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If you haven’t been reading Savage Avengers, you’ve been missing out on ultra-violence, crazy ideas, and one of the most badass stories of 2019. Gerry Duggan and Mike Deodato Jr. have taken these characters on a wild ride and the first arc comes to a close this week. In the words of Wolverine, “In a day of crazy sh*t — this is the craziest thing of all!”
So what’s it about?
Read the preview.
Why does this matter?
This is violent comics, but also very fun comics. There’s a wizard, a giant monster, and Conan the Barbarian is teaming up with ruthless killer heroes. Nuff said.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
What. Is. That!
Credit: Marvel Comics
This series continues to get very creative with violent acts. Arms are lopped off — hell, a character is cut in half at one point — which is child’s play on a certain level. How about two characters hammering Wolverine’s arms so he can stab an impenetrable thing with his claws? How about Wolverine casually pulling a sword from his back that is totally pushing the front of him outwards? It’s crazy stuff like this that brings the violence to another level. It’s not disgusting — it is a superhero comic after all — but it’s really insane fun. That is if you can stomach a lot of blood and let your suspension of disbelief run high.
As with any good fight, comic violence is stale unless you have your characters interacting in fun ways and this has that in droves. Venom calls Conan “Diaper dude” at one point and it’s clear Elektra has the hots for the Barbarian. The characterization is spot on, from Punisher being the strong silent type to Wolverine just being so tired of it all. That’ll happen after you’ve been stabbed with a katana for the 5,000th time. Brother Voodoo giving Wolverine some attitude in another scene or Conan explaining what Crom is all about to the team all add up to an entertaining experience.
Deodato continues to draw exceptional violence. The dark tone, colored by Frank Martin, helps render the blood into a sort of mud of darkness and grime that gives the book an atmospheric feel. When Conan cuts a man in half, the blood splatter is so over-the-top it’s gross but delectable. The characters have a nice size and weight to them too and the team shots help hammer home how ragtag and unique this team is standing together. This might be his last issue on the book, but he closes it out strong.
Hammer away boys!
Credit: Marvel Comics
It can’t be perfect, can it?
Pacing wise, the book is at full speed until nearly the end where Conan gives his Crom speech, making for a solemn and less fulfilling finish. It doesn’t help how the villains exit the narrative leaving you wanting more.
Is it good?
A bloody end to an exceptionally well done, ultra-violent comic. If you grin at blood spray give this a look.
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