Review: Avengers #18

So I’m not going to lie when I say that I’m not entirely sure what happened to Hyperion post Weirdworld but it’s really nice to see him back in the thick of things. There’s a sort of charm to the introductory pages of this title, too, that I have a hard time denying. Something about Jason Aaron and Ed McGuiness’ almost sweet intro to Milton’s everyday life. So often we forget about the minutia of day to day with superheroes that I’m glad we were gently reminded of such.

The lighthearted nature of its introduction itself is a stark contrast from most of the subject matter as most of the pages of this title, otherwise, are quite grim. What we think is a sweet little look into the Squadron’s day to day becomes a twisted version of method; a cruel manipulation and exercised deception. The art itself, funnily enough, (especially considering the self awareness of the characters involved whilst drawing active comparisons to their DC counterparts) by Mark Morales, with lovely colors by Justin Ponsor, actually reminds me of the art in the current Wonder Woman arc. Funny thing that Marvel almost breaks a figurative fourth wall with its awareness there.

There’s a shortness to the lettering that VC’s Cory Petit lends to the title too the title it’s short, almost surgical precision. It cuts to the heart of what the true issues of what is in front of us with little to no pretense. Despite the nature of some of the words, the stark truth of the things underlying such are so well punctuated by the letters that it can’t help but fit into these pages so well. I know some people take credence the way that Aaron had written Thor, but honestly I like this little starter into everything. Be certain of this, it is one hundred percent a lead in. One that I highly suggest reading if you’re wondering about things like how Coulson is alive again, I’d suggest that you pick it up.

My interest, as fleeting as it can be sometimes for big events, is piqued enough that even if I didn’t initially have an investment in the giant event itself, that I think I might just check it out to understand what exactly might be next for the Squadron of America. There’s just enough within the pages to that entice with morsels of “HOW” and “what can even come from this” for me. If you’re someone who might have been anticipating War, then obviously, you need to add this 4 out 5 star title to your reading.

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(W) Jason Aaron (A/CA) Ed McGuinness