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FCBD 2019: Avengers #1 review: Big superhero storytelling

Comic Books

FCBD 2019: Avengers #1 review: Big superhero storytelling

Get a load of the many superhero teams and a major Wolverine story too.

It’s free comic book day which means you should head to your local comic shop, get some free books, and buy something to support the comics community. It’s a ceremonial sort of day where we thank our comic shops and the publishers too for handing over some free entertainment. Marvel Comics blew me away with their Spider-Man book and the Avengers title is about as good if not better at getting fans excited for stories coming soon.

So what’s it about?

The official summary reads:

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Free Comic Book Day 2019 is the perfect chance to dive deep into the Marvel Universe with new stories and exciting adventures alongside some of Marvel’s most acclaimed creators – and this year, Marvel is bringing you the biggest and boldest stories yet! FCBD AVENGERS #1 features a story by industry superstars Jason Aaron and Stefano Caselli that sets the stage of the main Avengers series just in time for Marvel’s highly anticipated movie Avengers: Endgame, while an all-new thrilling 10-page tale from Gerry Duggan and Mike Deodato creates one of the most unique, dynamic, and deadly versions of the Avengers ever- the Savage Avengers!

Why does this matter?

If you haven’t been following Avengers this is a good place to start. It reminds us Namor is a force, a bunch of new iterations of superhero teams are in play, and it drops a huge reveal on readers. This free comic also serves as a good intro to Savage Avengers focusing on Wolverine and his stake in that adventure.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

Having read Jason Aaron’s latest story arc in Avengers I can say this book serves as a good catch up to what he’s been crafting. There are multiple superhero teams in play including a United States run operation that distinctly has the traits of the Justice League. It’s fun and clever. This story is narrated by Iron Man via captions which helps draw in casual readers who love the movies, but comic readers too. Aaron’s captions are strong detailing why the Avengers need to exist, but also Tony Stark’s take on the team as well. By the end, I’m even more excited to read these stories due to the fun, big, and blockbuster take on superhero teams.

The art in this story is by Stefano Caselli with color by Erick Arciniega and it’s very good at highlighting that dramatic looking-up at a team standing proud. This is all about that dramatic superhero strength. The action is appropriate with an in your face feel, too.

Following this is the Savage Avengers story by Gerry Duggan and Mike Deodato Jr. that is darker in tone offering a different sort of superhero team feel. Paired with colors by Frank Martin Deodato Jr. continues to show his gritty and darker tone is perfect for a more violent and serious tale. The rain effect is highly effective and helps set the tone for this darker look at superheroes. Wolverine fans should rejoice because he comes off as a total badass with a fight scene, a flashback to his Patch days, and plenty of brown costume goodness. Seriously, he is featured quite a bit here. There’s a solid twist in this tale too. Overall this serves as an explanation for why Wolverine and another team member have a stake in the mystery at hand.

It can’t be perfect, can it?

I was hoping for juicier reveals in the Savage Avengers tale, but considering how good the confrontation is and the classic Wolverine feel it’s as good as free comic book day books come.

Is it good?

It’s safe to say Marvel Comics killed it on Free Comic Book Day this year. Jason Aaron’s story offers an impressive cliffhanger while Duggan’s gives us that gritty dark superhero story. Both offer excellent stories to make even the most casual fan buy into what is to come.

FCBD 2019: Avengers #1 review: Big superhero storytelling
FCBD 2019: Avengers #1
Is it good?
It’s safe to say Marvel Comics killed it on Free Comic Book Day this year. Both titles offer impressive cliffhangers and excellent stories to make even the most casual fan buy into what is to come.
Strong opening story with great captions and a good taste of the many teams Aaron is cooking up
Second story is darker, edgier, and has tons of Wolverine
It's free!
The second story, compared to the other Marvel FCBD stories, doesn't have as big of a juicy reveal
9.5
Great
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