Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Daniel Acuña
I've been enjoying this series since it started with it being one of my favourite series out the now. It has however dropped in quality ever so slightly in some of the last few issues, but overall the story is good, and looks to rise back to it's high standard within the next issue or two.
Plot
As the Apocalypse Twins, Uriel and Eimin come closer to their goal Captain America, Wasp and Havok look for some allies.
Review
This was an amazing issue and one of the best the series has produced in the last few months, setting up the next issue perfectly. Rick Remender did a great job of adding a lot of suspense and drama to this issue, as although at the end of the day it was yet another set-up issue it managed to do it in a much more exciting way, adding some shocking developments as well. Remender also did a great job of adding some action to the issue, as although the issue mostly focused on story development, there would be a couple of action sequences that added a bit more excitement to the issue. On top of all that the dialogue in this issue was also handled perfectly, with certain interactions being very intense and interesting.
The artwork on this issue would also be amazing, and it was nice to see Daniel Acuña return for one more issue before Steve McNiven takes over. In saying that however this wasn't Acuña's best work ever, as although for most of the issue it was very highly detailed, there were quite a few imperfections that let the artwork as a whole down a bit. Acuña did however once again produce some amazing layouts in this issue, as although for the most part they were pretty standard, there was the odd moment were it would add a lot more drama and intensity to the story, also being very dynamic. On top of that Acuña also did a great job of showing the character emotions, and his inks and colours help make his art very vibrant.
This issue would start with Havok facing off against Banshee in a fight that started with Banshee against Havok, Wasp and Captain America in the last issue. Although this wasn't the most exciting fight that the series has had so far, it was still extremely entertaining, being a brilliant continuation form last issue. What I loved most about the fight sequence was that it had some interesting narration and dialogue during it, showing how the change of characteristics that Banshee has since becoming a Horseman perfectly. I also enjoyed the teamwork that would come from Havok and Wasp later in the fight.
This issue would also see Wonder Man join Scarlet Witch in helping the Apocalypse Twins. It wasn't this sequence in itself that I personally found interesting, but rather the developments that would come a bit later on in the issue when Scarlet Witch and Wonder Man get a chance to speak in private. Now I won't go into any details at all about that sequence as to avoid spoilers, but I will say that the development was ever so slightly shocking, and that I look forward to seeing how it will play out in the next couple of issues.
We'd also get to see more of the Daken torturing Wolverine in this issue, which I was very happy to see. Much like the Havok/Banshee fight the best thing about this sequence would be the dialogue, with it adding a lot more depth and drama to the sequence. I also especially enjoyed the intensity of the sequence as well, as the emotional drive from both a vengeful son and regretful father made this sequence much more dramatic and suspenseful, also making it much more exciting and entertaining as well.
I will also quickly add that there is a part of the solicit that is wrong, as Sentry doesn't kill anyone in this issue, having very little to do with the issue at all, but I personally wasn't overly bothered with this, though do hope that it will happen in the next issue.
Final Verdict
This was a fantastic issue, as although it's still mainly set-up work it did it in a very dramatic way that has me hooked for the next issue. It also had some shocking and intense moments, with some fun action sequences as well. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue, and the series so far, as although it hasn't been quite as good in recent months, it's starting to gradually get back to that high level of quality that the first five issues of this story had.
Rating: 9/10
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Daniel Acuña
This has been one of the best series that Marvel is producing the now, as although it had a shaky start, it has became an amazing series. The series has also done a brilliant job of introducing the Apocalypse Twins, and developing their story.
Plot
The Apocalypse Twins, Uriel, and Eimin tell the Scarlet Witch about their plans whilst their Horsemen take on other members of the Avengers Unity Squad.
Review
This was a brilliant issue, and although not quite the same level of quality as the first five issues of this storyline, it was better than the last issue. Rick Remender really seems to know what he's doing with this story, as although the last issue shortened the pace a bit, this issue has set it straight back on track. It was however not without it's faults, as it was ever so slightly slow at the start of the issue, but still had plenty of suspense, and drama, soon picking the pace up. The dialogue in this issue was also fantastic, adding a lot of drama, and depth, as well as the odd bit of lightheartedness. Remender also handled the action perfectly, being very exciting, also having plenty of emotion in it.
