Corey Brotherson
Mar 31, 2008, 09:55 am
<a href="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/marvel/0308/MAVN011_col.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/marvel/0308/MAVN011_colt.jpg" align="left" hspace=10 alt="The Mighty Avengers #11"></A> Reviewer: Corey Brotherson cbrotherson@googlemail.com
“ You recognize my authority now?”
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciller: Mark Bagley
Inkers: Danny Miki with Allen Martinez
Artist [pages 2-3 & 24]: Marko Djurdjevic
Coloring: Justin Ponsor
Letterering: Artmonkeys’ Dave Lanphear
Production: Joe Sabino
Assistant Editor: Molly Lazer
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Editor In Chief: Joe Quesada
Publisher: Dan Buckley
Published by: Marvel Comics (http://www.marvel.com)
There could be a lot said about the possible statement made on American imperialism in this issue of The Mighty Avengers. You know, Iron Man coming into Doctor Doom's backyard, tearing stuff up, telling a monarch to respect his authortah and all that jazz. But then, this could hold true for many superhero books (especially given the whole Civil War thing) and is a well worn path that this British writer will not go down today. Besides, you should know by now that messing with Tony Stark only results in one thing and one thing only: he will drink your milkshake. Drink it UP.
So we'll focus on other matters for now. Namely, how good this comic is. For it is very good indeed. Nothing which will make your head pop off from originality or a sense of the extraordinary, but just an exceptionally well made comic that shines through superb writing, exemplary artwork and some wonderfully creative use of the medium's devices.
Continuing from the last couple issues where the Avengers' confrontation with Doom resulted in a time travelling adventure that would have Marty McFly crying into his frothy 1950s milkshake (Drink it UP), we see the return of the green clad one and exactly how he deals with people coming to his home uninvited. It's a full on explosion of action, laced with a rather pleasing range of characterisation that actually manages to fulfil its promise as a rather different Doom story. By its end we witness some extremely memorable moments, not to mention one of Sentry's most terrifying scenes yet, disturbing in its understated yet powerful presentation.
The mixture of art styles – Mark Bagley for the contemporary scenes, Marko Djurdjevic for the ones set in the thirtieth century – work like a charm, forming with the story rather than just the need to show off. Both artists have a great sense of storytelling, with a clean and elegant method that makes both action and its contrasting moments easy to follow without ever sacrificing detail. Bagley in particular, who can capture both easily and often on the same page, is magnificent. The subtle looks and mannerisms of each character he draws are telling for all the right reasons, and it’s never been more important given the identity crisis of Secret Invasion. Special note must also go to the colours of Justin Ponsor, which give the book a spectacular set of hues and vibrancy through some stunning pyrotechnic scenes (not to mention lovely green eyed symbolism), when coupled with the sterling pencils of Bagley (who is more than brilliantly complemented by Danny Miki and Allen Martinez - look at some of Bagley's work with an average inker compared to the work here with these two, the difference is startling) makes for a visual feast of superheroics. And I say this with hyperbole because each page comes to life visually despite the sheer amount of dialogue that nearly crowds things.
The reason it's so crowded is mostly because of the large amount of information given and the constant use of thought bubbles. Yes, Brian Michael Bendis does indeed go into overdrive with them here. However, rather than simply disparage their occasionally overbearing appearance, it’s worth asking yourself why the writer has gone so keenly down this path.
The answer comes in the realisation of what a very smart move this is and what function it serves. The impending Secret Invasion means we as readers are forever trying to second guess the identities of the Marvel Universe at large. Previous issues of The Mighty Avengers had us glean that potentially whoever’s thoughts we’re privy to couldn’t truly be a Skrull. Now with the overabundance of thought bubbles, the waters are muddied much more. Characters such as Black Widow and even Doctor Doom who were suspected to be green skinned shape changers suddenly have their thoughts shown to us, instantly creating doubt over if they truly are as sinister as they appear – and now it presents a disguise so convincing that it pervades the fourth wall. We’re put in a position similar to the characters in our confusion over who we trust, where the dramatic irony and knowledge we had in knowing their thoughts is used against us. It’s a superbly smart move, a clever piece of narrative that has thematic use as much as it does stylistic.
