COMIC BOOK REVIEW: Avengers #2
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Jerome Opeña
Jonathan Hickman and Jerome Opeña continue to deliver the goods with the second issue of Marvel NOW!’s main Avengers ongoing. This issue is a little heavier on exposition than the first, switching between the origins of Ex Nihilo – the first “baddie” that this new team has to deal with – and the assembly of this roster.
It’s refreshing to read a non-Bendis Avengers book, mainly because now, not everyone sounds like a smart-ass trying to out-quip the others. (Hickman doesn’t seem to be updated on Spider-Man now, though – he’s been out of that financial rut for a looooooong time already.) He also takes the time to develop the less popular characters like Manifold and Hyperion, as well as provide a legitimate reason for Sunspot and Cannonball to join the team. While I’m not very excited about this roster, Hickman has convinced me that it can work.
Opeña’s art continues to impress me. It has an almost storybook-like quality to it, while maintaining the realistic aspects that really add impact to a superhero book. It’s as if I were reading a book on mythological figures, or a fairy tale; rightfully so, since we’re dealing with a team comprised of literary legends in their own right. I kind of wish he did the covers, too – I’m not a fan of the rather thick and wide-jawed renditions of Black Widow and the other characters on the cover.
It seems as if we’re finally getting the big battle we’ve been waiting for next issue. I can’t wait to see the full roster assembled, maybe on a two-page spread, charging towards the enemy, with Captain America calling out, “Avengers Assemble!”
VERDICT: 4/5
This title continues to impress. Pick this up – you’ll be missing out on a great story if you don’t.
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