Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Greg Land
This series started well, as although the opening issue wasn't outstanding it did a good job of kicking things off, as well as doing a decent job of fitting the series in with the Infinity event. I do however expect the series to improve though, and will be disappointed if it doesn't.
Plot
As the newly formed Mighty Avengers fight Proxima Midnight, Blue Marvel learns of a Level 7 attack, and Ebony Maw tries to corrupt Doctor Strange.
Review
This was a brilliant issue and a fantastic continuation from the first. Al Ewing did a great job of continuing the high pace that he added near the end of the first issue, whilst also adding some other development points and characters to the series at the same time. I did however question whether it was crucial to start this series during Infinity, as although it's been very fun and entertaining so far, it hasn't really done much for the event, expanding slightly on a earlier development of the main series. I did however enjoy how Ewing had the public helping, and overall he made this a very fun issue, and I'm sure he'll do an even better job once Infinity is finished.
The artwork on this issue was once again brilliant, and didn't have as many of the classic annoying trademarks that Greg Land is known for, with there being very few glamorous women, and little opportunity for awkward smiles. There was however still the odd awkward facial expression, with Blue Marvel showing a couple near the start of the issue. Land's layouts were however once again outstanding, and especially once the action sequence kicked back in, adding a lot of depth whilst also being dynamic, and overall helped the story to flow very smoothly and naturally. The inks from Jay Leisten and colours from Frank D'Armata were also brilliant making the final product look even more crisper and vibrant.
This issue would start with Ebony Maw continuing to work his way into Doctor Strange's subconscious. I initially questioned the necessity of this sequence, as it only appeared to be repeating something that happened in New Avengers #9. It did however become apparent why this was added later on in the issue, though even then I questioned whether it was truly necessary. I will however say that it is nice to see another connection to Infinity, and if Ewing handles this set-up properly in the next issue it will be a brilliant addition to the story.
This issue would also introduce a new character to the series in the form of Blue Marvel. Now I know very little about Blue Marvel so don't know whether his addition to the team will be a good thing or not. I have however enjoyed that Ewing has added a few lesser used characters to the team, as it allows them to get more notice. In this issue however I especially enjoyed the interaction that Blue Marvel would have with the Watcher, as although it slowed the issue down, it would allow Blue Marvel as a character to be introduced nicely into the series. On top of that it's always interesting to see the Watcher as you know that there's possibly something spectacular about to happen.
The bulk of this issue however would continue the fight between this newly formed Avengers team (Luke Cage, Superior Spider-Man, Spectrum, and a mysterious man in a Spider-Man suit) fighting Proxima Midnight. Now this was easily the best sequence in the issue, and was what made it so exciting. The explosive nature of it was simply brilliant, as was the shocking developments. The best part however would come when it looked like the Avengers were beat, and the public rallied them on, as this would just go to show how much the Avengers mean to the public.
Final Verdict
This was a fantastic issue and a great continuation from the first issue. It continues the amazing action brilliantly, adding a new character to the series as well. It was also very dramatic at times, and had some amazing dialogue. Crossover wise however it felt a little unnecessary, as although the story was very fun it didn't add anything new to the event itself. Due to all this I'd recommend this issue, but due to it not being that important crossover wise I'd only recommend to people who have a wider budget, or spare cash.
Rating: 8/10
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Greg Land
I wasn't originally planning on getting this series, as although I am happy to see Luke Cage back in a major comic book series, I couldn't fit it into my budget. I have however since been able to get the first couple of issues and hope to get the series at least during Infinity, but probably won't be getting the series on the release date.
Plot
Luke Cage has been working with the Heroes for Hire, but when Thanos' army attacks the Earth he must form a new team of Avengers... Mighty Avengers.
Review
This was a very good start for the series, as although it wasn't outstanding, it did a brilliant job of re-introducing the characters for this series. Now Al Ewing isn't a writer that I'm familiar with, so I didn't know what to expect. Ewing would however show throughout this issue that he has an understanding for the characters, as well as a good imagination, even if some of the developments were a little too weird. Ewing also did a decent job of fitting this in with the Infinity crossover, as a lot of new series can be ruined due to events, whereas this one handles it in a calm way, with it naturally progressing into the events developments.
The artwork in this issue was also good, as although I'm not a huge fan of Greg Land's work this has to be some of his better work, showing that he can be a good artist. The issue does however still have the regular Land problems, with every woman looking like a super model, and smiles looking as awkward as possible. Land did however produce some amazing layouts, which were very dynamic, adding a lot of depth to the issue. The layout also helped to make the action sequences more exciting, also helping the issue to flow a lot smoother. The backgrounds however were a bit plain, but I could easily live with that as it wasn't a huge problem.
This issue would start with Luke Cage and a group he's assembled doing some Heroes for Hire work, which the Superior Spider-Man gatecrashes. Now I loved that Ewing decided to give this a Heroes for Hire feel to it, as although it was fitting that it would eventually turn into a Avengers team book, it was nice to see Cage in his iconic role of Hero for Hire. I did however also enjoy the interaction between Cage and Spider-Man in this, as although I haven't been the biggest fan of the whole Doctor Octopus becoming Spider-Man, Ewing managed to show the change in characteristics perfectly, without making it too obvious, and overall the interaction between these two characters was very entertaining.
Cage would be working with White Tiger and the current Power Man (Victor Alvarez) during the Heroes for Hire part of this issue, and hence it would have two Power Men involved. Now when I first heard about this new Power Man I was very interested to see how Cage would react to him, and although due to not reading the character in anything before I don't know whether this has happened yet. I was however happy that it did here, and the interaction was amazing. I just loved how the difference in both characters age gap was obvious, and the fiery attitude of Alvarez added brilliant tone to the issue.
Now usually with a new team book I would talk about the team, and what I thought of the choices, but this issue the team wouldn't form until the end of the issue, and even then it didn't feel quite like a full team. Anyway I already said how I enjoyed Cage and Superior Spider-Man being a part of this series (even though I don't think Spider-Man will be a good fit in the long run), but the addition of Spectrum (Monica Rambeau) and a mysterious male would make things even more interesting. I especially found the mysterious man to be intriguing, and his choice of outfit was both humorous as well as weird, and I look forward to finding out his true identity.
Final Verdict
This was a good issue, and although it wasn't outstanding, it was better than I dreaded it would be, being a brilliant starting issue for the series. It also tied in with the Infinity event nicely, and although there were some weird moments it was overall an enjoyable issue. Due to this I'd recommend this issue, but it isn't the best Avengers issue, so only if you have spare cash after getting the main part of Infinity.
Rating: 7/10