The art in this issue was overall very good, but to be honest I was slightly disappointed with it. Daniel Acuña is an amazing artist, don't get me wrong, and he's been doing phenomenal work on this series, with it possibly being the best that he's ever produced. I did however feel that this issue had too many imperfections in it, as with all the other issues having plenty I wouldn't expect as many here. Acuña did however draw some fantastic action sequences, that had plenty of emotion, and excitement, also being very dynamic. I also loved Acuña's layouts, as they were once again amazing, adding plenty of depth to the issue, and that along with his inks, and colours make his art simply outstanding.
This issue would start with the Apocalypse Twins talking to the Scarlet Witch, eventually divulging their plans. This sequence was what made the issue slightly slow, but that in itself wasn't overall a bad thing, as it wouldn't have given the same level of drama, and effect if it wasn't. The dialogue itself was also extremely interesting, and I loved the change in emotion on Scarlet Witch's face throughout the interaction, as although the art wasn't always perfect, it was still very deep, and dramatic.
There were also a couple of fights in this issue, with the first one being between Wolverine, and Daken. Now this was something that I was really looking forward to in this story, as although the fight between them during Final Execution was great, it wasn't quite what I was hoping for. This fight however also had plenty of emotion in it as well, with great dialogue, which added depth, as well as drama. I also just loved seeing both characters go at it with claws out, and the art during that period was simply outstanding.
The other fight in this issue would be between Thor, and Sentry. This would probably be the better of the two fights as although it didn't quite have the same level of emotion, it was much more exciting, also having a lot more depth to it. Once again the dialogue during this sequence was amazing, adding tone to the sequence, and ultimately helping it to stand out. The art was also once again fantastic, with this being the best piece of artwork in the issue, and I seriously hope that we get to see more action between these two characters.
Final Verdict
This was an amazing issue, and although not one of the best in the series, not far off. It had amazing dialogue, as well as phenomenal action sequences, and despite the slight imperfections in the artwork, and the odd patch of slowness, this was an outstanding issue, and has me excited for the next. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue, and the story so far, as on a whole it's been fantastic.
Rating: 8/10
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Daniel Acuña
This has been one of the best written series in Marvel NOW! and Rick Remender has been doing a great job of continuing his fabulous Apocalypse saga that he started in Uncanny X-Force.
Plot
The Avengers Unity Squad have split in two following the revelation of Wolverine's actions. Both groups however continue to look for the Apocalypse Twins, Uriel, and Eimin, but land up meeting their Horsemen.
Review
This was a great issue, and although it's the worst issue in the story so far it was still very good, showing just how good the story's been. Rick Remender has done a great job of writing this story, but I just felt that this wasn't on par with the quality of the previous issues, being a little slow, mainly setting up the next part of this story. Remender did however add a lot of depth to this issue, also adding a lot of drama, and emotion (even if it was a little too much emotion). He has also done a great job of keeping some excitement in this issue, even if there wasn't a lot. I do however have faith that all this set-up will pay off, and that Remender will deliver a phenomenal issue next time round.
Daniel Acuña once again did an amazing job of the artwork on this issue, and it's possibly the best art he's done on the series yet. The thing I liked most this time however was his layouts, as although he usually gives good layouts, it was that little bit better this time, being dynamic, as well as adding depth, and drama to the issue. I also loved how Acuña drew the Horsemen, and love how he's shown all their distinctive features, whilst making them look darker, and sinister, as well as having similar uniforms. Another great thing about Acuña's art is that he does his own inks, and colours, which allows him to have more control over the finished work.
Last issue left the team in quite a state, with them technically not really being the team, by splitting in two. It was also nice however that it wasn't just the X-Men members of the group that stayed with Wolverine, with Thor joining him, feeling as responsible for the Apocalypse Twins as Wolverine is. In saying that it was also nice that X-Men members stayed with Cap, as although Scarlet Witch is also technically an Avenger (having been one prior to being allied with the X-Men), we also had Havok staying, hoping to bring the team back together. This did however also leave a rift in this issue, making it slightly out of sync, and in my opinion was also the main reason for it being slow. I do however still look forward to seeing how this progresses, and am sure Remender will do a great job with it.
