Dark Avengers #12, which was published in 2010, offered something very unique during this time. Greg Horn actually painted three of the pages in this issue. Norman Osborn's face on page 2 was so lifelike that it reminded me of a CGI version. Plus, the expression on his face as he was falling was classic! The panel where Victoria Hand is disrobed by Owen Reese, who has an uncanny ability to control one's molecules, is painting perfection. Her bashfulness while being attacked with his power couldn't have been displayed any better. This would definitely put the pressure on any artist but Mike Deodato and Rain Beredo ultimately rose to the occasion.
Brian Michael Bendis gives us a story where Norman Osborn is now the acting head of H.A.M.M.E.R. While a controversial group, Osborn has also played with the likenesses and private identities of other sworn protectors. Whatever Victoria Hand has up her sleeve, she attempts to convince Molecule Man that she is surrendering for her team of heroes. The Beyonder, The Enchantress, Mephisto and Zarathos are all of differing opinions when it comes to Hand's sincerity.
Hand keeps trying to convince Reese that no one is a match for his molecular control and he appears to be willing to bring the others that he had already taken down back to their correct molecular structure. Claiming he did the best that he could do, there is still some doubt within Hand. Even more so, she can't communicate with the rest of H.A.M.M.E.R. to stop their attack from taking place. While Hand is worried about Osborn, with his mind being scrambled, Sentry realizes that a molecular power also exists within himself and he needs to learn more about it. The question that now remains if these Dark Avengers will continue their mission in Colorado?
