Honestly, this issue seems to prove the point that many of us have been making about "Death of the Family," that it would've somehow been more epic if it had been contained to "Batman." Remender is telling a story here that seems ready-made for some sort of huge summer cross-over event, particularly as it spreads to the larger Marvel Universe in this issue. I mean, Sleeper synthezoids transforming all humans into synthezoids? Talk about epic!
But, rather than have the story diluted by a never-ending series of poorly coordinated tie-in issues, Remender got to maintain tight control over this story, building it slowly but surely until it explodes in this issue. I liked the point that he makes here that the Descendants had been a Secret Avengers problem but it has now spilled into a "real" Avengers problem. It actually really underlines the importance of a team like the Secret Avengers, trying to eliminate threats before they get too huge. It's just that sometimes they fail!
I really didn't like the Descendants when they first appeared, because their origin and purpose was somewhat muddled back then. In fact, I feel like Remender may have originally been going somewhere else with them before he decided on this story. But, whatever the case may be, Remender has really sold this story to me over these last few issues. I'm continually surprised every issue, whether it's by Deathlok Jan turning Giant-Man into a fellow Deathlok or the Father declaring Bagalia as his own state, if only because he knew that the United Nations will refuse his request and justify his attack. Each surprise moves us to the next phase in an organic way; no plot point has feel extraneous or forced.
But, Remender doesn't just have mastery over the storytelling; he also has such a great ear for dialogue. I loved the banter between Captain Britain, Hank, and Hawkeye, but, even more, I loved the conversation between Natasha and Venom. Her mentoring clearly impacts Flash and I'm intrigued to see where Remender goes with him here. Moreover, it's nice to see Natasha portrayed as a real person and not just an emotionless super-spy, as she often is. Finally, Scalera is on fire in this issue. I loved that opening shot of the Human Torch rallying the troops, but the scenes of the Sentinel attack on Avengers Tower are even better. The Sentinel staring in the window at the Avengers? Amazing.
This issue has to be one of my favorites of the year, if only because it does the standard comic-book story to perfection.
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