The main feature about this issue had to be the proper introduction of the Horsemen, as although they were shown last issue, as well as being teased for a while, this is their first proper appearance, with them all having personal targets, and agendas. I love that the likes of Sentry, Banshee, and mainly Daken are back as they are characters that I've loved over the years, and although he was only dead for a few months, Grim Reaper was also another good addition. I do however also have mixed feelings about Daken being back as although I'm happy he's already died twice in a short period, and I hope that he's not just back for this story, whether he stays a Horseman or not.
This issue would also show continuity with Remender's other series, Captain America, with Cap telling Wasp about his recent time in Dimension Z. This was nice as it means that both characters have something in common, with Wasp having just returned from the Microverse. It was also nice to see that the Dimension Z story will be canon, and in continuity with the rest of the Marvel universe, as although it was already said that it would, it'd be easy to just not mention it elsewhere, which wouldn't have been nice. It's also nice that Remender has had the chance to make this connection, with him writing both series.
Final Verdict
Well the great run was never going to last forever, and finally this series has slipped in quality, as although this was still a great issue, it was a little slow, and nowhere near the same level of quality as the rest of this story. It does however have some interesting possibilities, and the proper introduction of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse was another amazing thing, and I look froward to seeing that. I'd still however recommend this issue, as although it is a drop in quality it's still worth getting. I'd however also recommend getting the other issues in this story, and even the rest in the series.
Rating: 4/5
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Daniel Acuña
Although this series went through a rough patch at the beginning of the series due to shipment issues, it has really picked up, and is starting to become one of my favourite series. One of the major things to make this so has been this fantastic story, and I just love reading more, and more, and can't get enough of it.
Plot
The Apocalypse Twins, Uriel, and Eimin continue their plans, whilst the Avengers Unity Squad deal with their own problems, and question whether they can trust each other.
Review
This was yet another amazing issue, and although the pace has slowed down a touch, the quality is still very high. To be honest I'm actually happy that the pace slowed in this issue, as although I usually hate slow paced issues, it's sometimes necessary, and can really help the story, as this issue does. Rick Remender has really been impressing me with this series, and although I initially questioned whether he could continue from his brilliant Uncanny X-Force series, when this series started, he's certainly shown as of late that he can, as this storyline has been amazing. The dialogue in this issue was simply amazing, and I loved the interaction that we got between certain character's. I also love how Remender continues to grasp my interest towards the Apocalypse Twins, as although the haven't yet became as interesting as Archangel was during The Dark Angel Saga, they are becoming a force to be reckoned with, and although I don't see them becoming as interesting, or as big as Archangel, I do see them becoming a thorn in the Avenger Unity Squad's side, and there's already signs of that in this issue. I also loved that despite the fact that Remender took this back a step in the way of pacing, he was still able to add some action, which although scarce, still amazing, and entertaining.
Daniel Acuña once again produced some amazing artwork. His art is simply outstanding, with the detail being perfect most of the time, with very few imperfections, and I'm glad he's been working on this series. His layouts are also fantastic, adding depth, and drama to the story, whilst also giving a great feel, and tone. Acuña also draws every character perfectly, with my favourites being Wolverine, and the Apocalypse Twins. He just makes Wolverine look like the stubborn little maniac that he is, which I love. He also makes the Apocalypse Twins look more and more dominant with each issue, as they are really starting to look like the awe-inspiring villains that this story has been shaping. Acuña also handled the small pieces of action that featured in this issue perfectly, making them feel explosive, as well as making them look like an action scene from a film. With less action Acuña has also been able to show more emotion in the character's, which I've loved, as it gives yet again more depth, and drama to the story, whilst also giving some suspense. The thing I loved most about Acuña's art however was once again his colours, and the fact that Acuña does his own inks, and colours is the reason I feel his art is so good.
The issue starts with S.H.I.E.L.D., and S.W.O.R.D. contacting the Avengers Unity Squad to talk about the fact that their are moles in their organizations, as well as the fact that Captain America is still missing. This was an interesting scenario, and I loved seeing Maria Hill from S.H.I.E.L.D., and Abigail Brand from S.W.O.R.D. feature in the same discussion. I also like the fact that someone has enough power as to have someone on the inside of both S.H.I.E.L.D., and S.W.O.R.D., and although the logical suspects are the Apocalypse Twins, I personally feel it's someone else, especially after what happened later in this issue.
