The first issue of the New Avengers was pretty ho-hum. Now that the obligatory setup is out of the way, however, let’s see where writer Al Ewing can take things.
Is it good?
New Avengers #2 (Marvel Comics)
The Lowdown
Our New Avengers are surrounded on all sides by strange, crystal-headed people/zombies in Paris. Can our newly formed team save the day… without falling prey to whatever got the citizens infected in the first place?
Meanwhile, the Maker is up to no good with his special plan to contact the dead for… certain reasons involving the events of Secret Wars it would seem.
The Yays
Marvel does double-shipping right! Ewing brings his first story arc to a close in this second issue and he improves on the problems from the first issue: characters are given more chances to shine, their powers and skills are better explained and the fusion of superheroism and science in the form of the team’s new A.I.M. work offers plenty of promise. Since these first two issues came out right away in one month, we didn’t have to wait as long for this issue and the narrative benefits greatly as a result.
New Avengers #2 features well-crafted sequences where the characters work together to beat the “zombies,” and also raises the stakes, as two of the characters get crystal headed infected. The ending features a gripping, ominous hook as well. Frankly, if you held off on the first issue, now would be a good time to grab it and this issue, since both of them together give you a better first impression of the series.
The Nays
While improved in areas, the book still has some problems — namely with its lack of characterization; Hulkling has barely had a presence; and The Maker is still pretty forgettable and unimpressive as a villain, going on long-winded monologues that deliver boring exposition and bring the story to a screeching halt at points. He’s the weakest character in this series and I really hope Al Ewing does something with him besides pigeonhole him as a generic evil super scientist.
Still troubling is the artwork by Gerardo Sandoval. His artwork fits tonally with the feel and energy the comic is going for, but it’s not working when it comes to the characters — some exhibit white soulless eyes for no reason; others are inconsistent in size from page to page; others have enormous, incongruous hands and feet (and they aren’t the Beast); and of course, White Tiger is still all skin and bones. The action is a bit improved at least and isn’t as stiff as it was before, which is nice.
Will I need to take notes on this sir?
Is It Good?
New Avengers #2 improves in many ways over the last issue. While there’s still work to be done when it comes to the characters, the story on a whole is a solid introduction that shows how this team works and what their status quo may be. Plus, there is still a lot of fun indicative through the book’s humor and energy. The art may not be for everyone, but if you can get past that the book is worth a definite look.
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