Avengers #18
Written by Jonathan Hickman
Pencils by Leinil Francis Yu
Inks by Gerry Alanguilan
Colors by Sunny Gho
Letters by VC’s Cory Petit
I loved, loved, LOVED this issue of Avengers. Overall, I’ve been enjoying the series, but it really feels like things are starting to pay off. This may not be for everyone, so hang on for a few hundred more words, and I’ll try and let you know if you should buy this issue.
Last week saw the release of the Infinity mini-series, but if you didn’t pick it up that should be okay. However, if you are reading either Avengers or New Avengers it would probably be a good idea to check it out, since the events from those books tie-in pretty tightly with the event going on. All you need to know so far is a bunch of the Avengers have headed out into inter-galactic space to help the Galactic Council defend our galaxy and universe.
Anytime you open a book and are greeted by a dramatis personae page, you know you are in for a grand adventure. I read a lot of science fiction novels and series, and this has that big epic feel to it. When I say epic here, I mean it both in the sense of a grand story and in the way the youth of today use it for something full of awesome-sauce. You can find that in both the story and dialog from Hickman and in the art of Yu, Alanguilan, and Gho. There is so much detail to be found here, yet it doesn’t feel overwhelming. It’s the depth we would find so typical in a Hickman story, but not so much that would distract you from enjoying the issue on your first read through. Yes, your first read through.
This is why I loved this book. It’s that feeling that as soon as I finished reading the issue, I wanted to go back and read it again. I always do that anyways when I am reviewing, but with Avengers #18 I did it without event thinking rather than necessity.
I mentioned above that this issue works really well on its own, but it also leaves room for the tie-ins to tell their own stories. We are given a fairly large scenario, so we don’t get to see each of the characters kicking ass and taking names. If you want more time with the folks in the Quincruisers, you’ll have to check out this week’s Avengers Assemble.
While we don’t get a tremendous amount of character time with the Avengers this issue, I must say Hickman delivered with the Skrulls. Those opening few pages reflected the honor and the sometimes hard to swallow pill of humility that is found in all warriors. This panel from the first page was my favorite, as it conveys so much to what is going on with absolutely zero words.
The Verdict
Buy It! If you are remotely interested in Infinity, the Avengers, Marvel Cosmic, sci-fi, or space battles pick it up. The detailed, but not overly complicated plot offers a place for new readers to jump on.
