Erwin Rafael
Jan 30, 2002, 12:18 pm
{Originally posted at X-Fan v3.0 on December 1, 2001}
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/avengv3-48.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/avengv3-48t.jpg" align=left alt="Avengers (3rd series) #48"></a>Reviewer: Erwin Rafael, 3rdsummers@edsamail.com.ph
Quick Rating: Great!
Story Title: War Plan "A"
The "Kang War" kicks into high gear as the Avengers assault Damocles Base alongside a fleet of Sentinels!
Written by: Kurt Busiek
Cover by: Kieron Dwyer & John Estes
Pencilled by: Kieron Dwyer
Inked by: Rick Remender
Lettered by: Richard Starkings & Comicraft's Albert Deschesne
Colored by: Tom Smith
Assistant Editors: Marc Sumerak & Jeff Youngquist
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Editor-in-Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas
I highly anticipated this issue for four main reasons. For one, this is the first Avengers issue since Kurt Busiek announced his upcoming departure from the title. Second, this is the first issue for the new regular art team of Kieron Dwyer and Rick Remender. Third, this is also the second time the "100 Page Monster" would visit the Avengers title. And last but not least, this, for me, is a "make-or-break" issue for the Kang story arc, which last issue felt like it has been stretched out too long already.
In contrast to last issue's slow and deliberate pace, Busiek pushed the overdrive button this issue as we throttled through five different subplots at the same time. Busiek deftly managed to keep this issue from becoming utter scattermindedness and made it an interesting and coherent read. However, the sheer number of subplots he tried to fit into 22 pages of story made me feel that nothing much has happened with some of the subplots, and left me wishing that they granted more of the 100 pages to the main story of this issue, rather than the not-so-good reprints (which I'll tackle later).
The lead story of this issue, as the cover suggests, is the Avengers' assault against Kang's Damocles Base as Captain America leads Photon, Jack Of Hearts, and the Scarlet Witch in an effort to break through Damocles' force field. While they had a brief moment of success when the Scarlet Centurion made a mental lapse, Kang quickly turned the tables on them. This led the U.S. government to proceed with their back-up plan to launch a fleet of Sentinels against Kang, a plan which, in typical Sentinel fashion, backfired.
Busiek truly loves classic Avengers villains. Whether it be Ultron in "Ultron Unlimited", or Count Nefaria in George Perez's final storyline, Busiek has always written them as opponents worthy of Earth's Mightiest Heroes' mettle. His treatment of Kang is no exception, and he may prove to be the Avengers' most dangerous opponent yet as he showed this issue how effortlessly he can dispose of the Avengers. This issue's ending, with Kang leading the Sentinel fleet in his retaliation against Earth, reminded me how I felt when I reached the ending of Avengers #21, the penultimate issue of "Ultron Unlimited". How will the Avengers get out of this situation? There are no clues in sight, and I have this dreaded feeling that Kang might actually score a victory next issue. Busiek has promised that next month's issue, which is the 'Nuff Said silent month issue, would show us the power of Kang. This issue's cliffhanger could very well prove his statements to be true.
Since I am doing this review for an X-Men site, I would like to say as an aside that it was a good thing Grant Morrison has decided to "evolve" the Sentinels recently in New X-Men. The big old Sentinels used in this issue of Avengers is further proof of their ineffectivity against good villains; a point that has also been raised recently in the pages of Ultimate X-Men.
Back to the issue at hand, and the second major subplot this issue is Warbird and company's infiltration of the Master of the World's stronghold. Their mission was a success, although it came about through some questionable actions by Warbird. Actions which could lead to another court martial? Could very well be. And for Master of the World fans out there, I highly doubt that he'll be making any further appearances after this issue! Granted, he's come back from worse, but you never know...
I really appreciate Busiek's development of Warbird's character. Under his writing, Carol Danvers has returned to being one of the strongest female characters in Marvel Comics. It's not because of her powers, which actually are at an all-time low these days, but rather because of how well-rounded her character has become. She gives the Avengers an "edge", a role which could very well be compared to Wolverine's role in the X-Men. And it's a good thing that Busiek used a female to fill that role in the roster of Earth's Mightiest.
