---

So, this is probably the most anticipated of the “Fallen Son” books…for me anyway…and I have to say that when the issue was over, I was satisfied with it, I enjoyed it, and I would recommend it. That’s about all I can say without revealing any spoilers.

Let me also comment, in this spoiler-free section, that I’m really getting tired of seeing Tony Stark as a villain. Because that’s how he comes off in almost all of this. He’s hunting down his “outlaw” friends, and threating to come after anyone not registered with the government…I don’t know how that’s not supposed to make him come off as a bad guy. I’m getting tired of it, but I don’t really see a way for them to fix it with this current situation.

Also, it appears as though this issue takes place before New Avengers #30 in continuity.

Now…

Ye Be Warned. Thar Be Spoilers Ahead…

This issue focuses almost entirely on Clint Barton (Hawkeye) and Tony Stark. Tony catches Clint trying to break into the old Avenger’s Mansion (which Clint was doing to get Tony’s attention, apparently). After Tony knocks Clint out and makes sure that it’s actually him (cause Clint was dead previously…isn’t that great? A guy back from the dead, in a book about a guy that just died), Tony attempts to convince Clint to become the new Captain America….and it almost works.

Clint does actually put the costume on, until he runs into Patriot and the new Hawkeye (both from Young Avengers), who read him the riot act about wearing Caps duds.

Clint ultimately gives the shield back to Tony, and Tony ends the issue by threatening to come after Clint if he teams up with the New Avengers (which he did in Avenger’s #30).

This issue, again, treads the line between who is right and who is wrong. Tony makes good arguments on why Clint should be the new Cap, and I was ready to accept him in that role, but at the conclusion of the issue it’s very clear that Clint makes the right choice, and that whatever role Clint takes up after his stint as Ronin is over in New Avengers, the characters will be better for having been in this issue. The entire Fallen Son specials series has been kinda hit or miss on some things, but this one issue really hit on all cylinders.

Even when we get a new Cap, I hope he looks different than the old Cap costume. The young “Hawkeye” made a point, she is wearing a costume and using a bow to honor the memory of a fallen hero she respected…but she’s not trying to be him. The new Cap, whoever it may be, needs to find his or her own voice, look, and legacy (even we all know Marvel will only keep them around for a year or so before bringing Steve back)…

Grade: A