There is a lot to cover on Wednesdays. We should know, as collectively, we read an insane amount of comics. Even with a large review staff, it’s hard to get to everything. With that in mind, we’re back with Wrapping Wednesday, where we look at some of the books we missed in what was another great week of comics.
Let’s get this party started.
Alex + Ada #5
Written by Sarah Vaughn and Jonathan Luna
Illustrated by Jonathan Luna
Review by David Harper
I’m going to lead with a bold statement.
In my mind, Alex + Ada has been the best comic of 2014 so far.
Most of you aren’t reading it, and if I could recommend any book for someone to jump in on, it would be this one. The elements of emotional isolation and spiritual awakening are ones that anyone can connect with, and the way that is conveyed through subtle visual storytelling and lithe but powerful dialogue makes this variation on the “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” formula something more than just that: formulaic.
That’s a word I’d never use for this, and to me, it’s something that Jonathan Luna was born to tell. His stripped down, very clean art style is very befitting of this robot enhanced future, and the sentiments conveyed through Alex and Ada make this an ideal fit for the comic art form because of the audience it is targeting. This issue in itself beckons a significant change for the remainder of the series, but if you’re a comic reader looking for something special and something entirely its own, I couldn’t recommend this book more.
Final Verdict: 9.5 – Buy with all the might you have
Avengers #27
Written by Jonathan Hickman
Illustrated by Salvador Larroca
Reviewed by James Johnston
One of the biggest criticisms Hickman’s “Avengers” has drawn is the idea that it’s hardly focused on character depth. In some story lines this has proven kind of true (cough’Infinity’cough) as character took a backseat to plot. In “Avengers” #27, however, Hickman shows that he can absolutely balance plot and character. The device of having The Avengers meet alternate versions of themselves offers a world of introspection that never slows down the pace, instead leading into more developments for the ever-growing Hickman Avengers Mythology. The pace works wonderfully with Salvador Larroca whose art makes this issue feel like a grand Silver Age story. If I had to compare it to any other work, “Avengers” has, with this issue, reached the scale of Morrison and Porter’s “JLA” where grand cosmic plot and character work has melded together quite nicely.
Final Verdict: 7.6 – Buy!
Uncanny Avengers #18.NOW
Written by Rick Remender
Illustrated by Daniel Acuna
Reviewed by Zach Wilkerson
It’s arguable that the Apocalypse Twin/Ragnarok Now stretched a little thin. However, “Uncanny Avengers” comes back to form in a major way with the first issue of ‘Avenge the Earth.’ The book has a (very) strange new status quo, a new mission, and feels fresh in most every way. The return of Daniel Acuna is certainly welcome, as the artist delivers a stunning realization of the all-mutant civilization known as “Planet X.” Remender carries on the Claremont-ian vibe, with a very melodramatic inner monologue from Havok. However, the issue also carries a strong “Uncanny X-Force” influence. The setting calls to mind to “Age of Apocalypse” issues of “Uncanny X-Force,” casting several Marvel heroes and villains in a new light. Not every characterization works perfectly. Magneto, for instance, feels a far cry from his recent appearances in Bendis’ X-books. Of course, a “No More Humans” world is sure to do a number on one’s worldview. The book ends with a massive revelation that calls to mind “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” and is sure to get many a Marvel fan hot and bothered. All in all, the issue is a solid step forward and tease for exciting things to come.
Final Verdict: 8.0 – Buy.