While those two main storylines provided for really good reading this issue, the three other subplots felt like they ran out of page space. It would seem that the subplot concerning Quasar's discovery of a pyramid like object from space is connected to the Triune Understanding subplot. However, we were not provided with any new information regarding the coming "triple evil", other than a reiteration of what has been said in the last few months. I would also like to say that I am quite sad that the idea of having Vision infiltrate the ranks of the Triunes won't be realized. I was really curious how the teachings of the Triune could affect an emotionally-messed-up man, er, android like Vision, but now, it appears that it was just a plot device to have the Vision around the Triune complex when the "triple evil" comes to Earth.
My biggest disappointment this issue, however, is the scene between Thor and Firebird. When Thor first questioned his attachment to mortals in issue #44, I was actually delighted at how brilliant Busiek was in coming up with that perfectly valid question. Since then, that question has been touched upon in issue #45 and again here. And so far, no progress has been made. Thor is still questioning his attachment to mortals and Firebird is still convincing him to give her a chance to change his mind. I really hope that something would come out of this ASAP, because right now, it feels like these scenes are just being inserted to remind the readers that that subplot still exists.
Part of the problem with the writing, I think, is because Busiek designed the Kang story as a loosely structured epic, just like what he did with Avengers Forever. Writing in a loose structure meant that Busiek just assigned "signposts" or specific events that he needs to hit in a particular issue, and he just winged it from there. While he magically found a consistent pace in the Avengers Forever, this storyline so far has been erratic, with some very slow issues and some cramped issues. This issue feels like one of the more cramped ones. Don't get me wrong - the writing is still topnotch, and the dialogues are still very much in character. It's just that the story is not as evenly spaced out as one would have wanted. The Triune and Thor/Firebird subplots, for example, could have used some of the pages in last issue, which spent unnecessarily numerous pages in developing the Warbird-Scarlet Centurion relationship.
While the writing have its ups and downs, the art this issue has been superb. When I first heard of the announcement that Kieron Dwyer would be the next regular artist of the Avengers, I wasn't exactly thrilled. You see, I have these old John Byrne Danger Unlimited issues, and they contain back-up stories titled "Torch of Liberty" which were drawn by Dwyer. Looking at those pieces of art, I cannot imagine how he could draw the Avengers. But when I opened this issue, I actually asked myself, "Is this Kieron?!" His style has evolved, and while it is not exactly a Perez or a Davis, it does have that strange appeal a-la Stuart Immonen and Howard Porter coupled with some cartoony effect. He does not have that "classic" look, but he does have that "epic" look which fits the Avengers nicely. I like how he draws the faces of characters distinctively - a must for an artist in a team book. His storytelling is unique but still logical. It's a nice change of pace from the Avengers' trend of having pencillers of "heavy hitter" status. Who knows? Maybe Kieron actually have the chops to become a "heavy hitter" and it just hasn't been realized yet.
Regarding the reprints, that actually is my biggest complaint for this package. I think the original thought behind the "Monster" issues is to provide readers with cheap reprints of material relating to the current story. Sadly, the chosen reprints in this "Monster" issue, which are Avengers (Vol 1) #98-100, has no relation whatsoever to Kang and feels like they have been chosen just because they don't stand a chance to reprinted elsewhere. I think it would have been wiser if they just included Avengers Forever #9, which is the basic summary of Kang's history, or even Kang's two-part "Wild West" story from Avengers West Coast. As it is, I didn't feel that the reprints were worth the extra money I spent, although the nifty glossy cardstock cover and the high quality paper are actually nice. Those who really love classic Marvel stories, though, might want to check this out.
In closing, without taking the reprints into consideration, this is a pretty good installment of the "Kang War". The story may be cramped, but the non-stop action gives me a feeling that Busiek would be making his exit with a definite bang. I am anxiously awaiting next issue, which I think would feel like that well-done 20 minute bombing scene in the recent Pearl Harbor movie. Dwyer would be given a chance to let loose in 'Nuff Said silent month fashion, and this issue made me want more Dwyer art. Bring on issue #49!
ART:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xhalf.jpg
STORY:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xhalf.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xnone.jpg
OVERALL:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xnone.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics (http://www.x-worldcomics.com/x/bstore/newbooksmain.html) and save!