At the same time, we’re made aware that these thoughts we’re now seeing are even more important through their content and context. The biggest clue is how we’re given these glimpses in situations which lend themselves to obvious thoughts – those in battle will think fairly predictable things relating to the dire nature of their situation. It’s those whose thoughts are made outside of that remit we should be wary of, and that’s where things get interesting. Note the looks across the faces of Stark, Hill, Spider Woman and Black Widow in the final scenes, where two characters are happy and two others show displeasure for different reasons. Both Hill and Widow could be deemed as Skrulls for their reactions, while the same could be levelled at their subjects, albeit to a far less degree given both Spider Woman and Stark currently appear to be who they actually are.
Similarly, we get a look into the mind of Doom for the first time in a while, which remains consistent to his character and throws forward the question of just who would profit from possibly engineering a situation to remove one of the most dangerous beings on Earth off the chessboard? Who indeed.
It’s questions like these which make The Mighty Avengers as much fun as it is, blending slambang superhero action with suspense and intrigue building up to Marvel’s big event. It’s been a frustrating ride, true, but very much a fun one, underlined nicely in this issue.
This is the perfect prelude to Secret Invasion and an excellent comic, to boot. The mixture of the relevant (the biggest clues to who some Skrulls are on the team), the surprising (bringing Doom back in such a memorable way), the humorous (“you saw Luke Cage naked?”) and more makes The Mighty Avengers a great, great read, and rounds off my favourite arc of the series yet. Sure, it's not the outright best superhero book of the week (that would have to be the enchantingly wonderful All Star Superman), but I'll be damned if it isn't one of the most enjoyable.
Drink it up.
OVERALL:
http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/avfull.jpghttp://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/avfull.jpghttp://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/avfull.jpghttp://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/avfull.jpghttp://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/avfull.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-WORLD and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=2628&cat=MIGHTY+AVENGERS)
“ You recognize my authority now?”
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciller: Mark Bagley
Inkers: Danny Miki with Allen Martinez
Artist [pages 2-3 & 24]: Marko Djurdjevic
Coloring: Justin Ponsor
Letterering: Artmonkeys’ Dave Lanphear
Production: Joe Sabino
Assistant Editor: Molly Lazer
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Editor In Chief: Joe Quesada
Publisher: Dan Buckley
Published by: Marvel Comics (http://www.marvel.com)
There could be a lot said about the possible statement made on American imperialism in this issue of The Mighty Avengers. You know, Iron Man coming into Doctor Doom's backyard, tearing stuff up, telling a monarch to respect his authortah and all that jazz. But then, this could hold true for many superhero books (especially given the whole Civil War thing) and is a well worn path that this British writer will not go down today. Besides, you should know by now that messing with Tony Stark only results in one thing and one thing only: he will drink your milkshake. Drink it UP.
So we'll focus on other matters for now. Namely, how good this comic is. For it is very good indeed. Nothing which will make your head pop off from originality or a sense of the extraordinary, but just an exceptionally well made comic that shines through superb writing, exemplary artwork and some wonderfully creative use of the medium's devices.
Continuing from the last couple issues where the Avengers' confrontation with Doom resulted in a time travelling adventure that would have Marty McFly crying into his frothy 1950s milkshake (Drink it UP), we see the return of the green clad one and exactly how he deals with people coming to his home uninvited. It's a full on explosion of action, laced with a rather pleasing range of characterisation that actually manages to fulfil its promise as a rather different Doom story. By its end we witness some extremely memorable moments, not to mention one of Sentry's most terrifying scenes yet, disturbing in its understated yet powerful presentation.