The Apocalypse Twins continue to scheme, and this issue showed that they have a plan. Now I won't go into detail over this, as to avoid spoilers, but people who follow the series, and have seen the future solicits will probably know what's about to happen anyway. What I loved most about the Apocalypse Twins in this issue was that they were being questioned over their plans by their mother, Pestilence (Ichisumi), showing that although they're Apocalypse, they still get questioned over their plans. I did however also like how they calmly reacted to that, as well as the fact they acted calm through most of the issue, showing that they're confident enough to be calm. I do however look forward to the development of their plans.
We also get a continuation of Cap's mysterious message that started last issue. Now I will once again avoid details, as I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say that the person that the person Cap was speaking to was who I guessed whilst reading last issue. Without revealing who this person is I will say that this was a very interesting conversation, and I enjoyed the entire thing. I also loved that Cap didn't seem to have much emotion whilst viewing this message, and how he went on about his normal business afterwards. There were also a couple of other references that I enjoyed, which also made the sequence more intriguing.
Rogue once again confided in Wolverine over her thoughts about the team. Rogue has been a brilliant addition to this team, and I love how she is very proud of being a mutant, and how at times this makes her feel out of place. It's also brilliant how she never backs down, and sticks up for her believes, which mostly cause arguments with Wasp. Anyway the interaction between her, and Wolverine in this issue was brilliant, and I loved how she continued to try and find out what was bothering him. The way Wolverine responded was also interesting, and the relationship between these tow character's is something that I've loved reading, and Remender handles his perfectly.
I'll finish by talking about the division of the team, that was highlighted in the solicits. Now the brilliant cover from John Cassaday also shows friction, showing Rogue, and Scarlet Witch fighting each other. Now for most of the issue I was questioning whether or not anything was going to happen, as it didn't look like there was, but just before the end of the issue there was some friction on show. Now I won't go into specifics, as to avoid spoilers, but I found this brilliant, and although the issue didn't focus on this as much as I initially thought it would, it was well worth the wait, and was one of the most exciting debates that I've ever seen. I also loved how this played into the Apocalypse Twins hands, and look forward to seeing how this will effect the future of the story, as well as the future of the team, and series.
Final Verdict
This was a phenomenal issue, and although there wasn't a great deal of action, it was still very exciting, and dramatic. By taking the pace down a notch, Remender was able to focus more on the character development during this story, as well as adding small hints for things to come. It also had great dialogue, and fabulous art from Daniel Acuña, and due to all this I'd highly recommend it, along with the story so far.
Rating: 5/5
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Daniel Acuña
This series has a rocky start, with shipping the delayed schedule's hurting the flow of the series, and effecting the quality at the same time. The series has however recently stepped up, and is quickly becoming the series I always expected it to be, and if it continues this way it's only a matter of time before it's the best Marvel NOW! series there is.
Plot
Following the Apocalypse Twins, Uriel, and Eimin's attack, Thor, and Sunfire have to save Rio de Janeiro, whilst Captain America is trapped in Sudan, and the rest of the Avengers Unity Squad go after Apocalypse's followers.
Review
This was a brilliant issue, and although not quite as good as the last issue, or the prequel issue, it was still amazing, and the story as a whole is shaping up very nicely, and hopefully will be as good as I hope it will, which it should do if the last three issues show anything. I always had faith that Rick Remender would make this series a sensation, as although it's taken longer than I'd initially expected, after seeing his work on Venom, Secret Avengers, and more importantly Uncanny X-Force, I expected great things in this series, especially due to continuing Wolverine's journey, as well as now continuing the stories told in Uncanny X-Force. At the same time I love how this story is stand alone, meaning that new readers can get into it without reading Uncanny X-Force, whilst still making it more exciting, and meaningful to people who have. The way Remender has managed to continue the development of the Apocalypse Twins, whilst still having a mysterious, and dramatic feel, which is also exciting, and suspenseful. I've also loved how Remender is starting to show that this story has more to it than it originally appeared to have, with it tying in perfectly with everything that has happened in this series, as well as the character's, and past events, and I look forward to seeing how he progresses this fabulous story.
