Part 1.

While you're here, check out my Script Masterlist!

If you want your own script just like this one, I now have a Ko-Fi and Commissions are open!

Hi everyone!

Second part of the Rival Mech Pilot this week. I did initially write the first part with only an inkling of where it could go, but the story was hungry and I couldn't stop thinking about it. It wanted to continue. As a result there will be one more part next week that will conclude the narrative but at this point it's anyone's guess if that changes.

This script was written to be [A4A] however genderflipping is fine. I have some notes on changing characters names and such just before the actual script starts.

Any SFX are optional.

Hope everyone enjoys!

***

(Fade In. We’re in a hangar with the sound of a crane in the background as it raises a piece of Mech equipment).

(Commanding) Okay, that’s good! You’re nearly there, just a little higher!

(The crane continues to raise).

A bit more! Great.

Keep going… Keep going… 

You’re there! Perfect! Now just attach it to the-

(The crane keeps raising…)

No, stop! I said stop! You’re gonna hit the-

(Distant crashing and clattering).

(Facepalm) …ceiling.

(They sigh).

(To self) Not sure what I expected. You’d think the corporations replacing everyone with machines would mean we could at least get the machines to work right, b-

(Notices the Listener) Huh?

Oh, it’s you. How long have you been stood there?

(Cheering Up) Nevermind. Still at base, huh? Basking in my misery? 

…

Yeah, they’re awful. It’s a miracle these hangar droids can even function, let alone repair the Mechs that dock here. (Musing) I wonder if Black Thunder programmed them like that on purpose so we’d have to pay extra for the damages they cause… Not like there’s anywhere else to dock on this planet.

…

Hmm? Oh, just installing a few new parts I bought with my paycheck. Nothing too exciting, a new engine booster. My old one was getting… well, old. New one should have a nice bit of kick to it, keep me spry. (A bit sheepish) There were a couple other bits I got as well, but… they’re nothing worth shouting about. 

(Changing the topic) I’m surprised you’re still here, honestly. I would’ve thought they’d have gotten your new Mech to you by now.

…

Oh, they have? 

Ah, so you’re not here to see me then. Figures, not like we’re friends, is it? I’m the reason you need a new one after all. I guess we’re more like… like rivals, yeah? Friendly rivals sure but rivals nonetheless. 

(Slight pause) So can I see it?

…

Your new Mech, of course! What else could I possibly be interested in?    

Gonna be a few minutes till those damn bots get my parts attached and I’m between missions right now. I’ve got nothing else to do while I’m planetside, living in a warzone sucks if you can believe it. You might not’ve realised it yet but a Pilot’s life is pretty boring when we’re not razing cities, and when I’m bored I start thinking and trust me I’ll do anything to keep from doing that.

So come on, where is it?

(Optional: We hear their footsteps as they walk down the metal hangar deck).

Over here? 

…

(Confused) Right there? 

(A little frustrated) …where are you pointing?

…are you sure? 

Is it behind the Colossus model? 

…

It is the Colossus model?!

…you’re joking. No way you could afford one of those bad boys after the state I left you in! I mean, I know I - quite generously I must say - footed some of your repair and ammo bills… But a Colossus?! How the hell did you afford that?!

(The Listener explains).

Uh huh.

Uh huh.

Sold for scrap that makes sense but sti-

…

Wow. I’ve never been paid with a Mech before… Mostly because it’s frowned upon. You know Black Thunder expects a percentage of any profits you make! And besides who would be willing… or desperate enough to pay for a Colossus?! That’s gotta be worth two or three jobs put together!

…

Oh. 

Ohhhhh… (A little worried) Now things are starting to make sense. 

Jeez, Rookie you like to live dangerously don’t you? 

I knew you had a bleeding heart when you took that Kanaka job but this? More like a waterfall in there, it seems.

I mean who would willingly work for Rivik’s native population? I didn’t even know they could afford to hire mercs, let alone one as uh… “competent” as yourself. 

…

Well, I guess that makes sense. They’ve been offering but nobody’s been biting. Most Pilots don’t wanna anger the corps, I get it. No-one’s that suicidal, at least till you came along… You’re crazy. 

Still, must be nice to fight for something… (deciding) more, I guess. 

(Musing) Those people have been crushed under Kanaka and Sukeyasu’s boot heels for decades… I thought they’d all been wiped out. Haven’t heard a peep out of them the whole time I’ve been here.

