The Avengers: War Across Time #2, written by Paul Levitz, and art by Alan Davis and Rachelle Rosenberg is the second in a five-issue series that is a part of the 60th anniversary Avengers celebration. Just like the series debut, this issue follows Wasp, Giant-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor to with an action-packed battle that sets up future issues.
SPOILERS AHEAD for The Avengers: War Across Time #2!
The issue opens up with our titular heroes arriving at the Baxter building, looking for the Fantastic Four for assistance. While this sequence is simple, it delivers excellent dialogue between the characters, highlighting the team’s early dynamics. We also get a scene with a booby trap set by Mr. Fantastic himself, which was a humorous moment to see the Avengers react to and get themselves out of. The latter half of the issue gives us a battle with Sindri, a classic character that originates from Thor’s comics. While the whole team has a part to play in this, it is very much a fight with Thor at the focus, which is an enjoyable read. However, it would have been nice to see a bit more participation from the rest of the team, as this is an Avengers book.
The cliffhanger that this battle ends on is also very endearing, as it is something that has never happened in Marvel Comics history but is something that makes perfect sense from a story point. We also get cameos from two other Marvel legends and future Avengers. While they are just playing civilian roles in this issue, they still add something special and it goes to show that this book is a true love letter to the Avengers team. Levitiz greatly understands each character’s voice as it was during this time in Avengers history, but it does not feel dated or out of place in a book that’s on shelves in 2023.
My one critique is that Wasp is continuing to voice her attraction to Thor in battle. While this is in character and was a charming call-back when it was done in the first issue, having it be in the second issue feels redundant and as a reader, I would like to have seen Wasp have a different dialogue. The issue also felt a bit short, and the lack of Kang is frustrating, as he is supposed to be the series’ main villain. Apart from that, the story was very solid and makes me excited for the next issues.
Credit: Marvel
Alan Davis’ and Rachelle Rosenberg’s art shines in this issue. Davis’s work truly captures the classic feel and vibe they are trying to get across with this series, and Rosenberg’s colors complement this and take the work to another level. Sindri’s very signature Kirby design is portrayed perfectly, and the fashion of background characters and featured Marvel favorites are stunning and make them recognizable even without a name drop. Each character is incredibly expressive, including Iron Man. That’s a difficult feat to pull off for a character who wears a mask throughout the issue, but Davis accomplishes it with ease. Rosenberg’s colors are both bright and vibrant, but not to the point where it feels overwhelming or distracting from the pencils or action. I personally love how Wasp is drawn in the final pages – she looks just like she would in a vintage issue of Avengers or Tales to Astonish.
With The Avengers: War Across Time #2, Paul Levitz delivers a great sophomore issue to what is shaping up to be a classic Avengers series. The Avengers’ dynamics are explored in the midst of the action, and it progresses the storyline, even if some might say it was filler material since the main adversary, Kang, was not featured. Davis and Rosenberg’s art captures the spirit of the story incredibly well, and you can tell the love they have for the characters involved thanks to the little details they add.
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