FEATURED REVIEW: NEW AVENGERS #1

(w) Jonathan Hickman
(a) Steve Epting
(i) Rick Magyar

It took a relaunch of a series during a line-wide retooling with a brand new creative team for Marvel to get me to notice Black Panther, and by golly, it worked.

I've never been a Black Panther fan -- he's a character who has simply never appealed to me. That being said, I've never disliked Black Panther, either. Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting's New Avengers #1 changed all that with a stellar interpretation of T'Challa that highlights his intellect and grace while simultaneously kicking off an intricate new narrative that brings the Marvel Illuminati back together for the first time since before Secret Invasion.

During the latter half of his tenure as Avengers head writer, Brian Michael Bendis' multiple Avengers titles started to bleed together in terms of narrative structure and character choices -- each series seemed to feature the same cast of heroes, only shuffled around depending on the arc and/or team. Really, there wasn't much of a difference between how New Avengers (Vol. 1-2) read and how Mighty or Secret Avengers read. Hickman has killed two birds with one stone with his Avengers/New Avengers one-two punch by reigning in the number of Avengers titles while also providing two unique storylines, each with a narrative flow distinct from the other.

After a brief introduction and history of the group known as the Illuminati (including a rather ominous monologue about death from Mr. Fantastic), New Avengers #1 takes us to the jungle of Wakanda as a trio of young adventurers have come to the end of their quest to be new Makers. While Hickman doesn't come out and tell us what 'Makers' are, per se, context clues can lead us to assume that the title is important in Wakandan culture, and that it has something to do with bettering society as a whole by venturing out past the national borders. Without skipping a beat, Hickman delves right into the situation that will bring Marvel's most powerful figures back together: our universe is about to collide with another.

Knowing ancient Sumerian will be a boon for anyone reading this issue, as the language is used rather liberally throughout the story. T'Challa discovers that an alternate Earth is hanging above ours. How and why this other Earth can't be seen by the naked eye doesn't really matter at this point. What's important is stopping whatever's happening from happening. To complicate things even more, a band of militaristic soliders descends onto our Earth, from the one hanging in the sky, speaking Sumerian like everyone should know what they're saying. It turns out they can speak English too, but they seem to prefer to talk amongst themselves in the ancient tongue, and that's got to be more than just a coincidence. Without breaking a sweat these new enemies quickly dispose of Wakanda's new Makers, leaving T'Challa to fend for himself and stop the destruction of Earth. Who does one call in for back-up for a task such as this?

Jonathan Hickman's approach to the Avengers is mesmerizing. In one hand with Avengers, he's building the biggest, most expansive Avengers team to date, while in the other hand with New Avengers, he's telling the story of the most hidden and shadowy group of 'Avengers' ever. New Avengers #1 bucks the pitfalls of a focused first issue, as well. For a team book, starting things off by only focusing on one character is usually a big mistake. Focusing on a less popular/mainstream character such as Black Panther is equally risky. Similarly, using a rather narrow and specific plot points (the Illuminati) from embedded continuity can also repel new readers. In all of these instances, Hickman masterfully trumps the missteps by providing effective explanation through showing rather than telling. It's okay that Black Panther is the focus of this issue because he's a surrogate for the reader in terms of understanding what's going on. We're given basic exposition, then it's all about the well-paced storytelling.

New Avengers #1 is exciting. It's subtle and underscored to juxtapose the grandiose and larger-than-life Avengers. Less is more with Jonathan Hickman. Instead of spreading himself thin by penning three, four, five Avengers titles, he's consolidated down to two series that are already show a whole world of promise Bendis could never achieve. This is how the Avengers should be, and Jonathan Hickman is providing it in spades.

GRADE

9/10

4-SENTENCE REVIEWS (AUG 22-28)

Batman Incorporated #3
(Morrison, Burnham)



While last month's Bat-outing from Grant Morrison was interesting for it's historical context, an issue dedicated to Talia al Ghul was the wrong choice for a second issue in an already over-complex and intricate title, and after being pushed back due to the events in Aurora, Colorado last month, Batman Incorporated #3 finally gets its day in the sun. Grant Morrison pens the return of Matches Malone - Bruce's gangster alter-ego that hasn't been seen/used for years - in Batman's ongoing investigation into Leviathan and it's growing stranglehold on Gotham City. After a debut issue that only raised questions about everything, and last month's Talia-centricness, it's nice to see an actual plot emerging from this series. Oh, and Damian has a new alter-ego: Redbird.

GRADE: A

Before Watchmen: Doctor Manhattan #1 of 4

(Straczynski, Hughes)

If you have been following Before Watchmen at all, it's quite possible you understand the black-and-white situation being presented to us readers: each mini-series has it's own chance to succeed, but unless it blows our socks off (like Minutemen), it's not really worth the time or effort. Watchmen is such a mainstay, and so many people know the story that these prequels are having a hard time giving readers any new information worth giving. Doctor Manhattan #1 sits in this category as a series too mired in it's own bombast and philosophical mumbo-jumbo to really be engaging or interesting for a broader audience - unless you understand time travel mechanics and quantum theory, you're mostly just reading about a big blue guy who's having an identity crisis. I understand what J. Michael Straczynski was going for - a sort-of 'larger than life' take on some of humanity's most basic questions - but it comes off as sappy and derivative.