Lemme guess, they’ve got you on retainer? 

…

I thought so. Must see something they like in you. Moral fibre’s my chief suspect. That’s a rare thing nowadays… 

So what’s the job? 

…

Pfft! (Sarcastic) Is that all? 

Taking out a Kanaka satellite is no easy task my (was going to say friend)… Rival. And you’re talking to someone who’s done it a few times now. Do you even know where to start? Do you have any idea what you’re doing? 

…

Yeah, I didn’t think so. They haven’t briefed you very well for this, have they? 

The satellites have force shields around them designed to deflect projectiles from a Mech’s turrets to a friggin’ nuke. The only way to take them out is to go inside and initiate a meltdown, though that’s easier said than done given the defences they have. 

(Thinking) Hmm, seems like you’re in a bit of a bind…

Ah, screw it, I’ll come with you. 

…

No need to thank me, I’ve got nothing better to do like I said. Got a pile of credits burning a hole in my pocket so ammo and repair expenses are no biggie. Plus I’ve got to admit… I’m a little curious how the Rivikians do business. 

You’re shooting yourself in the foot if you argue against this. I’m coming with you, like it or not. I may be a merc but I go where I want and I do what I please, so basically you’ve no choice in the matter, so quit flapping those gums… And let’s suit up.

(Fade Out. Optional: feel free to include some booting up/whirring sounds as the Speaker and Listener get into their Mechs. Regardless, after a moment we fade back in. We’re now IN SPACEEEEE. To simulate this the Speaker will be heard over a communicator in the Listener’s Mech. Also, as we’re in space any SFX outside the Mech should be muffled).

Satellite’s just ahead now, I can see it. Couple minutes away. 

Apply a quick thruster burst in its direction then power down everything save for life support and communications… otherwise that thing’s gonna pick us up and burn us like quartz in a bug zapper. 

(We hear a slight powering down sound).

Nice. Our momentum will push us along and we’ll drift right up with them none the wiser.

This your first time piloting in space? Can’t help but notice you seemed a little nervous before we used the base’s gravity lift. 

…

Yeah, that makes more sense. 

Look, it’s inevitable Black Thunder’s gonna find out what you’re up to. They’ll already have logged you using the lift without being assigned an official mission, an investigation will naturally break out from there. Now we’ve all heard the stories of what they’ve done to other mercs who have… gone under the table like you’re doing, and it isn’t good, but there is a way around it. 

The way I’d play it? Just act like you were brokering them a new client. They won’t like it, but so long as you give them your next few pay checks they won’t mind, then it’ll be back to business as usual. Should be fine. 

…

Aw, they won’t care about me. They know I do what I please. Plus I’ve been working for ‘em so long they wouldn’t dare accuse me of betrayal. I’m too valuable an operative. 

Still… have you considered maybe you’re in the wrong career? You’re a capable Mech Warrior don’t get me wrong… but I don’t see a mercenary when I look at you. I see-

(Optional: We hear a hollow thud as the Mechs arrive and bonk into the satellite).

Whoops, we’re here. Got so used to using my mouth I forgot I’ve got eyes. 

We’re past their outer defences now. Power back up and we’ll head inside. 

(We hear the Listener’s Mech restart).

Lovely. Airlock’s just ahead. They’ll know we’re here soon as it opens, hard not to. Gonna be tight quarters, not much room for maneuvering, especially with your new suit. Be ready to take some damage, and… (gets an idea) you know what? Smash the airlock open, vent the place. It’ll eliminate any human resistance and it’s not like we need the O2 anyway. 

(Optional: We hear a muffled smashing as the Listener breaks open the airlock).

There we go… 

Heh, watch those suckers fly. See ya chumps.

Now let’s step on in. 

Huh, think they would’ve rolled out the welcome wagon considering they’ve got guests, wouldn’t yo-?

(Suddenly we hear the sound of muffled gunfire as our protagonists are shot at).

Thereeee it is. 

(They return fire, similarly muffled in the vacuum. It’s like a gun turret given the scale of their weapon). 

Rookie, covering fire or take ‘em out if you’re up to it. I’m accessing this place’s schematics. 

(We hear more hollow muffled in the background while the Speaker accesses some files).

Right, let’s see… 

Good news, we got lucky with this thing’s positioning. Reactor is straight ahe-

(Notices the gunfire has stopped/Impressed) Wow, you really tore through those things, huh? 