The art from Daniel Acuña was once again amazing, and I'm ecstatic that he's been able to work on this series, as although the previous art from John Cassaday, and Olivier Coipel was amazing, I just feel that Acuña's art suits this series much more, and especially for this story. The detail in Acuña's art is so brilliant, and amazing that it really makes the entire issue brilliant, and although Remender's script itself is amazing, there's a very good chance I'd get this series purely for the art (but gladly the script is amazing as well). The fact that Acuña does his own inks, and colours however is what I truly love about his art, especially in this series, as although there were times during Uncanny X-Men were it just didn't suit the character's, and story, it does in this series, and especially in this story, as everything from Thor, to the Apocalypse Twins look outstanding, and that's due to Acuña's awesome style. I also loved how Acuña handled the action in this issue, as like the previous issues in this series he's worked on, it just exploded with excitement, and the tone just made it that more awesome. This however isn't all that Acuña is brilliant at when it comes to his art, as the facial expressions are simply outstanding, and although there are other artists I can think of that can do even better than Acuña can, there aren't many who's art's as visually stunning as Acuña's.
This issue started with Thor trying to protect Rio de Janeiro from being destroyed, later getting help from Starfire. Now this was a very interesting, and exciting sequence, and although overall it wasn't anything stunning, what came out of it was. The best thing about the start of this sequence was when Thor, and Starfire started to team-up, as although they're both from the same team, this is the first chance they've had to work together, which was brilliant, and the way they interacted was simply amazing. As I said though it was what would come out of this, and the continuation of their journey that drew my attention, as without going into details as to avoid spoilers, it was a very interesting, and exciting moment, with ton's of drama, and suspense, as well as plenty of speculation, and mystery.
Whilst this is happening Captain America's escape pod lands in the Sudan, leaving him in hostile territory, having to improvise to get to safety. Now to be honest Cap doesn't really feature a lot in this issue, but for the small part that he does it is very interesting, and mysterious. He also has a conversation with a mysterious person who isn't revealed in this issue, but I do have my suspicions as to who it is. Besides this the Avengers Unity Squad don't know where Cap is, just knowing that he's missing, which itself adds an extra kink in the team, as without one of their biggest members it leaves them at a huge disadvantage.
Talking of the Avengers Unity Squad although three of the members (Cap, Thor, and Sunfire) are away from the group, the rest continue to work together, trying to stop the Apocalypse Twins. This starts with them heading towards the North Pole where they hope to find Apocalypse followers. Now again this didn't actually have a huge impact on the issue, but there was a small part of it that did have a huge impact. Now I won't go into details as to avoid spoilers, but it was very entertaining, and made the slightly slower parts worth while, as it was perfectly set-up, and looks to have ton's of potential moving forward.
There was another thing that was brought up during this issue, and that was secrets, whether it Wolverine's secrets from X-Force, or Thor's secrets from the prequel issue, and it really put a rift in the team, with certain members not knowing whether they could trust one another. Now to be honest I always expected Wolverine's secrets to be focused on at some point, and after reading the prequel issue it was obvious that Thor's secret would factor a lot in this story, but to see it unravel, with the team being slightly hostile to one another was brilliant, and I'm sure this will continue. Another thing that I liked was that despite secrets being looked at, there was also light shone on other past discretions that have either featured in this series, or from certain character's, which was brilliant, making the series, and team feel so much more appropriate, and necessary.
Now the big thing for me in this issue was seeing the development of the Apocalypse Twins, and to be honest there's a lot I could say about there actions in this issue, but I won't be going into too much detail as to avoid spoilers. The main thing that I've been thinking about since last issue was the absence of Kang. The reasons for this was talked about throughout this issue, and it really showed how Kang's influence has affected the Apocalypse Twins, and not in a good way. I do however believe, and hope that this isn't the end of Kang in the main storyline, as although I know he will feature in the Age of Ultron issue, he could easily be kept out of the story, and although I very much doubt that, I also seriously hope that he will return. I also think that Remender has subtly left hints as to his return.
Final Verdict
Although this has probably been the worst issue in the storyline so far, this was still an outstanding issue, and it really goes to show how good the story is, when such a good issue like this is the worst so far. This issue showed excitement, and mystery, as well as drama, and speculation, and although there were times I questioned whether it was structured right, overall I felt it was awesome, and truly worth reading. This means that I'd highly recommend this issue, and the storyline so far, and look forward to seeing how Remender progresses this story.
