New Avengers #8 – Review

by Brian Michael Bendis (writer) and Daniel Acuna (artist)

The Story: Luke Cage and Jessica Jones go out on a date.  Yeah, that’s not going to go uninterrupted.

What’s Good: It’s always nice when a creator gets to work with characters that he/she knows like the back of his hand, and that’s what we get here.  I guess it’s no surprise given how much he’s worked with Cage and Jones, but it’s clear that Bendis has a great deal of love for these characters, and that really shines through this monthly, ultimately making for a fun read, with Bendis’ affection for his characters ending up being pretty darned infectious.

There’s a lot of dialogue this month, but it’s actually really, really good, showcasing Bendis at his best.  There’s next to no Bendis speak and the writer manages to effortlessly put together serious issues (is Jessica going to return to superheroing?), humour (“Power Woman”), and character history all into one giant conversation.  What makes it such an enjoyable read though is not only Bendis’ comfort level with the characters, but also his ability to write a really good husband-wife banter.  There’s constant teasing and ribbing to overlay the obvious love and concern these two have for each other, and it ends up being not only a fun dynamic, but also one that feels honest, human, and realistic.

While important issues are touched upon and emotions are genuine, I do also want to emphasize that this issue is also pretty damned funny when it wants to be.  The running joke regarding Jessica Jones’ new superhero name is sure to get a laugh and the concluding dialogue between Luke and Spider-Man at issue’s end truly made me laugh out loud.

Raising this all up another level is Daniel Acuna’s impressive, moody painted artwork.  In an issue that spends a good chunk of time on two characters conversing at a dinner table, Acuna is able to add a lot of detail, atmosphere, and subtlety to the work, making things look far more interesting than they have any right to be.  His actions scenes are also surprisingly fluid and at all times impressive.  Certainly, there is only one Daniel Acuna.

New Avengers #38 – Review

By Brian Bendis (writer), Michael Gaydos (art), Jose Villarrubia (colors)

When I was picking this up from the local comic store, I overheard the clerks saying this issue was Alias all over again. I had no idea what they were talking about until I opened it up. Michael Gaydos (the artist on Alias) has reunited with Brian Bendis and how poignant it is that this issue starts off at the Alias Investigation Office.

Things get heated in this issue between Jessica Jones and Luke Cage. Jessica has registered as a super-human and is now living in Avengers Tower. Luke feels completely betrayed, not only because Jessica has fled, but because she took their child too. Luke, who’s pretty furious at this point confronts her. Jessica keeps herself composed for most of the argument, but inflames the problem by tossing in a few verbal jabs here and there. Bendis writes their dialogue in such a realistic way, that it’s hard not to sympathize with each character. This book really should have been called Avengers: Kramer Vs. Kramer, because that’s what ultimately plays out.  And shame on Jarvis for eavesdropping on their argument! Dirty old men, I tell ya.

Eventually, the “registered” Avengers come into the mix to apprehend, but Ms. Marvel, Queen of the Sellouts, let’s him go once again (this is like the third time she’s let him go in the last two months). Before Luke walks away, he opens a big can of worms.

This issue features no action or fist throwing, but plays upon a story that’s been building for a long time. The “Secret Invasion, Infiltration” title on the cover is a bit misleading, so don’t expect any revelations. All in all, a solid read. (Grade: B)

– J. Montes