(Acting Unimpressed) I mean… it’s not like they were a real threat. Just security droids… I could’ve done it quick-

(Finishing) …er.

What’s wrong? Notice something?

…

Ah, life signs on your scanner. That’ll be the satellite crew, just Kanaka drones like in the cities. The rooms they’re in probably sealed once we entered. 

…

Uh, of course they’re going to die when the satellite explodes? That’s what tends to happen when human flesh meets fire and radiation. 

…

(Sighs) Are you really doing this right now? 

You wanna jeopardise the mission so you can go play hero? 

(Angry) Well you’re not a hero, you’re a merc. You came here to do a job, and if a little innocent blood stops you from doing that then you’re not gonna make it very far in this line of-

…

(Caught Off Guard) Of…

(Intrigued) …How much did you say you were willing to pay me? 

…

Well, for a fee of that amount I’m willing to oblige any client regardless of my own personal preferences. I just wish you’d mentioned your savings earlier… I’d have changed my mind about helping you pro-bono.

Sure, I can destroy the reactor while you get the crew to the escape pods. I’ll even give you a headstart, for no additional bonus. 

Go on, I’m a man/woman of my word… Usually.

(Slight pause before:) Crazy kid… Gonna get themselves killed.

(We fade out for a moment before returning).

Right, scanners are picking up that all the escape pods have now jettisoned which means the Rookie’s finished and leaves me free…

(Hollow gunfire).

To sink this ship, heheh. 

(Over Radio) Rookie, it’s Cobalt. Reactor’s scrapped and we’ve got a minute at best till this place blows with it. 

(Optional: The Speaker activates their thrusters and bursts off down the satellite hallway). 

I’ll meet you outside, at a minimum 50 kilometre distance. Cobalt out.

(Fade out before returning. We’re back in space).

(To self) Thing’s gonna detonate any second now… Come on Rookie, where are you? 

(Noticing explosion) Woah!

(Suddenly the Speaker gasps as a distant rumbling erupts, caused by the satellite explosion).

J… Jeez. Hope they weren’t on that thing when it-

(A slight pinging on their radar starts up).

Wha-?

(Happy) Rookie! 

I thought for a second there…

(Redirecting) THAT I WASN’T GONNA GET PAID! 

Amateur move on my part… Always get paid beforehand if the client is prone to stupidity! Ghhh… I’ll remember it next time. 

Are you alright though? Get everyone off?

…

(Mocking/Sarcastic) Good, I’m sure it’ll help you sleep at night. 

Staying on track, this mission was a snooze with the two of us. Shame we can’t survive on a singular paycheck, I could see us working together as partners. Nobody’s gonna hire two Mechs for a one Pilot job! 

…Anyway, this’ll be where we part ways. 

…

Of course it is, you’ve gotta report to your new clients and me? I’ve gotta see if Black Thunder has any new missions for me. Something a bit more grim than this was, I can’t have people thinking I’m getting soft, can I?

…

(Slightly Worried/Awkward) But uh… look, before I go…

Just take care of yourself, okay? 

Corporate warfare is one thing, but freedom fighting like you’re doing? That’s a whole other ballpark, my friend.

…

Yeah, I guess I can say it, can’t I? 

“Friend,” it’s a funny word. 

(Back on Track) Watch your back is what I’m saying.   

‘Cause after what we just did? There’s a good chance there’ll be a target upon it.

(We fade out as the Speaker thrusts off). 

While you're here, check out my Script Masterlist!

If you want your own script just like this one, I now have a Ko-Fi and Commissions are open!

Hi everyone!

It's been a little while, both since I posted a Mech script and since I wrote a script in general. This is mainly due to commissions, real life and other writing that takes priority, but I got the idea for this script the other day while playing Armored Core and just had to get it down. Let me know if people like this, I do have ideas for future parts.

If people want to fill this, please do! Monetization and paywalls are fine, just provide credit and a link.

This script was written to be [A4A] however genderflipping is fine. I have some notes on changing characters names and such just before the actual script starts.

Any SFX are optional.

Hope everyone enjoys!

***

(Fade In. We’re in a futuristic, war-torn city with distant gunfire audible. After a moment, we hear the sound of approaching thrusters followed by a slight THOOM as a Mech lands).

You in the Mech! Freeze! (Weapons power up).

I don’t know what you’re doing in this city, but you’re not supposed to be here! 

