Comic Book Review: Avengers #1 |

Hello all you comic book fans and aficionados. This is my first review of any comic book ever and I hope you enjoy it. I have been an avid reader and collector for over 25 years so my words are from the heart.

I just read Avengers #1 and let me tell you, it was a very interesting read. It starts with an old school Avengers villain, Immortus getting his butt handed to him by a shrouded group of five that later are revealed as the Next Avengers. The book then immediately cuts to Steve Rogers, picking new members for his multiple teams of Avengers. Wonder Man refuses setting up a possible future battle and a slight foreshadowing of doom (a Bendis staple). Finally, we cut to this book’s team. From top to bottom, a powerhouse team, but I’ll talk about that later. There’s some in house bickering and some light comedy (another Bendis staple), before Kang appears. Before he can finish a sentence, Thor blasts him across town. Truly a hilarious moment. The heroes chase after Kang, but instead of the usual slugfest, Kang pulls a doomsday device to cause a pause and we actually get an explanation without war. Kang reveals that the Next Avengers are the children of the Avengers and they must be stopped. If they Avengers agree, Kang will no longer be their enemy. If they don’t, Kang will set off his device and destroy everyone and everything. The Avengers agree. Kang then returns to the future where he is met by an awesome Future Imperfect looking Hulk. And that’s the book.

Now I have read the other reviews on this book and it seems that people do not like it. They seem to be looking for a new direction or something fresh or different. I tend to disagree. Why mess with a classic? If something works, go with it. This book has a lot of positive elements. The team itself, which consists of Thor, Iron Man (Tony Stark), Captain America (Bucky), Spider-Man, Wolverine, Spider-Woman, and Hawkeye, has all the classic and new members that will appeal to new and old fans alike. They have great power hitters in Thor and Iron Man. Tactical leadership in Hawkeye and Captain America. Stealth and speed in Wolverine, Spider Man, and Spider Woman. Plus they are being led by Maria Hill, a somewhat skillful person in her own right. Not to mention a possible other member is alluded to for the future. They need more female characters, in my opinion, but that can be worked out. The art is by John Romita Jr. Not one of my favorite artists. His square bodies and art just get on my nerves. But others like his art so I’ll tolerate it as well. The story is by Brian Michael Bendis, the man behind the big Marvel story lines for the past few years. Most people don’t appreciate Bendis but I am a fan. He has wit, humor, and knows how to set up a plot. This book might not have had much plot in it, but if you read it again closely, you will see at least five or six possible future story lines. And as an added bonus, you get a few pages of The Oral History of the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, a faux written account of the history of the avengers from the actual avengers themselves. Very cool if you’re into that type of thing, which obviously, I am.

Overall, I would rate this book a 9 out of 10. It has all the classic elements of a solid story with a great foundation for the future. Plus it introduces some new characters, puts some spins on some old ones, and makes you want to pick up the next issue to see what happens. What more can you want from a comic? (Me? I want a new artist. But that’s just me.) That’s my opinion folks. Take it or leave it.

-Title: Avengers #1
-Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
-Art by: John Romita, Jr, Klaus Janson
-Colors by: Dean White
-Letters by: Cory Petit
-Cover by: John Romita, Jr., Klaus Janson, Dean White
-Publisher: Marvel
-Publication Date: May 19, 2010
-Cover Price: $3.99
-Reviewed by Victor Kutsenok