In its first issue, Avengers: Armageddon set the stage with the reveal that the Red Hulk had taken over Latveria and renamed it “New America,” with plans to do the same for other countries, whether they wanted to or not. In the process, he sent Steve Rogers to the hospital and set the Avengers on the warpath. Now, Avengers: Armageddon #2 finally delivers the fight fans expected as Earth’s Mightiest Heroes take on Red Hulk’s army of gamma-powered soldiers. There’s a rogue element in the mix: David Colton, the former Captain America who now possesses immense powers.
From the very opening of Avengers: Armageddon #2, Chip Zdarsky, Delio Diaz, and Frank Alzipar don’t hold back on the action. Pages feature the Avengers descending from on high, Captain Marvel and Iron Man streaking through the air, and the Red Hulk standing in the wreckage of a battlefield in Symkaria. It’s visually gripping and makes this event feel like an actual event. Some of the best Marvel events, like War of the Realms, feel like they should involve the entire Marvel Universe in both terms of story and visual scale, and Armageddon is shaping up to be one of those events.
The real standout of Avengers: Armageddon #2 is the fight between Colton and the Red Hulk. Nearly every punch from Colton sends the crimson behemoth flying through mountains, buildings, and the air, resulting in immense damage. Keep in mind, this is a Hulk who not only retains the tactical mind of Thaddeus Ross, but can also superheat his skin with gamma energy and gave half of the Marvel Universe a run for their money. Yet Colton swats him around like a rag doll. It’s a moment that is equally horrifying and awe-inspiring, thanks to Delio and Alzipar’s artwork; equally as eye catching are the colors that Sonia Oback brings to the table, with Colton’s dark green armor and cape serving as a sharp contrast to the Red Hulk’s crimson skin.
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The true meat of the issue, surprisingly, lies less in the battle and more in its aftermath. Zdarsky doesn’t shy away from the fact that the Avengers’ involvement might have complicated things, as Symkaria’s military had plans in place to deal with superhuman engagement. Furthermore, other countries – most notably Russia and its Winter Guard – are making their own moves in this superhuman war. While Zdarsky is no stranger to exploring the impact of superheroics, particularly in Devil’s Reign, this time he’s taking things to a global stage, and the consequences could be catastrophic.
Another major reveal arises in the issue concerning the powers Colton received when he was exposed to an Origin Box from Earth-6160. The answer is the Sentry, which no doubt is raising alarm bells in certain fans’ heads. While Robert Reynolds has the power of a “million exploding suns,” he also struggles with his inner demons, both figuratively and literally. Given that Colton has his own PTSD and his own ideas of justice, the question remains: have the Avengers made a new ally or a potential enemy?
Avengers: Armageddon #2 hits the ground running, delivering an immense clash of titans with an equally severe aftermath. Things are heating up, and Armageddon is showing it has the juice to be a top-tier Marvel event.
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