GRADE: C

Captain America and Namor #635.1
(Bunn, Conrad)

Though Captain America and... just finished up it's arc with Iron Man, Cullen Bunn throws us WWII-era Captain America fans a bone with Captain America and Namor #635.1, a 'point one' issue that details Cap and Namor facing the Kraken, an ancient weapon tied to the history of Atlantis that can unleash unspeakable power and destruction. The Thule society takes center stage in an episode that's meant to hearken back to those days - the days when Captain America and Namor fought side by side instead of standing against one another, when the bigger picture was more important than petty arguments. Overall, I really enjoy this look back on  Cap and Namor's WWII days - it's a time period that's often referenced and flashed-back to, but rarely used in actual arcs. I'm a big nerd for Namor, so seeing him at a time when he wasn't so completely "holier than thou" is a refreshing treat. (BONUS SENTENCE) The only thing that irked me was how Cap explains that he'll be fighting right beside his men the entire time they're engaging enemy forces, then he just runs off to help Namor without so much as a "Thank you, Sally."

GRADE: B

Superman #12

(Jurgens, McCarthy)

While Grant Morrison takes Superman to the weirdest corners of the character's world over in Action Comics, Dan Jurgens has been slowly getting Superman back on track after George Perez's abysmal opening arc. Splitting up the Man of Steel's adventures into two-issue, easier-to-swallow stories has be excellent for the character and his growth - though some of these minor baddies might seem redundant or uninspired (our inter-dimensional friend this month looks like a poor man's Predator), they serve to build Superman's 'Rogues Gallery'. Without a lineup of adversaries, what would our Big Blue Boy Scout do all day? One of my only real complaints (and this is really for the 'New 52' as a whole, not just this issue) is that Superman doesn't look young at all; instead, he actually looks far older than he should, like he's just about to celebrate his 40th birthday. Overall, Superman is slowly transforming from one of DC's most forgettable series into a high-quality title that does it's job: telling stories about Superman.

GRADE: B-

(COMIC) AVENGERS vs. X-MEN #6 of 12

STORY: Jonathan Hickman
ART: Olivier Coipel and Mark Morales

In the last issue of Avengers vs. X-Men, the Phoenix was fractured into five pieces which bonded with Cyclops, Colossus, Magik, Emma Frost, and Namor. I was a bit skeptical as to Marvel's intentions with the 'Phoenix Five' - their appearance seemed to precipitate an even bigger fight between the Avengers and the X-Men. The kind of battle that levels cities.

Instead, Jonathan Hickman brings us into Act II of Avengers vs. X-Men with a somber overview of the new world order. This issue picks up ten days after the confrontation with the Phoenix on the moon. In those days, Cyclops has led the other Phoenix Forcers in reshaping the world into a better place. With the power of gods split between five benevolent beings (the possible exception being Colossus and his Juggernaut power, which hasn't been brought up yet), the X-Men personify the 'rebirth' part of the Phoenix omens, the part where this force can be one for major positive strange.

I'm actually pretty impressed with Marvel's decision to make this turning point one of growth instead of conflict. There's an obligatory stand-off at the issue's end, but it's only real purpose is to start the slow burn to the next big fight.

Avengers vs. X-Men #6 is all about the change being created by the Phoenix Five. Magik and Colossus are fertilizing once barren land, Namor has tamed the Aleutian Trench to provide fresh, clean, free water for the world's people, and Emma Frost has created a machine in the Gobi Desert that provides sustainable, renewable, clean, free energy for all. Oh, and Utopia is now a freaking paradise of technology and peace. Even the Avengers are a bit awe-struck by the X-Men's sheer force of good.

In this issue, Jonathan Hickman had to usher in a second act to the biggest Marvel event of the year, introduce a new status quo for the Marvel Universe, dedicate quality pages to both sides of the conflict, all while pushing the narrative forward. It's a big task and one that Hickman masterfully handles.

The mini-story dealing with the Electric Legion is a gem that sits right in the middle of this issue. The Avengers set out to stop the Legion from a rampage when Colossus shows up and talks it out. With the Phoenix powers, Pyotr just learns to speak Electric and brokers a deal for the Legion to power half of Europe. Iron Fist's disbelief starts a domino effect of disapproval with the Avenger's strategy to stand against the X-Men. Beast and Black Panther both see the Phoenix as a source of good that has only helped and improved the world since arriving. Wolverine, of course, stand by his convictions and Captain America, but many Avengers have begun to doubt.

Again, I want to emphasize the scope of Hickman's job here. Wanda Maximoff arrives at the end as the Avengers execute their covert operation to acquire Hope from Utopia. Cyclops is on the verge of taking out every single Avenger when Wanda's chaotic powers interfere with the Phoenix Force. Obviously, it's a sign that the Phoenix isn't omnipotent - it has a weakness.

