New Avengers #22
Written by: Jonathan Hickman
Art by: Kev Walker
After last issue’s explosive and appalling end, we tone the action down in this necessary, powerful and character driven aftermath issue. Hickman writes every one of these characters excellently but the star of the show has always been Namor. In this issue, his presence overpowers any other's and when I read this issue for the first time, my hatred for him piqued. There’s something so powerful about his views and how he believes himself to be honest and right while others are just in denial of their monstrous state. He’s one of the haughtiest characters in comics under Hickman’s pen, yet his presence is imperative. His taunting, his condescendence his malevolence all add extreme amounts of tension to this book. Especially his relationship with T’challa. The tension between the two kings has been palpable throughout this series and Black Panther’s hatred for the King of Atlantis erupts into an intense brawl here. When I first read this fight, it felt like the Empire Strikes Back. So much emotion is put into each punch thrown and every word these two characters say resonates in you. The buildup to this explosion of emotion was perfect and made this fight all the better.
Where this issue falters, however is the art. Valerio Schiti was my favourite artist that worked on this book and having Kev Walker follow him up while evidently being rushed was detrimental to this issue. His figures seem rushed and some of the character expressions feel repeated.
New Avengers #22 was a great aftermath issue. The conflicts that were building between characters finally come to the forefront in an emotionally powerful and brutal battle between fallen angels. Phase one of New Avengers is certainly ending with its stronger set of issues yet.
Art by: Kev Walker
After last issue’s explosive and appalling end, we tone the action down in this necessary, powerful and character driven aftermath issue. Hickman writes every one of these characters excellently but the star of the show has always been Namor. In this issue, his presence overpowers any other's and when I read this issue for the first time, my hatred for him piqued. There’s something so powerful about his views and how he believes himself to be honest and right while others are just in denial of their monstrous state. He’s one of the haughtiest characters in comics under Hickman’s pen, yet his presence is imperative. His taunting, his condescendence his malevolence all add extreme amounts of tension to this book. Especially his relationship with T’challa. The tension between the two kings has been palpable throughout this series and Black Panther’s hatred for the King of Atlantis erupts into an intense brawl here. When I first read this fight, it felt like the Empire Strikes Back. So much emotion is put into each punch thrown and every word these two characters say resonates in you. The buildup to this explosion of emotion was perfect and made this fight all the better.
Where this issue falters, however is the art. Valerio Schiti was my favourite artist that worked on this book and having Kev Walker follow him up while evidently being rushed was detrimental to this issue. His figures seem rushed and some of the character expressions feel repeated.
New Avengers #22 was a great aftermath issue. The conflicts that were building between characters finally come to the forefront in an emotionally powerful and brutal battle between fallen angels. Phase one of New Avengers is certainly ending with its stronger set of issues yet.
A Look Inside