Let me guess… Did Kanaka get word of what was going on? Hire a rival merc to stop me from destroying this place? 

Heh… They should’ve told you what you were dealing with. 

Name’s Cobalt. The Cobalt, greatest Mech Warrior to ever grace this sorry dog bowl of a world. I don’t need to ask if you’ve heard of me, my rep speaks for itself, which - paired with the fact I’ve no idea who you are - means you should probably surrender right now. 

…I mean it. I’m doing you a professional courtesy right now, Rookie. It isn’t often I meet a rival Pilot in the field and I know how much that gear you’re packing costs. Be a damn shame if I have to frag it to teach you a lesson, so why don’t we skip scrapping your chassis and get right to the moral of this story? 

There’s some fights you just can’t win, and this is one of them.  

Now I know you don’t believe me. I bet you think you’re a bigshot, huh? Probably done a few missions here and there, gotten paid, bought some new weapons and feel pretty proud of yourself, yeah? I know the feeling… and I also know what’s gonna happen if you don’t get out of my way. 

Your Mech will have come with scanners. Is it telling you how many weapons I’ve got locked onto you right now? 

I’m talkin’ missile launchers, shotgun arms, chainsaw legs, plasma venter, heat beams… And that’s just the stuff that’s active. 

Best to let this mission go, Rookie. You’re not gonna get paid for failing. Probably end up having to pay Kanaka a refund. Might as well not add armour repairs and ammo costs onto the bill. 

All Mech Pilots’ve failed at least one mission or another. Let this one be your first. Be a good learning experience… Think of it like a trust fall exercise. I’ll let you off easy. 

…

No? 

Heh… If it’s something as stupid as morality making you this stubborn let me tell you who it is you’re protecting. 

We’re on Rivik V (five), one of Kanaka Corps’ pride worlds. A crowning achievement in their conquest and gentrification of the galaxy. The people here? The little cowards running away? They’re not free thinkers like you and me… They’re just drones; given numbers instead of names at birth. The only reason I’m acknowledging ‘em is because I get a bonus if I reach a certain kill count. Honestly destroying this place will be doing them a favour. Though it’s not like that’s the reason I’m doing it if you catch my drift. 

Sukeyasu Unlimited’s looking to take over this planet. Hell, this whole sector of space eventually. It’s something to do with a valuable mineral on a nearby asteroid belt. I dunno the specifics, didn’t pay attention to the briefing outside of the core objectives, but Mech strikes like this are happening all over. You think Kanaka Corps is defending this place because it cares about the people living here? 

Nah. Hiring a few Mech Warriors is just cheaper than evac’ing (evacuating)  ‘em. Makes it seem like they’re trying even though they couldn’t really give a damn. 

That’s all it comes down to, end of the day. The least expense. Cost vs result, that sort of thing. 

Same with me. You think I’m blabbing on like this because I value your life? Heh. I value my rep… And the amount of ammo I’d have to waste taking you down? I’d rather flap my jaw a little if that’s what it takes.

(They sigh knowingly) So… what’s it gonna be? 

…

Hmph. I thought so. Could’ve taken the easy option but you’re too stupid to realise all you are… is cannon fodder. Though I guess that’s something we’ve got in common.

(Resentful) Fine. Be that way. Fight or no fight, it’ll look good on my report regardless. 

(Weapons power up) Guess you can say you at least got to meet the lege-

(Suddenly we hear warning beeps coming from the Speaker’s Mech).

Huh? What-?

Oh… you sly dog! (Impressed Laugh). You disabled my weapons’ lock on! Did it while I was chewing the fat, huh?

(Serious) …Do you really think that’ll save you? 

I did mention the chainsaw legs, right? (They rev in the background). Don’t need lock on for them!

Still, I’d say this just got a whole lot more interesting! 

My Mech’s strength and experience vs your… everything else.

Come on, Rookie! Let’s see what comes out on top! 

(The Speaker ignites their thrusters and maybe does a war cry as they blast off? What follows is a series of crashes and chainsaw revs as the two Mechs fight. There’s also a bit of gunfire and missiles courtesy of the Listener. Feel free to improvise any little combat sounds or dialogue from the Speaker while this occurs but by the end we hear a final crash and more warning sounds as the Listener’s Mech collapses).

(Breathing Heavy) Not… huff! …bad, Rookie. You gave me a real run for my money, I won’t lie. 

