Chip Zdarsky and Daniel Acuña have teamed up to share the twilight of the Avengers with readers in this dire story about the heroes’ potential future. While you might be tempted to compare this story to other dark takes about the future’s end, such as Kingdom Come or the Earth X Trilogy, this one will surely be able to stand on its own. The creative team finds a way to connect it to real-life fears by taking characters we love and putting them in this tragic situation. How will the Avengers find a way to save us?
Chip Zdarsky’s story is an excellent setup, as evil quietly overtook the country while the heroes faded away after H-Day. At first, we are to believe that corporate takeovers took over politics and law, leading to the Watcher Act and “terror curfews.” The narration is from Steve Rogers’ thoughts. We discover that in the past, he tried to prevent some of the nightmares from happening by making a run for office, yet in the end, people didn’t want his way. Zdarsky shows Rogers making his way through this world and how lost friends and family are. Steve feels the call back into action, but can the newly formed street gang, the Defenders, be enough of an ally for him to succeed?
This story is fantastic as we witness an idea take on corruption, greed, and hopelessness. Bit by bit and issue by issue, we see the momentum continue. One of my favorite moments is seeing Captain America in action for the first time, which happens in issue #2. Daniel Acuña gives a scene where bullies take on a helpless person, and Cap rises. When Cap reaches out and says, “It’s all going to be okay now,” you can feel hope in this new world. The action in this story hits two ways, physical and emotional, by giving us the big fight scenes with high potential for disaster and a battle that would have most drop to their knees and give up. Acuña wonderfully captures both in his art.
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The villains are solid choices as they capture that physical and emotional battle. I don’t want to spoil it, as this is a worthwhile story you should read. One of the villains’ attempts to whitewash their past is an exciting foil; as that plot point progresses, the idea that modern people will accept anything further drives Cap into hopeless anger. The creative team gives the heroes a complex situation, but with hope breaking through, we get an inspiring look at what being a hero is about. Not only do the Avengers assemble, but they also manage to inspire and gain some new legacies to continue the dream.
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I love reading about potential “endings” or futures of heroes, and this would have to be right up there. While it is called Avengers: Twilight, it seems more like a Captain America story with some Avengers tropes. That’s not at all a bad thing, because wow, what a story for Cap. I love the parallels to Kingdom Come and felt like this is an excellent reminder about standing tall for what you believe in, even when it’s hard. I felt like this is a better choice than the Earth X Trilogy as this is something you can read in a sitting. The story does lend itself to a potential sequel, but it ends just right, and if you don’t want to revisit it, you don’t have to. Luckily, this is something I believe is worth revisiting. The trade is your best deal, as you get all the issues, bonus art, and cover galleries.
Witness a pertinent story that shows how a lost population tainted by technology and news reacts to heroes coming back. How does Captain America save a world that no longer wants his style? What can Cap do after H-Day, where heroes die or go into hiding? Zdarsky and Acuña show us that the idea of the Avengers can thrive to once again assemble against evil, even in a dark future. Don’t miss this excellent adventure!
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