And of course, Cyclops declares, "No more Avengers" on the last page, which is what we've been waiting for since Act II's announcement. Here goes nothin'!

GRADE

A

(COMIC) AvX: VS #1 of 6

STORY: Jason Aaron (Part 1) and Kathryn Immonen (Part 2)
ART: Adam Kubert (Part 1); Stuart Immonen and Wade Von Grawbadger (Part 2)

The preface pages of Avengers vs. X-Men: VS #1 explains most of what you need to know about this series going forward. While it connects to the main Avengers vs. X-Men event, VS is all about fighting! Small on plot and big on visual appeal, VS is mostly about letting the artists draw some of the biggest and coolest fights ever seen in the Marvel universe. And, Marvel isn't looking to squeeze every last penny out of you by limiting VS to six issues, one for each month of AvX.


This month brings us the "director's cut" for the fight between Iron Man and Magneto, as well as the undersea brawl between Thing and Namor. Unlike the somewhat lacking main series, VS isn't trying to dress up this superhero cat fight with actual plot. After a disappointing second issue in the main series, I was very much hoping that VS would be this event's saving grace. Unfortunately, while the actual fights are fleshed out very well, the choices for who fights and who wins is absolutely absurd.

Can you really call him 'Iron' Man if his suit isn't made of metal? I mean, I understand not being made of actual iron - that would be ridiculous - but shouldn't Tony Stark's suit be somewhat metal? Or at least have some metal parts? I find it very hard to believe that throughout his entire suit, there's not at least a few metal pieces. But, that's what Marvel would have us believe as Tony takes on Magneto. And wins. Yes, Magneto takes on IRON Man and loses.

The second extended fight comes from Thing - formerly of the Fantastic Four - and Namor, the Sub-Mariner and ruler of the former kingdom of Atlantis. After getting punched up into the air through a S.H.I.E.L.D. Hellicarrier, Thing crashed back down into the ocean and proceeds to defeat Namor. NAMOR IS THE KING OD ATLANTIS AND CAN BREATH UNDERWATER! I seriously almost became angry when Thing was able to breath using thermal vents on the ocean floor. How ridiculous is that? Namor is the obvious winner of this fight, yet the writers decide to make Thing the victor.

It very much feels like Marvel and it's writers are trying to throw audiences curveballs with this series. It's very, very obvious that Magneto should defeat Iron Man and that Namor should defeat Thing when fighting underwater, yet Jason Aaron and Kathryn Immonen (respectively) feel like giving the underdogs the victories makes more sense. Instead, it simply comes off as ridiculous and a slap in the face to readers who supposedly know these characters. I mean, how can Marvel justify making Namor lose a fight underwater? I simply don't know.

GRADE:

C-

(COMIC) AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #2 of 12

STORY: Jason Aaron, Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, Jonathan Hickman, and Matt Fraction
SCRIPTS: Jason Aaron
ART: John Romita Jr. and Scott Hanna

Marvel has a tendency to misjudge the length of it's major comic book events. 2006's Civil War seemed like a good length at seven issues, but spent the final three mulling around until reaching the final battle and standoff between Captain America and Iron Man that everyone wanted to see anyway. In 2010, Siege was a measly four issues when it should have been a more sprawling epic. And just last year, Fear Itself lasted seven issues, followed by a 12-issue aftermath series - Fear Itself: The Fearless - that only ended last month. Two weeks ago, Marvel proved us that the conflict between the Avengers and X-Men showed promise in terms of storytelling concept and execution. Unfortunately, Avengers Vs. X-Men #2 fails as both a follow-up issue and as a piece of the overall narrative.

I understand that the fundamental focus of AvX is supposed to be the fighting; Marvel has been advertising the hell out of the event on a platform of awesome one-on-one fights that stretch across the imprint. That being said, readers should still get quality storytelling from a premier event with issues at the four dollar price point. And that's where this issue falls flat. An omniscient narrator (I like to think Jason Aaron thinks in the same manner as he writes) explains the brawls happening throughout the issue in opaque and tritely metaphorical ways, attempting to seem dramatic when it only comes off as pretentious.

Now don't get me wrong: the fights are awesome. Colossus vs. Red Hulk; Namor vs. Luke Cage and The Thing; Iron Man vs. Emma Frost and Magneto - these are just a few of the bouts fleshed out in the pages of Avengers Vs. X-Men #2, but they all feel stunted, like there isn't enough space in the issue to fit in all the action. Of course, Marvel knew this going in and planned accordingly with Avengers Vs. X-Men: VS, the all-fight companion series that debuts next week.

Knowing about VS going into this event makes the scant storyline all the more obvious. I couldn't help feeling like a lot of the fighting in the main series could have been relegated to the pages of VS with little consequence. But then Marvel couldn't stretch this (somewhat inane) conflict between these teams out for a exhaustive 12 issues AND sell us the companion series, so...there's that. Hopefully the third issue can make up some time in the narrative department.

GRADE:

C+