Avengers - the Initiative #12 - Marvel

This issue wraps up the first year of the Initiative. It's supposed to be a joyous event, as some of the heroes that have been training will be graduating and getting their state-by-state assignments. But, after last issue, when the MVP clone picked up the Tactigon, everything has changed. First MVP, now KIA, went on a rampage that ended up at the home of the original MVP. He was finally taken down, but not before MVP's dad found out that they had been cloning his son. What he doesn't realize though, is that his son is actually dead. The boy that he thinks is his son, is the first clone. Also, recently, Justice and the rest of the New Warriors have decided to separate themselves from the Initiative. "I'm a licensed hero. We're all registered and trained. I'm not talking about breaking laws . . but we need autonomy." And KIA's attack on camp Hammond has left everybody in a somber mood as they grieve for the wounded, and mourn the dead. However, one of the deceased, Trauma, has somehow come back to life. But that's a mystery for another day. On a better note though, there is a hearing being held. It's lead by Tony Stark, with Ms. Marvel, Valerie Cooper and Senator Woodman officiating. They're looking in to all of the recent events that have happened in or around the Initiative program. Everybody seems pretty cooperative, except Henry Gyrich. Which is why the good news that comes out of it is that Henry is leaving the program. Also Tony has stated that he will take a more active role. The Graduates include Cloud Nine, Hardball, Komodo, Triathalon, Thor Girl, Trauma and I think Ultragirl. I like this series. I think that Dan Slott and Christos Gage are doing a great job with the stories. They've really gotten us in to the heads of these kids, and are great at writing the various aspects of the social dynamics within this group. We've come to care about them. The sad part is that some of our favorites will be leaving. But, the way they're doing it, a good number of characters will be staying, while I assume we'll be getting a new class of cadets. So even though there will be new faces, there's still a lot of familiar ones. Steve Yu was the artist. It was ok. It think his style actually suits this book very well. However, personally, it's not one of my favorites. It almost has a bit of a manga style to it. At the beginning I was afraid that this title would end up being a maxi-series or something, but, thankfully . . it looks like there's a lot more stories to tell.