For anyone who’s stepped away from reading Marvel Comics over the last 5 years or so, you’ve missed a thing or two.

Beginning with Avengers Disassembled in 2004 as many of you know, the Marvel Universe began experiencing annual enemas in the form of huge crossover events, real game changers like House of M, Civil War, Secret Invasion and now Dark Reign, not to mention the titles and events that tie directly into these crossovers like Secret War, 198, X-Men Messiah Complex, Avengers the Initiative, Planet Hulk, World War Hulk, Annihilation, The Secret Warriors… The list goes on.

Though some people may view the above list as an impenetrable firewall keeping them from enjoying the characters and the Universe that they thought they knew, I for one see it as one hell of a ride and some of the most fun I’ve had reading comics over the last 6 years.

But alas, the saga that was sparked by an up and comer named  Brian Michael Bendis (perhaps you’ve heard of him?) better known for his crime comics at the time, is coming to a conclusion in 2010 with the much anticipated “Siege” storyline.  Though few details have been revealed about this arc, the broad strokes consist of Norman Osborn and Loki invading Asgard as part of their plan for a New World Order thereby reuniting the core Avengers team (Captain America, Iron Man & Thor) for the first time in close to a decade. Saying these three hero’s parted ways on hostile terns would be the understatement of the decade, so getting them on the same side will be no small feat and when the dust settles, the Marvel Universe will be changed forever.

I realize that this may sound like nothing more than Marvel spinning out this years new and improved reset button but Bendis has indicated that this is a bookend to what started way back in 04′ with Avenger’s Disassembled, not an arc that leads to yet another epic crossover, but to a new beginning for the Marvel (616) Universe.   As convoluted as it all may sound, I can’ t wait to see how this beautiful  neon clad  clusterfuck of a soap opera ends up.

Click here for a free Preview of Siege courtesy of Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited.
Buy Avengers Disassembled
Buy House of M
Buy Civil War
Buy Secret Invasion