With most of the set up out of the way, the second issue of Marvel’s mega-event “Avengers vs. X-Men” is where the main event really begins. And, friends, I’m here to tell you, if this issue’s any indication of the way things are going to be, “Avengers vs. X’Men” is well on its way to becoming Marvel Comics’ biggest slobberknocker ever!
More reviewin’ after the jump! As a note, there are some mild spoilers ahead.
Written by Jason Aaron
Illustrated by John Romita Jr.– As The Opening Shot Is Fired, The Avengers Storm The Beach Of Utopia, And The Phoenix Draws Ever Nearer To Earth!
– But Which Side Will Wolverine Fight On?
– And What Choice Will Hope Make That Will Change The Direction And Scope Of The Conflict Dramatically?
“Avengers vs. X-Men” is pretty brilliant. You have Marvel’s most popular creators shoving together their most successful franchises in a narrative spinning out of each groups’ most noteworthy story. ‘The Dark Phoenix Saga’ is not only considered one of the greatest X-Men stories, but one of great comic stories of all time. And while ‘Avengers Disassembled’ might not be as “classic”, it successfully revitalized the series and gave birth to an unlikely franchise that has defined Marvel’s success for the better part of a decade. Toss in every character that’s even been remotely associated with either team in the last thirty years, and you’ve covered just about every possible fan base there is, and you end up with a book that has something for everybody. It’s a no-brainer.
As an aside, the whole thing kind of reminds me of Jim Shooter explaining how the title for “Secret Wars” was conceived:
We went through a number of ideas for names for the toy line and series. Mattel’s focus group tests indicated that kids reacted positively to the words “wars” and “secret.” Okay.
Sometimes it’s the simplest ideas that make the most sense, but I digress…
The fight card in “Avengers vs. X-Men” #2 breaks down like this: Red Hulk vs. Colossus, Namor vs. Luke Cage, Emma Frost vs. Iron Man (with some help from Magneto), Dr. Strange vs. Magik, and round two for Cyclops and Captain America. Each of these confrontations feels pretty natural, escalating just enough to where you want to see more before breaking off (presumably) into one of many tie-ins.
Superhero-multi-brawl highpoint of the issue? Definitely diamond-Emma Frost tagging Iron Man in the breadbasket with the caption “The most expensive punch in history.” A close second would have to be Dr. Strange squaring off with (the chillingly creepy) Magik in fiery pits of Limbo. Both were really good moments, and reminded me of why I like all of these characters to begin with.
Jason Aaron handles scripting duties on #2, taking the handoff from fellow Architect Brian Michael Bendis who scripted #1, and he doesn’t miss a beat. Aaron delivers his trademark swagger and witty narration over some pretty epic action sequences, and his fight commentary was a welcome change from Bendis’ tendancy to have characters just kind of say whatever in the middle of the action. The continuation of Cyclops and Captain America’s throw down is notable too, as I was genuinely moved by both men’s impassioned arguments this time around. Cyclops’motivation in particular came off as a little forced in the previous issue, but Aaron has him talk directly to Cap about Jean — “I don’t need you or anyone else to remind me of my DEAD WIFE!” — instantly making his position more relatable, letting him sort of pull rank on Captain Freaking America. Big moment that’s underplayed, but I thought it was a good choice.
Penciler John Romita Jr. (masterfully inked by Scott Hanna) just blows this one away. JRJR was (almost literally) born to draw comics like this, and from page one to the end, he delivers some of his best work in recent memory. Who can say if it’s a difference in scripting or what, but his storytelling seems to have cleaned up just a little bit under Aaron. More panels per page with less characters speaking really plays to JRJR’s strengths, and in the case of “Avengers vs. X-Men” #2, those strengths are on display for all to see. It also doesn’t hurt that Romita’s version of Iron Man, Wolverine, and Spider-man are all personal favorites of mine, so I can’t help but get excited when he gets to draw those guys.
Two weeks ago, Multiversity EIC Matthew Meylikhov took a look at the first issue of “Avengers vs. X’men”, and while he didn’t give the book 10 out of 10, he had a mostly positive opinion of the series’ kickoff. Like Matt, I set aside any reservations I might’ve had about the whole series, removed my helmet, and put it out of my head that I ever had a safety belt. And don’t judge me for turning my brain off, because “Avengers vs. X-Men” isn’t about making highbrow comics, or comics for the Eisners. This is about Avengers fighting X-Men. X-Men fighting Avengers. And if you’re coming to the party looking for something more, well… well, you might actually be pleasantly surprised.
Final Verdict: 8.5 – Buy
