Avengers #42
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Stefano Caselli
I’ve adored Time Runs Out, but the series seemed to have hit of a rough patch recently. Hickman slowed down the plot so much that it felt like such a jarring transition from Avengers #40. I knew that Hickman would pick things up as he neared his conclusion and though, Avengers #42 isn’t the biggest issue on developments, it worked much better than previous issues. Whereas last week’s New Avengers was damaged by the singular focus on a plot-line that involved no character, this week’s issue explores various aspects of the Times Runs Out storyline while emphasizing the characters as well.
If anything, Avengers #42 is a testament to how versatile Hickman’s writing is. He writes a myriad of characters in this issue that all feel perfectly characterized. There aren’t many writer that are so adept at handling characters and that works very well for such a large story. This issue is different in terms of character because Hickman has decided to include the marvelous Guardians of the Galaxy into this story. And the result is amazing.
The Guardians feature in the final pages of this issue and Hickman nails their dynamic right away. It was so refreshing to read a comic where the Guardians feel like the Guardians. Hickman uses Rocket’s obnoxious attitude to include great comedic beats in a story that can feel too dire and grim at times. I know Hickman is taking a break from superhero comics but please Marvel get him on a Guardians book eventually. In one brief scene, he captured the characters so well that he re-created the magic of the film. That’s what I want my Guardians comic to be like.
Wishes aside, Avengers #42 felt like the final set-up issue of this series. Though, instead of feeling like an abrupt stop in the pacing, it feels like Hickman is accelerating before he hits full speed. We aren’t given anything huge or new, but Hickman is putting everyone where they need to be before he starts delivering the payoff to this series. This result in a slightly unfocused feel to this comic because we visit 7 different areas but I don’t doubt that everything will converge soon. This issue felt reminiscent of Avengers #35 in that fashion, but I enjoyed #42 more. The set-up scenes were all great moments that accentuated just how dreadful this situation is.
Stefano Caselli returns to cover the art duties and he’s always welcome on this series. He’s very capable at portraying Hickman’s grand vision and scale. In addition to the grandeur, Caselli draws every single one of the characters in this issue quite well. Which is a testament to his talent because Hickman has so many players in this book that most artist can’t maintain a consistent quality throughout the issue, but Caselli can.
The Secret Wars are imminent and I couldn’t be more excited. After a small rough patch, Hickman has restored this series to its former quality with Avengers #42. We were given a set-up issue that took advantage of its nature to give us powerful moments and incredible characterizations. This issue really felt like the beginning of the final chunk of this series and if this is an indicator of what’s to come, we’re in for treat.
Artist: Stefano Caselli
I’ve adored Time Runs Out, but the series seemed to have hit of a rough patch recently. Hickman slowed down the plot so much that it felt like such a jarring transition from Avengers #40. I knew that Hickman would pick things up as he neared his conclusion and though, Avengers #42 isn’t the biggest issue on developments, it worked much better than previous issues. Whereas last week’s New Avengers was damaged by the singular focus on a plot-line that involved no character, this week’s issue explores various aspects of the Times Runs Out storyline while emphasizing the characters as well.
If anything, Avengers #42 is a testament to how versatile Hickman’s writing is. He writes a myriad of characters in this issue that all feel perfectly characterized. There aren’t many writer that are so adept at handling characters and that works very well for such a large story. This issue is different in terms of character because Hickman has decided to include the marvelous Guardians of the Galaxy into this story. And the result is amazing.
The Guardians feature in the final pages of this issue and Hickman nails their dynamic right away. It was so refreshing to read a comic where the Guardians feel like the Guardians. Hickman uses Rocket’s obnoxious attitude to include great comedic beats in a story that can feel too dire and grim at times. I know Hickman is taking a break from superhero comics but please Marvel get him on a Guardians book eventually. In one brief scene, he captured the characters so well that he re-created the magic of the film. That’s what I want my Guardians comic to be like.
Wishes aside, Avengers #42 felt like the final set-up issue of this series. Though, instead of feeling like an abrupt stop in the pacing, it feels like Hickman is accelerating before he hits full speed. We aren’t given anything huge or new, but Hickman is putting everyone where they need to be before he starts delivering the payoff to this series. This result in a slightly unfocused feel to this comic because we visit 7 different areas but I don’t doubt that everything will converge soon. This issue felt reminiscent of Avengers #35 in that fashion, but I enjoyed #42 more. The set-up scenes were all great moments that accentuated just how dreadful this situation is.
Stefano Caselli returns to cover the art duties and he’s always welcome on this series. He’s very capable at portraying Hickman’s grand vision and scale. In addition to the grandeur, Caselli draws every single one of the characters in this issue quite well. Which is a testament to his talent because Hickman has so many players in this book that most artist can’t maintain a consistent quality throughout the issue, but Caselli can.
The Secret Wars are imminent and I couldn’t be more excited. After a small rough patch, Hickman has restored this series to its former quality with Avengers #42. We were given a set-up issue that took advantage of its nature to give us powerful moments and incredible characterizations. This issue really felt like the beginning of the final chunk of this series and if this is an indicator of what’s to come, we’re in for treat.
A Look Inside
