Uncanny Avengers #1
While mutant kind attends the funeral of Charles Xavier and in the wake of AVX, Captain America creates a team consisting of X-Men and Avengers to prove to the world that mutants & humans can co-exist peacefully, without conflict. Just in time too, because someone is lobotomizing mutants and using them as pawns to turn humans against mutants forever. Featuring Thor, Havoc, Scarlet Witch, Rogue & Wolverine.
The Team
Written by Rick Remender (Uncanny X-Force : Final Execution Book 1 & 2, Venom : Circle of Four, Age Of Apocalypse Vol. 1 : The X-Terminated), illustrated by John Cassaday (Astonishing X-Men Vol. 1 : Gifted, I Am Legion, Absolute Planetary) & coloured by Laura Martin. Published by Marvel Comics.
The Pros
What a great concept for a new series and what a sensational first issue. After the disastrous events of AVX, Captain America proposes to Havoc about leading a team of both Avengers & X-Men. As Cap sums it up… “X-Men & Avengers working together, setting an example of cooperation”. This 1st issue is jam packed with epic moments, moments of terror as mutants get horribly lobotomized by a mysterious villain. Moments of sorrow for Charles Xavier, as Logan’s eulogy was eloquent to say the least. Moments of siblings reuniting under unfortunate circumstances and finally, moments of super hero action as Thor, Captain America & Havok confront a mind controlled mutant out for anarchy.
Writer Rick Remender has a knack for writing solid team titles, just look at the work he did for Uncanny X-Force & Secret Avengers and you’ll see where I’m coming from. Outside of Scarlet Witch being part of the Avengers, a team consisting of one part X-Men and one part Avengers has never been done before, but I’m here to tell you that he absolutely nailed it. With this first issue, the roster of the team has not been completely formed, despite what’s on the cover, but issue number 2 will remedy that I’m sure.
Illustrator John Cassaday also has a talent for pencilling team titles like Planetary & Astonishing X-Men. The characters have great facial expressions and his attention to detail are quite remarkable, take a closer look at the fight with the mutant called Avalanche and tell me I’m wrong. And with colourist Laura Martin working by his side, it truly enhances his spectacular drawings.
What really took me by surprise was the revelation of the villain. I really didn’t think he had it in him to do those things he did, I know he’s evil, but yikes.
The Cons
You’re in the wrong place if you’re looking for any negative comments here.
The Outcome
Now this was the first of many of new titles for Marvel Now, Marvel’s re-booting of its titles. I’m sure they won’t be as awesome as this title was, but they’re definitely off to a great start. If you’ve always collected Avengers titles and never collected X titles or if it’s vice versa, than I think you might enjoy this title. I can’t recommend this one enough.
A Look Inside
Comments
The art was amazing! Thanks to the Marvel AR app i was able to get caught up, since i didn't get any AvX titles. The only issue i had with this was the part with Avalanche felt a little like the beginning of Civil War. I'm going to go back and re-read that series just to see if the feeling is right. I'm hooked on this title though, based solely now on Cassaday's artwork, but i'm sure the story will get me once i'm familiar again!