THUNDERBOLTS #10: The Thunderbolts are granted “Paragon Level Clearance” just as the missing heroes are beginning to return—and that’s when SHIELD reveals their true identities to the world. Now, the villains-turned-“heroes” are Public Enemy Number One!
THUNDERBOLTS #9: Black Widow has suspicions about who the Thunderbolts really are, and so she tells Songbird and Mach-1 a story about how Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, and Hawkeye joined the Avengers and were able to turn over a new leaf—and they should be able to, as well.
HEROES FOR HIRE #7: The Super-Adaptoid is stirring up trouble at Oracle Inc. and Cassie Lang is in danger, but the Heroes have to travel all the way from Lemuria to help. Hammond calls in the Thunderbolts in the meantime, leading to a team-up… and some well-warranted suspicion!
HEROES FOR HIRE #6: In Lemuria, the Heroes face off with the Deviants, who are being controlled by the power of Ghaur. Plus: Ant-Man reveals he’s been a part of the team all along, he was just too small for anyone to notice!
The “Heroes Reborn” version of FF was fine, but it all feels a little pointless if you’re already familiar with the characters. The whole line functions as a dry run for the ULTIMATE universe, which has its problems, but at least tried something new mixed in along with the old.
FANTASTIC FOUR #12 (1997): The time has come for Galactus to harvest Earth—unless the assembled might of the planet’s heroes can put a stop to it! From Heroes Reborn to Heroes Reunited on the way to Heroes Returned!
Featuring a plethora of guest stars (including Daredevil, who embarrasses himself in front of the youths by referring to himself as the “scarlet swashbuckler”.)
THUNDERBOLTS #8: While Citizen V untangles bureaucratic red tape to get ahold of the Avengers’ files, the rest of the team fights for their lives against their captors, the Elements of Doom. But only Songbird is unshackled, and Techno is already dead… mostly.