Advance Review: The Union #1 (of 5)
I feel that Marvel have always had a soft spot for the UK, well apart from the horrendously long time it took for Disney+ to hit the shores (still waiting for DC’s version though!). Looking back, the UK has had Captain Britain, Transformers UK, Clandestine and of course Deaths Head. Not a bad bunch to be sure. Now, its time for Avengers UK, AKA The Union!
This first issue sees how the seeds of the team are formed. The newest Union Jack is trying out for Project Britania, lead by the fearless Brittania herself, along with Snakes, Kelpie, Choir. However, in order for teams to form, there is always has to be the biggest of challenges!
The book is written by Brit Paul Grist who puts this new team through their paces. By doing so, we get to see some of the characters powers and lines of interaction are drawn. The group have some pretty comfortable archetypes, the over achiever, the competent leader, the surly one, the mysterious burly one and the obnoxious one that is paying for everything.  The dialogue works well to prod proceedings along, in an engaging manner. There is enough mystery to go around that should cause some interest.
The art is provided by Andrea Di Vito with Paul Grist. who are joined by inkers Drew Geraci and Le Beau Underwood who between them go for a kind of not quite Alan Davis style. I loved the costume designs for the team; Brittania has a kind of George Perez Zatanna vibe and Union Jack is well, the name gives it away and there are even touches of Mera on show. The action pieces are well paced, carrying from standard points to the big surprises latter in the book. Despite the water elements; he UK is an island after all, the location does sort of remind me of the locale where Brian Braddock was first tested by Merlin. Nolan Woodward supplies the colors that give the book a strong Marvel feel, coupled with some nice touches along the way. Finally letterer, VC’s Travis Lanham delivers his usual high standard of work, having funs with emphasis and colored word balloons.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Could it be viewed as standard fare? Well, yes it could, but it very well produced. It will be a fun ride to see how this Union comes together.
The Union is scheduled to be in shops on December 2nd 2020.
Writing – 3.5
Art – 4 Stars
Colors – 4 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating]
Written by; Paul Grist
Art by; Andrea Di Vitto with Paul Grist
Inks by; Drew Geraci, Le Beau Underwood with Paul Grist
Colors by; Nolan Woodward
Letters by; VC’s Travis Lanham
Published by; Marvel Worldwide, Inc
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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