The fun thing that comes along with “lost” stories like this is how writers can capture old character aspects long gone, or dynamics that worked, but have been retired; that’s the case with this new series written by Mark Waid, but is it good?
Avengers #2.1 (Marvel Comics)
So what’s it about? Read our preview to find out more.
Why does this book matter?
Avengers #1.1 was a blast from the past that played well with old school character traits like Hawkeye being a newly minted hero along with Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch having a recently villainous past. Captain America is saddled with these new heroes and he’s a bit grumpy about it all. It’s a fun dynamic that Waid might be able to mine for a long time, let alone this second issue.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Maybe he’s just lost?
Avengers #2.1 has a consistent inner monologue of Quicksilver running alongside caption boxes that help give it a singular voice amongst the team shenanigans. These captions have a snappy, smarmy tone that remind the reader Quicksilver is a reluctant hero and Avenger. He’s really only there to take care of his sister and this perspective gives the book a refreshing feel. As the characters take on giant monsters, encounter the X-Men, and eventually take on a new threat his captions keep you attuned with his skeptical takeaways.
Captain America and Hawkeye continue to be fun characters in this series too. Hawkeye likes to give Cap crap and Cap is slowly growing more tired of it. They trade insults and comebacks like the best of them. Character interactions and their dynamics is one of the biggest reasons to enjoy this series and it’s on point in this issue.
There’s also plenty of action to enjoy too. The old school feel of the book continues, with Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch carrying foreign accents and characters making somewhat obtuse references (like name dropping Methuselah). The action has old school vibes too thanks to Barry Kitson’s pencils. The art isn’t hyper detailed as we’ve come to expect from primo titles these days, but it’s competent and very good at capturing the monsters and powers of the characters. There’s nothing subtle about the characters’ facial expressions and that continues in the same vein of the old school charm.
The plot thickens quite nicely by its end as Waid plays into the “Pretenders” name the press has given them. Clearly these characters want respect and a new character introduced near the end of the issue promises to nullify the “pretender” moniker they’ve acquired…but at what cost? Considering the cliffhanger a big one.
It can’t be perfect can it?
I’m still a little confused as to why the main Avengers like Thor aren’t involved with the team. It doesn’t come up at all in this issue – and was somewhat explained in the last issue – but it seems strange without a strong explanation.
Fun captions.
Is It Good?
This is enjoyable comics with a classic feel. The heroes may have more problems than any villains as their personalities clash for high entertainment value.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login