and developed as people, progressively achieving rehabilitation and redemption.

That can only mean things are going to go downhill.

"Downhill" in regards to another potential implosion, that is. Whenever things go awry within Thunderbolts Mountain, it can only mean good things for the reader. And this time around, things are getting screwed up on a national level, as Norman Osborn himself stood in front of Congress to declare that there may or may not have been human collaborators for the Skrulls, and more importantly, that "The Thunderbolts are no more."

Does this really mean the end of the Reformed Villains Club? Norm is infamously known for not being that trustworthy, and why would one of the most popular incarnations of the 'Bolts disband so shortly? Only time, and hopefully the second/last installment of this arc will tell.

Meanwhile, at the Mountain, Robbie Baldwin is trying his best to survive Moonstone's unorthodox (and unfair) psychiatric "tests", while Venom is preparing for some sort of feast. We also get a scene involving Radioactive Man, Songbird, and Bullseye that twists and tortures your heart on several levels.

This arc feels like it could've been a one-shot transition from Secret Invasion to post-SI, but it's written and drawn well enough that I don't mind having to read another issue of it. Diggle does a fine job staying true to each character's personality (which is crucial for the likes of Norman Osborn and Bullseye), and De La Torre's art is nice when it is not hindered (i.e. bogged down) by the coloring of Frank Martin, whose style only works well in the shadows.

My inner Thunderdolt gives this issue a four out of five, but is hesitant to reccomend it to casual (T-Bolt) readers, who should wait to salvage what's left in the ashes.

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Sullivan E. wrote on November 20, 2008, 05:42

Title: ... I only managed to read the tie-in to Avengers Disassembled (I think that was it; might have been Civil War) and Ellis's run. That makes me a casual fan, don't it?

Brett P. wrote on November 20, 2008, 06:06

Title: ... If it was Civil War and and thereafter, you're at least in a good position to read this issue.

Martín "MaGnUs" Pérez wrote on November 24, 2008, 13:13

Title: ... Norman is going to be president of the USA.

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