Aero is a relatively brand new superhero to the Marvel universe and also a hero specific to a city often overlooked by most heroes. A native of Shanghai, China, the hero was brought in to help with the War of the Realms and now she has her own series. Powered by nature’s winds, in her premiere issue she encounters one of the strongest attacks on Shanghai ever.
So what’s it about?
Read the preview.
Why does this matter?
It has been two years in the works since Sword-Master and Aero were introduced at San Diego Comic-Con 2017. At the time we learned these Chinese heroes would first appear in East Asian countries to be eventually unveiled in America. That day has finally come and Aero is getting her own book too. This issue also comes with a backup by Greg Pak serving as a direct follow up to War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #4.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Love the visuals on the wind powers.
Credit: Marvel Comics
If I’m not mistaken the main story was published in Chinese and then translated into English for the first time this week. The first issue definitely has a manga feel to it so if you’re into manga you’ll really dig these visuals. The main story by Zhou Liefen and art by Keng is a good introduction of the character. Told mostly via captions the story opens with Aero fighting a skyscraper that has come to life. We learn a bit about her powers and her background as an architect. It’s immediately clear she’s a well-rounded character that’s original and fresh. She’s juggling a double life and has a secret identity. Oh, and those skyscraper monsters she’s fighting are only half of it with a cliffhanger that features a massive kaiju.
I’m impressed with Keng’s art which has a digital look to it. It’s one step away from animation and there are some vivid images that are awe-inspiring. A sky filled with swirling clouds and something protruding from it is striking, to say the least. Aero is well designed too; the use of swirling wind as if they are wisps of cloth on her outfit is used to great effect.
The backup by Pak and Pop Mahn, with color by Federico Blee, opens up this corner of the Marvel universe well. If you didn’t read Pak’s “War of the Realms” tie-in it’s okay because it’s not too hard to dive in here. You’re basically introduced to a water-based hero named Wave and a superhero team called Triumph Division. Wave gets a full back story complete with scientist intervention and it begins a new conflict for Wave and Aero to fight against.
Kind of a big monster you got there.
Credit: Marvel Comics
It can’t be perfect, can it?
It’s not quite clear to me why this character hasn’t been known in the Marvel universe. Are the heroes in America just not paying attention? It’d be nice to get some kind of explanation.
Outside of this Aero reads like it’s written for a young adult audience as she’s somewhat basic and simplistic. There isn’t a lot of meat here and so it can read as somewhat light.
Is it good?
A good start to the introduction of Aero in her own series. I suspect many will enjoy this book for its manga feel and also how accessible it is to any audience.
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