Scratched my decal something fierce. Couldn’t quite pull off a win though, could you? Fancy moves won’t get you far, this is a battle not a dance… and I’ve been doing this for a very long time, see. You’re hardly the first Mech I’ve fought against. 

Word of advice? The back is most Mechs’ weakspot, same with people. They just can’t defend it well unless they’re packing energy shields which thankfully you weren’t. Then I might’ve been in trouble.

Chainsaw legs, I’m telling you, they’re perfect for situations like these. Game changer, you always want a strong melee weapon, you can’t just rely on guns. It’s definitely worth an investment down the line, I use the Bendis Mark 70 model if you’re interested. 

…

Yep, that’s right, I’m not gonna kill you. No reason to. There’s not a thing you can do with your Mech disabled…

Actually, why don’t I pry you out of there…

(The Speaker crushes the Listener’s cockpit before pulling them out).

And turn that “disabled” into a destroyed? 

(Slight explosion).

(Amused) Not how you thought your day was gonna go, was it? I did warn you, didn’t I, Rookie? But you didn’t listen! And now look what’s happened!

It would be oh so easy for me to crush you right now. A little titanium squeeze as we call it in the business. I’ve done it before, many times. Sometimes clients want an example set… Sukeyasu would probably give me a bonus for (clears throat) “deterring” further rebellion.

…but I’m a professional. I’m not going to do that. 

Just take on board what I told you… And do better next tim-

…

Huh? 

Oh that?

Just a cosmetic choice on my Mech. It’s the logo for the merc group I roll with, Black Thunder. Like the design? We’ve been making a name for ourselves. We’re professional… reliable… so long as the money’s right of course. We’ve got the best Pilots and Mechs in the galaxy and soon we’ll be up there with the elite groups.

Why? You interested in joining? I could put in a good word for you if… if…

…

(They pause, caught off guard by what the Listener just said).

You… you mean…

You’re…

You’re part of Black Thunder too?

(Brief pause before starting to laugh) That… you can’t… You can’t be serious!

(They throw back their head unable to control their laughter which continues for a good few seconds). 

(Calming Down) This universe, man… Oh, that is just too good! 

L… let me see I’m getting this right. From what you’re telling me… Black Thunder was hired by Sukeyasu Unlimited to attack Rivik V (five)... while simultaneously being hired by Kanaka Corp to defend Rivik V (five)?!

Hmph, there’s cynical and then there’s that. Guess they didn’t bother to let their clients know their rival had hired them. (Reflective) Huh, maybe they’re not as reliable as I thought.  

…You must be a newer recruit then. Explains why your affiliation didn’t flash when I scanned your Mech, probably still being processed through, takes some time. I was three Mechs in before I got my damn emblem.

I can’t believe-

Nah, actually I can believe it. That’s just the way this universe operates, fortunately.

…

Oh, fortunately because we must be making a heck of a profit off this dirty little war. 

You’re not obviously. Black Thunder doesn’t reward failure, but the group as a whole? Damn. 

I mean sure they’re probably losing a few Pilots, but in a universe of trillions there’s no shortage of applicants. You’re just lucky I was the one you had to face, Rookie. Some of the other Warriors would have blown you apart as soon as they spotted you. 

Still, you fought well… We’re technically comrades even if our employers don’t think that… And it looks like you did your job well enough to buy time for the civilians to escape and take away my chance of a bonus… I respect that. 

(Making up mind) So… once I’ve finished destroying the city? I’ll give you a free flight back to base? How’s that? 

It’s better than having to hitch a ride with the rest of the refugees, even if you’re gonna be a laughing stock with our brothers and sisters in arms for a while. 

Hell, maybe I’ll even foot some of your Mech’s repair bill, this whole mess has put me in a good mood!

…

Oh really, it’s no problem. Just get comfy and let me show you how an expert handles a good old city razing. 

(We hear missiles launch from the Speaker’s back).

Oh and I’d suggest taking notes… There’ll be a test after class.

(We fade out on the sound of distant explosions).

https://preview.redd.it/ikget1tlsazg1.jpg?width=650&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0f74a9128f485bde6a1cf836dcc9af280f9aa327

Hello everyone, I've been enjoying the reviews people have been posting here recently and thought I'd give it a go myself.

It's worth noting with Thunderbolts I've read this book before, but decided to re-read the whole series in anticipation for the new Dark Reign omnibus about to be released. My score and a summarisation will be at the bottom, with more in-depth thoughts in-between here and now.

