Avengers #2 – Review

by Brian Michael Bendis (writer), John Romita Jr. (pencils), Klaus Janson (inks), Dean White (colors), and Cory Petit (letters)

The Story: The Avengers attempt to build a time machine with disastrous result and Wonder Man decides that it’s time for action.

What’s Good: This issue is a definite improvement.  Unlike last month’s unfortunate misstep, this issue has a solid structure and feels far more cohesive and organic in its plot developments and narrative progression as many of the growing pains begin to ease out.

I think a lot of this greater cohesion comes from this issue’s really spelling out the niche for this particular Avengers title.  Free from Dark Reign aftermath and such, the book is allowed to do what it was intended to do, which is delve into the high level, almost cosmic styled adventures reminiscent of classic Avengers comics.  Things are quickly gaining that wacky feel that lets you know that you’re getting increasingly distanced from street level, which is a refreshing shift from Marvel’s direction over the past while.  There’s a greater sense of camp and escapism and the book is finding its identity.

I found myself intrigued most of all by Wonder Man’s sudden, violent involvement.  It’s a promising development and I appreciated the Avengers’ fear of Simon becoming another Sentry or Scarlet Witch type debacle.  Wonder Man himself may serve as an opportunity for the Avengers to prove Simon himself wrong; that the Avengers can avoid repeating the mistakes of old, preventing rather than causing destruction.

Romita also shows improvement.  His art feels a lot more fun and comfortable with itself and while Maria Hill still looks weird as hell, there are, overall, far fewer oddities.

Weekly Comic Book Review’s Top Picks

Ray’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: DMZ #54– Brian Wood delivered in last week’s installment of DMZ, as the issue was packed with good dialogue and amazing unique cinematic-esque art from Riccardo Burchielli.

Most Anticipated: Batman: The Return Of Bruce Wayne #3 – Two reasons… A) It’s Batman in the high seas…. and B) I now feel justified and unashamed for owning this.

Other Top Picks: Superman #700, Detective #866, Incorruptible #7, Amazing Spider-Man #635,  X-Men Legacy #237, Powers #5

Alex’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: New Avengers #1 -The best issue of the week, for me, was also the biggest surprise of the week.  I honestly expected mediocrity but got a whole lot of fun instead.  I’ve gone from the classic comic reader conundrum of buying out of a sense of obligation to genuinely looking forward to the next issue.

Most Anticipated: Legion of Super-Heroes #2 -The first issue was such an absolute blast that I can’t wait to see how Levitz follows it up.  Hopefully it’s just as dense of a read.

Other Picks: American Vampire #4, Avengers #2, Batman: the Return of Bruce Wayne #3, Fantastic Four #580, Powers #5, Secret Warriors #17, Superman #700, Wolverine: Weapon X #14, Zatanna #2

Dean’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Forgetless #5 – This issue shows why Nick Spencer is one of the better up-and-coming creators out there.  Good endings are hard and in this issue he shows that he not only is a font of the weird and wacky, he can also bring the story home in a very enjoyable fashion.

Most Anticipated: American Vampire #4 – There are a lot of big name books coming out this week, but when I scanned down the list, I realized this is the title I was actually looking forward to the most.  I’ve really enjoyed the work that Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque (and some dude named Stephen King) have been doing to create a story about vampires than isn’t just appealing to teenage goth chicks.

Other Top Picks: Avengers #2, X-Men Legacy #237, Sea Bear & Grizzly Shark #1, Powers #5, Amazing Spider-Man #635

DS’ Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Brightest Day #4 – One of DC’s proven creative teams is taking Brightest Day up and issue #4 swiped this week’s crown. I know some are complaining that Brightest Day is starting slow, but that’s because Johns and Tomasi are writing an epic. Think of Lord of the Rings. Brightest Day is in that spot where they’ve decided to take the ring to Rivendell, but haven’t left the Shire yet. A Johns story needs a lot of canvas, but strap yourself in for a great ride.

Most Anticipated: Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #3 – Darkseid has set something bad in motion – Bruce is hurtling towards the present like a living WMD and he doesn’t know it.

Other Top Picks: Green Lantern Corps #49, Legion of Superheroes #2, Power Girl #13, Namora #1, X-Factor #206, X-Men Legacy #237.