Rating: 5/5
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Daniel Acuña
This series didn't have the perfect start, and I believe that was mainly due to the shipping delays, but now that that's no longer a problem the series appears to be getting much better, and the last three issues have been amazing, and this upcoming story arc shows ton's of promise.
Plot
Apocalypse's illegitimate son Holocaust wants to take the name of Apocalypse for himself seeing it as his birth right, but with the return of the Apocalypse Twins, Uriel, and Eimin, things are about to change. Also the Avengers Unity Squad are dealing with the incident involving Rogue killing Grim Reaper, and Captain America, and Sunfire visit S.W.O.R.D.'s Peak station.
Review
This was yet another amazing issue, and although not quite as good as the previous issue, it was still the next best issue issue so far, and was the perfect start to this new story arc. Rick Remender continues to amaze me with this series, and although it had a shaky start it's now on the right track, and looks to be phenomenal. Remender has amazed me in the past, and especially with Uncanny X-Force, so the fact that this story's continuing from where he left of there has me really excited, and the way he's managed to add another element to make it appropriate for an Avengers story is also brilliant. The reason I think the last issue was better was due to it being a prequel set centuries prior to this it was in a way it's own story, that lead into this, giving more room for excitement, whereas with this being the official start of the story it needs to leave room for development, as well as continuation from the previous events. Remender has also done an amazing job of developing the characters, as although they have been around for years, Remender is showing new sides to them, as well as how they develop as a team (even though they don't do much this issue). I'm also still loving the way Remender narrates this series, as it gives it a unique feel, as well as adding drama to sequences that wouldn't have it otherwise.
Daniel Acuña once again did an amazing job of the art on this issue, and I really think that he's the man for this series, as although John Cassaday, and Olivier Coipel did an amazing job with their artwork, with them also being higher on my favourite artists list, Acuña's art really suits this series more, especially for this story. The detail in Acuña's art is also magnificent, as he draws it in a way that has less background, or fabulous backgrounds. The best thing however about Acuña's art is that he does his own inks, and colours, and I feel that this really makes him stand out more as an artist, especially the fact he does his own colours, which are beautiful, giving a nice sleek tone to the series. Despite the way he handled the backgrounds the overall layout of the issue was also brilliant, adding more depth, and drama to the issue, making it feel more alive, and vibrant. Acuña also does a great job with the characters facial expressions, showing the emotions perfectly, and and although the odd expression was a bit weird, it was weird in a good way. The way he handled the action (even if there wasn't much of it) was also brilliant, and really helped to yet again add more drama, and excitement to the issue, and his art overall made the issue much more amazing, as although Remender's writing was brilliant, it's still only half the comic, and if the issue had terrible artwork it would hinder the story.
This issue saw a proper introduction for the Apocalypse Twins, as although we saw them being born in issue 5 it's not quite the same as having them involved in an active role. The way they made their entrance was also brilliant, as with Holocaust going about acting like he's the next Apocalypse, for the real heirs the Apocalypse Twins to enter was amazing, and it really showed a divide, and how power can play over peoples minds, especially ones that are already evil. The only disappointing thing was that I'd have preferred them to have been introduced by Kang, and being used like his adoptive children, as with him taking them away it would have made for the perfect story but this was still good, and I'm sure that Remender will have something up his sleeve when it comes to bringing Kang back into the story, and I'm sure it will be huge, and amazing. I also found it interesting that Uriel also has Thor's axe, Jarnbjorn.
This issue also dealt with the aftermath of issue 5, and Rogue accidentally killing Grim Reaper. The way issue 5 ended was amazing, and very shocking, and with there having been another issue fallen between them it's kept the excitement, and anticipation as to what will happen next, making for brilliant suspense. Anyway, the interaction between the Avengers Unity Squad over this was brilliant, and I loved that there was a divide between the different members with Rogue obviously being upset over Havok's decision, with Thor backing her up, and Scarlet Witch, and Wasp agreeing with Havok. I also liked the small argument between Rogue and Scarlet Witch as it's a subject that's continued between them, and with both characters having a chequered background they're just has bad as each other, making for entertaining arguments.
