So, Brother Voodoo is the new Sorceror Supreme. Or as Ronin calls him, Dr. Voodoo. In the newest issue of New Avengers, Voodoo, Dr. Strange, Daimon Hellstrom, and the New Avengers face off against the demonically-possessed Hood. In a flashback, Voodoo accepts the Eye of Agamotto and the title of Sorceror Supreme. Then, in the present, the three mystics whip up a barrier, and Voodoo exorcises Dormammu from the Hood. Hellstrom fortells of greater trials, and Ronin hands over Madame Masque and the Hood to the authorities, saying that, when the two of them get freed by Osborn, the public will see that the New Avengers were doing the right thing. Loki comes to give the Hood another source of power, and, corresponding with Dark Avengers, Norman Osborn refutes Ronin’s claims, prompting Ronin to decide that he will have to kill Osborn.
Despite the fact that this title is the New Avengers, the titular characters take a back seat to Hellstrom, Strange, and Voodoo in this issue. Aside from Ronin’s parts, most of the characters just get to spew some of Brian Michael Bendis’ teenage witty dialogue. It’s those three, plus Ronin, who really get the meaty dialogue. I’m still not particularly excited to see Doctor Voodoo as the Sorceror Supreme, though. Bendis hasn’t really sold me on the concept. I’m intrigued to see what Loki will do with the Hood, as it’s clear that sides are being drawn in the Cabal (Dr. Doom and Namor, Namor and Emma Frost, Loki and the Hood). As for Ronin, I’m a bit surprised, as this choice is rather drastic, even considering the circumstances. I would hope that he wouldn’t actually go through with it. Billy Tan’s art is about the same in this issue as it was in every other issue. His anatomy is odd at times, but otherwise, it’s solid. This is a nice ending to the Dr. Strange/Sorceror Supreme arc, but it wasn’t exactly the stellar ending that I expected at the beginning of the arc. At the very least, though, I can say that Bendis is defying my expectations.
Plot: 8.3 Art: 8.0 Dialogue: 7.8 Overall: 8.2