Note: There will be some spoilers, mainly around the first issue and the series' structure.

Thunderbolts Volume 1 by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley.

Required Reading?

None. The book does a very good job providing context for the characters' histories, as well as what's going on in the wider Marvel Universe.

That being said, an understanding of the Onslaught event (as well its real world history) could help.

On top of that, a general history of the Avengers comic could help with some of the characters involved here.

***

Full disclosure I am a huge Kurt Busiek fan so I went into this series knowing I was probably going to like it. Spoiler Alert: I loved it.

Busiek is able to always bring such depth and life out of the superhero genre. It can be found in all his works from Marvels to Astro City. Thankfully, the same applies to his time on Thunderbolts, and that stellar writing was something superhero comics (Marvel especially) needed in the late 90s when this book was released.

I won't go into the history here (Comic Drake recently posted a video on it) but essentially the series begins with the Fantastic Four and Avengers "dead." A wave of despair has struck the world (again just like the genre in real life) and the people need heroes, heroes like the Thunderbolts who appear almost as if from no-where to save the day!

It seems too good to be true...

(Again, spoilers coming up. You've been warned).

And it is, with the final page of the first issue revealing these new heroes as Baron Zemo and the Masters of Evil in disguise. Their plan? Use the fame and notoriety being a superhero team will garner to overthrow the government and take over the world! It's a fantastic hook for the series, a twist that I have no doubt would be spoiled before the issue released nowadays.

Regardless, it's a brilliant idea on Busiek's part and an excellent plan from Zemo...

...But there's just one problem. The threats the Thunderbolts face are real, the fame they get from the public is real, and as the issues progress we steadily begin to see the doubt set in on our protagonists. Maybe this is better than the lives they were previously living? Do they really want to go back to getting beaten up and thrown in jail every other week?

I've seen other reviews say the series goes downhill after the first issue and I have to completely disagree. The rest of the book is where the meat is. Busiek expertly captures the characters' development, all of them in different mindset and phases. After the first few issues I felt I understood all of them and it's Busiek's writing that takes this from an awesome concept, to an awesome series.

The early part of the book does have some pacing issues as the Thunderbolts' appearances in other titles are collected (most of them largely reinforcing what we already know). That being said, once we're past the tie-ins and back on the main series you will find a very tightly plotted (if a little wordy) narrative. There's no doubt in my mind that Busiek must have had the whole series planned out from the start, with his run having three distinct sections.

• The Thunderbolts posing as heroes.
• The Thunderbolts actually trying to be heroes.
• The Thunderbolts getting a new leader.

You will grow to care about the members of the Thunderbolts (making it more sad how Marvel has wasted all of them in recent years). Songbird, Moonstone, Atlas, Mach V, Jolt... all of them. There isn't a single weak link among them, they all get something to do. I was surprised how much I came to like Jolt, a new younger member added to the roster in the first few issues. Initially I thought she was going to be overly preachy, but no, she comes across as very likable and sincere, something that might not have happened under a lesser writer.

Mark Bagley's artwork fits the book's tone and vibe very nicely. As I implied earlier, this is quite different from the more cinematic style Marvel (and comics in general) would largely adopt just a few years later. The action scenes involve a surprising amount of dialogue as the characters describe what's happening, but I didn't mind as Bagley kept the scenes flowing.

The only real flaw I can find with this volume (other than the crossover issues I mentioned earlier) is that the last few issues do feel a bit lesser and more by the number than what came before. By around issue #28, Busiek and Bagley have definitively setup the team and their place in the wider Marvel Universe, with the stories after that feeling more like a victory lap, while still being worth reading. Unlike more modern runs, the book doesn't have a definitive ending (actually concluding on a cliffhanger) as it leaves the door open for the Fabian Nicieza run that follows.

Favourite Moment?

Hard to say as the book is very consistent. Gun to my head I'd probably say when >!Hawkeye!<joins the team in the final ten or so issues. It really gives the run an extra shot in the arm (not that it needed it).

In Conclusion.

You should read if:

• You like character focused series.
• You enjoy a more classic feeling Marvel Universe.
• You're an Avengers fan (Thunderbolts is essentially a spin-off book).

You shouldn't read if:

• You prefer a more modern/cinematic style of comic writing.
• You're only interested in the MCU version of the team.
• You want a book with a definitive ending.

Final Score: 9/10.