Avengers‘ excellent first issue set up the team and established Captain Marvel as the new leader. Avengers #1 also left us wanting more regarding Kang, who has been set up to deliver critical information to the team. It’s so vital he even gives the team something in return to take him seriously in Avengers #2.
The second issue opens where we left off, or at least where most of the team left off. Thor, Vision, and Scarlet Witch witnessed Captain Marvel enter a black hole, and we start this issue with her coming back out with Kang in hand on the very first page. Writer Jed MacKay utilizes what happened in the black hole to keep the pace moving while delivering plenty of exposition. Much like the first issue, there’s plenty of info to impart to the reader while keeping the action going.
The story cuts between Captain Marvel getting info and the heroes using his shared information to save hundreds of people. We see Iron Man and Vision save a plane and Thor saving people from a train meant to crash. Most of these calamities aren’t supervillain-driven, but simple catastrophes are being averted. Seeing the heroes save folks in these ways reminds us they are Earth’s protectors in the most basic and wholesome way.
A bit of a wound there, Kang.
Credit: Marvel
Economically speaking, character work is a little lighter in this issue compared to the last. Black Panther and Captain America get the most to show their personalities, but every character gets a moment to say or do something at least. In the meatier scene, Kang talks to Captain Marvel and tries to make her believe a threat is coming. MacKay makes it pretty clear there’s a trial coming, and we get our first hint at the Ashen Combine.
C.F. Villa does a great job framing each scene, be it how Black Panther is seen outside a window before coming crashing through or Thor using his body to stop a train homaging Superman. The inking sometimes feels a little thick, casting eyes in darkness or the shadows cast when Captain Marvel swoops in with Kang. The epic nature of these heroes is on point as needed, though.
The threat of the first story arc comes into focus in Avengers #2 as Kang reveals what’s coming. Meanwhile, the team aspect is on point, with each character doing their part and Captain Marvel leading the team deftly.
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