The mixture of art styles – Mark Bagley for the contemporary scenes, Marko Djurdjevic for the ones set in the thirtieth century – work like a charm, forming with the story rather than just the need to show off. Both artists have a great sense of storytelling, with a clean and elegant method that makes both action and its contrasting moments easy to follow without ever sacrificing detail. Bagley in particular, who can capture both easily and often on the same page, is magnificent. The subtle looks and mannerisms of each character he draws are telling for all the right reasons, and it’s never been more important given the identity crisis of Secret Invasion. Special note must also go to the colours of Justin Ponsor, which give the book a spectacular set of hues and vibrancy through some stunning pyrotechnic scenes (not to mention lovely green eyed symbolism), when coupled with the sterling pencils of Bagley (who is more than brilliantly complemented by Danny Miki and Allen Martinez - look at some of Bagley's work with an average inker compared to the work here with these two, the difference is startling) makes for a visual feast of superheroics. And I say this with hyperbole because each page comes to life visually despite the sheer amount of dialogue that nearly crowds things.
The reason it's so crowded is mostly because of the large amount of information given and the constant use of thought bubbles. Yes, Brian Michael Bendis does indeed go into overdrive with them here. However, rather than simply disparage their occasionally overbearing appearance, it’s worth asking yourself why the writer has gone so keenly down this path.
The answer comes in the realisation of what a very smart move this is and what function it serves. The impending Secret Invasion means we as readers are forever trying to second guess the identities of the Marvel Universe at large. Previous issues of The Mighty Avengers had us glean that potentially whoever’s thoughts we’re privy to couldn’t truly be a Skrull. Now with the overabundance of thought bubbles, the waters are muddied much more. Characters such as Black Widow and even Doctor Doom who were suspected to be green skinned shape changers suddenly have their thoughts shown to us, instantly creating doubt over if they truly are as sinister as they appear – and now it presents a disguise so convincing that it pervades the fourth wall. We’re put in a position similar to the characters in our confusion over who we trust, where the dramatic irony and knowledge we had in knowing their thoughts is used against us. It’s a superbly smart move, a clever piece of narrative that has thematic use as much as it does stylistic.
At the same time, we’re made aware that these thoughts we’re now seeing are even more important through their content and context. The biggest clue is how we’re given these glimpses in situations which lend themselves to obvious thoughts – those in battle will think fairly predictable things relating to the dire nature of their situation. It’s those whose thoughts are made outside of that remit we should be wary of, and that’s where things get interesting. Note the looks across the faces of Stark, Hill, Spider Woman and Black Widow in the final scenes, where two characters are happy and two others show displeasure for different reasons. Both Hill and Widow could be deemed as Skrulls for their reactions, while the same could be levelled at their subjects, albeit to a far less degree given both Spider Woman and Stark currently appear to be who they actually are.
Similarly, we get a look into the mind of Doom for the first time in a while, which remains consistent to his character and throws forward the question of just who would profit from possibly engineering a situation to remove one of the most dangerous beings on Earth off the chessboard? Who indeed.
It’s questions like these which make The Mighty Avengers as much fun as it is, blending slambang superhero action with suspense and intrigue building up to Marvel’s big event. It’s been a frustrating ride, true, but very much a fun one, underlined nicely in this issue.
This is the perfect prelude to Secret Invasion and an excellent comic, to boot. The mixture of the relevant (the biggest clues to who some Skrulls are on the team), the surprising (bringing Doom back in such a memorable way), the humorous (“you saw Luke Cage naked?”) and more makes The Mighty Avengers a great, great read, and rounds off my favourite arc of the series yet. Sure, it's not the outright best superhero book of the week (that would have to be the enchantingly wonderful All Star Superman), but I'll be damned if it isn't one of the most enjoyable.
Drink it up.
OVERALL:
http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/avfull.jpghttp://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/avfull.jpghttp://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/avfull.jpghttp://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/avfull.jpghttp://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/avfull.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-WORLD and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=2628&cat=MIGHTY+AVENGERS)