Jed MacKay’s Avengers run has seen Earth’s Mightiest Heroes battling forces from beyond time and space, an invasion of vampires, and a solar-powered superhero gone mad. Surely you’d think MacKay would let the team rest for an issue, right? You’d be wrong. Avengers #19 finds the team’s dynamic shifting as Storm takes Thor’s place, and Black Panther travels into the Meridian Diadem to free its prisoners. The Avengers then find themselves approached by Doctor Doom, now Sorcerer Supreme after the events of Blood Hunt. Doom asks to meet the Avengers in the Registan Desert, where he asks them a singular question: “Why have you let the world become the way it is?”
Anyone who’s read Blood Hunt, or was at New York Comic Con this weekend, knows that Doom’s new mantle will lead to the upcoming Rise of Emperor Doom miniseries next year. Avengers #19 acts as the first stepping stone, which is fitting given that MacKay was technically responsible for Doom’s new role. He also has Doom’s characterization down pat; even with the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme, he remains arrogant and steadfast in his belief that he is the force for change necessary in the world.
Doom’s vision for the world is brought to life by artist Farid Karami, who previously worked on the Black Panther: Blood Hunt miniseries. Like artists before him, Karami trafficks in big moments. A splash page features Doctor Doom in holographic form towering over the Avengers; the rest of the book features him in astral form, as if he feels they aren’t worth his time to meet in person. Another sequence has the Avengers fighting the various soldiers and warriors that fell in the desert, which feels as though it’s never-ending.
Marvel Comics
The main bulk of the issue does tackle Doom’s question, and it’s one that’s often permeated superhero fiction. Why can’t the Avengers, or Superman, or any hero use their powers to enact change on a global scale? The answer, as Iron Man and Captain Marvel point out, is that taking such radical steps could lead to war or even worse, mutually assured destruction. But their main goal is to protect the world, and to make sure one day humanity can save itself. This trope has been tackled before, but every so often you need a reminder and Avengers #19 delivers.
When it’s not dedicated to philosophical matters or would-be world conquerors, Avengers #19 also thrives on character dynamics. Whether it’s Sam Wilson and Black Panther talking about his rescue mission coming up just as his ex-wife joined the team, or Storm and Captain Marvel sharing a cup of coffee, the interactions between Avengers remain the strongest part of this series.
Avengers #19 serves as a prelude of things to come, but also a solid done-in-one story; an art that’s become a rarity in mainstream comics. With Doom poised to shape the world into his own image, one has to wonder if the Avengers will cross paths with him again.
You must be logged in to post a comment.