This issue didn't just show the aftermath of Rogue killing Grim Reaper, as it also dealt with the actions of Thor centuries ago from the last issue, as well as what Wolverine remembering his past with Apocalypse (events from Uncanny X-Force being the most recent). This was nice, as the last issue set a lot of things into motion, showing how things came to be, which was nice, and to see the affect they actually have makes it all the more worthwhile. I especially liked seeing Thor's reaction to this as the events of last issue were brilliant, showing that Thor was in some way to blame for the future doom that would befall, so to see him remember, and react to this was very interesting, and I look forward to seeing more development.
This issue also showed hints of two possible future relationships, which was interesting, and adds more variety to the series. The first tease was a possible future relationship between Scarlet Witch, and Wonder Man, as when Scarlet Witch goes to check on him the two almost kiss. Wasp also was very flirtatious, and suggestive with Havok, which I found more sudden, and although this is interesting, it is slightly random. I do however look forward to any possible developments in this, and hope that they're exciting, and interesting, no matter what happens.
Cap, and Sunfire were at S.W.O.R.D.'s Peak station when they got the news about the Apocalypse Twins, and it made for a very interesting sequence. I won't go into any details in this paragraph as to avoid spoilers (I will however be shedding a bit more light in the next paragraph), but the fact that S.W.O.R.D. was involved alone makes things interesting, and shows that things are serious. I enjoyed seeing S.W.O.R.D. feature through different X-Men series', as well as other's, so to see them feature in this issue was nice, and appropriate considering the circumstances. I also found the fact that Cap, and Sunfire were working with them interesting, as it shows the length that Cap himself wants to go to make the Avengers Unity Squad work.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
I usually try and avoid spoilers, but with what this one actually was, and how it will affect the story it's hard not to, but I thought I'd keep it till last. This issue featured the death of a Celestial, as when the Apocalypse Twins made their appearance Uriel sliced the Celestial with Jarnbjorn, setting terrible things into motion. I always like when Celestials appear in the first place, as like the Watcher it usually means bad things for our hero's, and the death of one really spells bad things. I also liked how this spread into the end of this issue, and look forward to seeing how this develops, as it should be both epic, and interesting.
Final Verdict
Although not quite as good as the last issue this was still the next best in the series so far, and shows ton's of promise. It also had some action, although not a lot, and suspenseful actions, and the Apocalypse Twins appear to have danger on their minds, and with Uriel wielding Jarnbjorn things should be interesting. I would highly recommend this, and even if you dropped this series due to the poor start I'd recommend giving it another try, as it's gotten much better, and looks to become even better again.
Rating: 5/5
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Daniel Acuña
Overall I really enjoyed this, and although it had a slightly poor start, overall it's been a good series, and seems to be getting better and better with each issue. Also with the new story continuing from where Rick Remender left of with The Dark Angel Saga I'm sure that this will be amazing.
Plot
A younger Thor is bested by Apocalypse, and longs for revenge.
Review
This was a brilliant issue, and the series defiantly seems to be heading in the right direction. In saying that the last issue was very good, and it itself showed plenty of promise for the future of the series, but due to the lack of proper development, and excitement it made it slightly bellow the quality of this issue, whereas this issue gives us a brilliant insight in to the next story, as well as a very interesting story, and some brilliant, and exciting action, which is amazing. I had high hopes when I heard that Rick Remender would be working on this series as I loved his work on Uncanny X-Force, but due to the first story being poor at points, along with the varied shipping schedules, I just couldn't get into this series, but with the last two issues I can, and the fact that he's continuing from a story he started in Uncanny X-Force has me all the more excited. What I loved most about Remender's writing in this issue was how he handled the dialogue, especially in conjunction with the fight sequences, as it really added more drama, and made the story flow smoother. I also liked how he used elements from the last issue, and the addition of the Apocalypse Twins in the last issue more relevant, and although it'll be even more relevant during the next issue, it was still nice to see the connection in this issue.
The art from Daniel Acuña was simply magnificent, and although I've loved both John Cassaday, and Olivier Coipel's art on this series, as well as the fact I enjoy Cassaday, and Coipel's art more in the long run, on this particular series I feel that Acuña's art has out shined them, as it's both beautiful, and majestic, something that you don't get too often in comics. I've always like Acuña's art, but there were certain times on series like Uncanny X-Men when it just didn't suit the tone of the story, or certain character's, whereas in this issue it did both, which I really liked. The detail in Acuña's art was also brilliant, as even when the character's were in the distance he'd draw them in a way were they'd look realistic which I was very happy with, as some artists simply draw an outline, which I find disappointing. I also loved the way he laid everything out, as it gave the right tone for the issue, as well as adding ton's of drama, also making the fight sequences more intense. He also did a fabulous job with the facial expressions, as it showed the character's expressions perfectly, as you could easily tell whether Thor was smug, angry, or happy, as well as if other characters were similar, which also made the issue more dramatic, and life like. Another thing I've always liked about Acuña's art is that he does his own inks, and colours, which I personally think makes his art stand out over others, especially the colours, as it gives a nice shine, making the art look even more beautiful, and I'm happy that he'll be working on the series on a permanent basis.