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/avengv3-48.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/avengv3-48t.jpg" align=left alt="Avengers (3rd series) #48"></a>Reviewer: Erwin Rafael, 3rdsummers@edsamail.com.ph
Quick Rating: Great!
Story Title: War Plan "A"
The "Kang War" kicks into high gear as the Avengers assault Damocles Base alongside a fleet of Sentinels!
Written by: Kurt Busiek
Cover by: Kieron Dwyer & John Estes
Pencilled by: Kieron Dwyer
Inked by: Rick Remender
Lettered by: Richard Starkings & Comicraft's Albert Deschesne
Colored by: Tom Smith
Assistant Editors: Marc Sumerak & Jeff Youngquist
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Editor-in-Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas
I highly anticipated this issue for four main reasons. For one, this is the first Avengers issue since Kurt Busiek announced his upcoming departure from the title. Second, this is the first issue for the new regular art team of Kieron Dwyer and Rick Remender. Third, this is also the second time the "100 Page Monster" would visit the Avengers title. And last but not least, this, for me, is a "make-or-break" issue for the Kang story arc, which last issue felt like it has been stretched out too long already.
In contrast to last issue's slow and deliberate pace, Busiek pushed the overdrive button this issue as we throttled through five different subplots at the same time. Busiek deftly managed to keep this issue from becoming utter scattermindedness and made it an interesting and coherent read. However, the sheer number of subplots he tried to fit into 22 pages of story made me feel that nothing much has happened with some of the subplots, and left me wishing that they granted more of the 100 pages to the main story of this issue, rather than the not-so-good reprints (which I'll tackle later).
The lead story of this issue, as the cover suggests, is the Avengers' assault against Kang's Damocles Base as Captain America leads Photon, Jack Of Hearts, and the Scarlet Witch in an effort to break through Damocles' force field. While they had a brief moment of success when the Scarlet Centurion made a mental lapse, Kang quickly turned the tables on them. This led the U.S. government to proceed with their back-up plan to launch a fleet of Sentinels against Kang, a plan which, in typical Sentinel fashion, backfired.
Busiek truly loves classic Avengers villains. Whether it be Ultron in "Ultron Unlimited", or Count Nefaria in George Perez's final storyline, Busiek has always written them as opponents worthy of Earth's Mightiest Heroes' mettle. His treatment of Kang is no exception, and he may prove to be the Avengers' most dangerous opponent yet as he showed this issue how effortlessly he can dispose of the Avengers. This issue's ending, with Kang leading the Sentinel fleet in his retaliation against Earth, reminded me how I felt when I reached the ending of Avengers #21, the penultimate issue of "Ultron Unlimited". How will the Avengers get out of this situation? There are no clues in sight, and I have this dreaded feeling that Kang might actually score a victory next issue. Busiek has promised that next month's issue, which is the 'Nuff Said silent month issue, would show us the power of Kang. This issue's cliffhanger could very well prove his statements to be true.
Since I am doing this review for an X-Men site, I would like to say as an aside that it was a good thing Grant Morrison has decided to "evolve" the Sentinels recently in New X-Men. The big old Sentinels used in this issue of Avengers is further proof of their ineffectivity against good villains; a point that has also been raised recently in the pages of Ultimate X-Men.
Back to the issue at hand, and the second major subplot this issue is Warbird and company's infiltration of the Master of the World's stronghold. Their mission was a success, although it came about through some questionable actions by Warbird. Actions which could lead to another court martial? Could very well be. And for Master of the World fans out there, I highly doubt that he'll be making any further appearances after this issue! Granted, he's come back from worse, but you never know...
I really appreciate Busiek's development of Warbird's character. Under his writing, Carol Danvers has returned to being one of the strongest female characters in Marvel Comics. It's not because of her powers, which actually are at an all-time low these days, but rather because of how well-rounded her character has become. She gives the Avengers an "edge", a role which could very well be compared to Wolverine's role in the X-Men. And it's a good thing that Busiek used a female to fill that role in the roster of Earth's Mightiest.
