It is going to be hard to talk about this issue of New
Avengers without mentioning a pretty big spoiler. I have a definite opinion on
the “big” event of the issue, including the callback to Identity Crisis and my
problems with heroes acting like this. I’m not sure I agree with Jonathan
Hickman that out of all the “leader” types in the Marvel U, only Cap is a
straight arrow.
Plenty of other stuff happens leading up to the big moment.
Beast is recruited into the Illuminati, taking the place of the deceased
Professor X. Beast is a good fit, and he adds some nice color to the panels.
His redesign is not that jarring when drawn by Steve Epting.
Black Panther is still a mover and shaker in this title, but
this is a lot more of an ensemble book than the first issue. I hoped for more
of a focus on T’Challa, but perhaps that is not meant to be. I can hope though;
Epting’s Panther is a revelation, and I’d love to see him in more action!
Action is a key point for me in a lot of Hickman’s stories.
It seems like Hickman has a fair amount of action, but it never has the same
weight as in other comics. I mean, this issue has a reformed Infinity Gauntlet
repel the invasion of an alternate Earth. That’s big time! But it feels like it
just sort of happens in a detached way, something I’ve found in other Hickman
work.
Epting brings a lot of style to the proceedings, but I think
the clinical approach of the leads is wasting his talents. Sooner or later,
Epting needs to be able to cut loose and draw some people punching.
But that shocking ending kept me thinking about this book
for awhile. That deserves a bump in the rating.
Good
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