I've been enjoying Thor in Jason Aaron's Thor: God of Thunder series, and especially seeing the different years of Thor, so seeing that come into this story was brilliant, as the Thor in this issues been handled nearly the same way as Aaron's wrote the younger Thor in his series (axe and all), as despite writers having different styles it's nice to see when they take the time to work on the continuity, as although this story would have still been good if Remender wrote Thor like he has throughout the series, showing him as more nieve, and fast acting was brilliant. I also loved how like in the God of Thunder series, this younger Thor was much more determined, as although Thor has never backed down from a fight, this time he's even more eager to get into one.
Seeing Apocalypse again was amazing, and I was very happy when I heard of this issue, as although I know that Remender's been playing with the mythos of Apocalypse, he's never yet got to the stage of showing a fully fledged version of him, so I was glad to see him in this issue. I've always loved Apocalypse as a villain, and he's had some brilliant encounters with the X-Men in the past, and I've really been wanting to see him in a story again, and although I feel what Remender's doing the now will be better, especially considering it's unique, it still made me happy to see him again even if it's just for the one issue.
The fight between Thor and Apocalypse fight was brilliant, and I loved how it started with Thor being taken unaware by Apocalypse, and that he sought revenge. What I loved most about the fights that Thor and Apocalypse were in during this issue was that both characters were very arrogant, and angry, which made for a really dramatic fight. I also liked what Odin had to say of the fight, and although I won't repeat it to avoid spoilers, it was interesting, and I look forward to seeing if there's any development from this (which there should be). Another thing that I found amusing was that at the end of the first fight Apocalypse said that Thor was, "unworthy," which I found amusing.
It was nice that Kang was involved in this issue, and although I won't go into details of what he did I'll say what I felt of the appearance. After his appearance in the last issue it was obvious that he'd play a big role in the upcoming story, and although I didn't think that he'd make an appearance in this issue, it was nice that he did, as a book with both Kang and Apocalypse is amazing. With Kang having the ability to time travel it makes sense that he could appear in this issue, and that alone made it more necessary to have this prologue, and it also made it more interesting. Overall it looks to be that Kang is operating as the perfect optimist, and manipulator, and although Kang has always been devious in the past, he appears to be taking it to another level, and I look forward to seeing it develop.
There was also a part in this story that showed an ancestor of Wolverine, named Folkbern Logan. Although this was nice, it didn't do much for this issue in particular, and as I want to avoid spoilers I won't go into any details, but I will say that appears to be a seed for something that may happen during this story, and seeing it in this makes me more excited for the main part of this story to start.
The Horsemen of Apocalypse also featured in this issue, which was another nice touch as I've loved how that's been one of the key things with Apocalypse in the past, so having both Apocalypse, and his Horsemen was brilliant, especially considering that there have been some big name characters, including Wolverine and Gambit that have been Horsemen in the past. I won't say much more as to avoid spoilers, but it was a very intersting sequence, and overall I'm happy that they appeared, as although it was the appearance of Apocalypse, and Kang that made this issue special, the addition of the Horsemen made it even more special, and knowing that they'll play some role in the future of the series (as stated in solicits) I'm even more excited for the start of the main story.
Final Verdict
This was a brilliant prologue issue, and the best in the series so far. If this is a sign of things to come The Apocalypse Twins story arc should be amazing, and considering it's following from Remender's Dark Angel Saga story, which was amazing, I have every faith that this story will also be brilliant. This issue itself was also very interesting, and exciting, as well as being dramatic and mysterious, and it's made me real excited for the main story. I'd highly recommend it as despite the fact that it's the best issue in the series so far, it's also one of the best prologue issues I've ever read.
Rating: 5/5