While those two main storylines provided for really good reading this issue, the three other subplots felt like they ran out of page space. It would seem that the subplot concerning Quasar's discovery of a pyramid like object from space is connected to the Triune Understanding subplot. However, we were not provided with any new information regarding the coming "triple evil", other than a reiteration of what has been said in the last few months. I would also like to say that I am quite sad that the idea of having Vision infiltrate the ranks of the Triunes won't be realized. I was really curious how the teachings of the Triune could affect an emotionally-messed-up man, er, android like Vision, but now, it appears that it was just a plot device to have the Vision around the Triune complex when the "triple evil" comes to Earth.
My biggest disappointment this issue, however, is the scene between Thor and Firebird. When Thor first questioned his attachment to mortals in issue #44, I was actually delighted at how brilliant Busiek was in coming up with that perfectly valid question. Since then, that question has been touched upon in issue #45 and again here. And so far, no progress has been made. Thor is still questioning his attachment to mortals and Firebird is still convincing him to give her a chance to change his mind. I really hope that something would come out of this ASAP, because right now, it feels like these scenes are just being inserted to remind the readers that that subplot still exists.
Part of the problem with the writing, I think, is because Busiek designed the Kang story as a loosely structured epic, just like what he did with Avengers Forever. Writing in a loose structure meant that Busiek just assigned "signposts" or specific events that he needs to hit in a particular issue, and he just winged it from there. While he magically found a consistent pace in the Avengers Forever, this storyline so far has been erratic, with some very slow issues and some cramped issues. This issue feels like one of the more cramped ones. Don't get me wrong - the writing is still topnotch, and the dialogues are still very much in character. It's just that the story is not as evenly spaced out as one would have wanted. The Triune and Thor/Firebird subplots, for example, could have used some of the pages in last issue, which spent unnecessarily numerous pages in developing the Warbird-Scarlet Centurion relationship.
While the writing have its ups and downs, the art this issue has been superb. When I first heard of the announcement that Kieron Dwyer would be the next regular artist of the Avengers, I wasn't exactly thrilled. You see, I have these old John Byrne Danger Unlimited issues, and they contain back-up stories titled "Torch of Liberty" which were drawn by Dwyer. Looking at those pieces of art, I cannot imagine how he could draw the Avengers. But when I opened this issue, I actually asked myself, "Is this Kieron?!" His style has evolved, and while it is not exactly a Perez or a Davis, it does have that strange appeal a-la Stuart Immonen and Howard Porter coupled with some cartoony effect. He does not have that "classic" look, but he does have that "epic" look which fits the Avengers nicely. I like how he draws the faces of characters distinctively - a must for an artist in a team book. His storytelling is unique but still logical. It's a nice change of pace from the Avengers' trend of having pencillers of "heavy hitter" status. Who knows? Maybe Kieron actually have the chops to become a "heavy hitter" and it just hasn't been realized yet.
Regarding the reprints, that actually is my biggest complaint for this package. I think the original thought behind the "Monster" issues is to provide readers with cheap reprints of material relating to the current story. Sadly, the chosen reprints in this "Monster" issue, which are Avengers (Vol 1) #98-100, has no relation whatsoever to Kang and feels like they have been chosen just because they don't stand a chance to reprinted elsewhere. I think it would have been wiser if they just included Avengers Forever #9, which is the basic summary of Kang's history, or even Kang's two-part "Wild West" story from Avengers West Coast. As it is, I didn't feel that the reprints were worth the extra money I spent, although the nifty glossy cardstock cover and the high quality paper are actually nice. Those who really love classic Marvel stories, though, might want to check this out.
In closing, without taking the reprints into consideration, this is a pretty good installment of the "Kang War". The story may be cramped, but the non-stop action gives me a feeling that Busiek would be making his exit with a definite bang. I am anxiously awaiting next issue, which I think would feel like that well-done 20 minute bombing scene in the recent Pearl Harbor movie. Dwyer would be given a chance to let loose in 'Nuff Said silent month fashion, and this issue made me want more Dwyer art. Bring on issue #49!
ART:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xhalf.jpg
STORY:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xhalf.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xnone.jpg
OVERALL:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xnone.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics (http://www.x-worldcomics.com/x/bstore/newbooksmain.html) and save!