New Avengers #12 Review

WARNING: THIS REVIEW WILL SPOIL INFINITY #6!

Writer: Jonathan Hickman

Artist: Mike Deodato Jr.

Infinity was an amazing event and although I felt that it was the right length, I am still sad that it's ended. We do however get one more instalment in the form of this epilogue, and although I usually feel epilogues are unnecessary and at times purely to make more money, with it being New Avengers I'm sure this one will be good.

Plot

In the aftermath of defeating Thanos, Black Panther has to face some questions over his alliance with Namor while the other Illuminate members have their own personal tasks to attend to.

Review

This was an amazing issue and one of the best epilogue issues to an event that I've read in a while. Jonathan Hickman does a superb job of both following in the aftermath of Infinity, whilst also setting up future events for both the Marvel Universe as a whole, as well as certain Illuminati members personally, with this being a suspenseful issue with a lot of drama. Hickman would also add a lot of excitement and emotion to this issue, as although there wasn't any action it had a lot of tension and intensity, which in itself created some excitement. It is however still only an epilogue with nothing too amazing happening, hence it isn't quite the perfect issue.

The artwork on this issue was also spectacular with Mike Deodato Jr. as usual doing a phenomenal job. The detail in his art would also be very consistent throughout with very few imperfections, if any at all. The best thing about Deodato Jr.'s art would be his layouts which were simply breathtaking, adding a lot of depth and atmosphere to the issue. I was however still not a fan of the way that Deodato. Jr drew Beast, as although it didn't bother me quite as much in this issue, the oversized look of him still makes it feel slightly unrealistic, especially as he's not as big in other series'. The character emotion and facial expressions throughout would however be great adding yet more depth to the issue.

Black Panther's alliance with Namor as part of the Illuminati would come to haunt him in this issue as Shuri and the Dora Milaje question Black Panther over consorting with the Namor the leader of their enemy. Now it was only a matter of time before this came to affect Black Panther, and the way it was handled in this issue was very interesting. Now I won't go into too much detail as to avoid spoilers, but it is certainly not quite what I expected, though it was the natural direction to take this development in, and I will be looking forward to seeing how this will affect Namor and Black Panther's relationship as Illuminati members.

Doctor Strange would be affected a lot during the Infinity event, and this issue would see the Doctor take some measures to rectify this. Yet again I won't go into too much detail but I will say that the sequence had a very eeire and dark tone to it, and I am definitely looking forward to seeing if/how this will affect the series going forward and whether we'll see a change in Doctor Strange from now on. During the sequence itself I also found the interaction between Doctor Strange and Wong set-up this development brilliantly.

Finally Iron Man (Tony Stark), Mr. Fantastic and Beast would remain to talk with Black Swan. Now much like the previous two paragraphs I won't go into too much detail as this is probably the most interesting sequence in the issue and I'd hate to spoil it for anyone. I did however find the tone as well as the dialogue to be very interesting, adding a lot of depth and tension to the issue. I also loved Black Swan's attitude as a whole to be very intriguing and I look forward to seeing what Hickman has in store for her as this series develops beyond Infinity.

Final Verdict

This was a terrific issue and a brilliant epilogue. It would also set-up the future of this series perfectly, utilising the events of Infinity to do this. The issue itself would be very dramatic and exciting, and would have a lot of suspense as well with it's overall tone being simply perfect. Due to this I'd highly recommend this issue as well as the whole of the Infinity event and can't wait to see what will happen in this series next.

Rating: 9/10

New Avengers #11 Review

Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Mike Deodato Jr.

This has so far been an amazing series, and the Infinity event has made it even better, and so far has been one of the best events that Marvel has produced in years. The New Avengers and Avengers tie-ins however have also been wonderful, and for the first couple of months the New Avengers parts stood out as the best the event had to offer, though the main event itself has rightfully taken over that spot for now.

Plot

The Illuminati are taken to another universe where they meet a different set of Builders. Meanwhile Proxima Midnight goes to war with Wakanda.

Review

This was an amazing issue, as although it wasn't quite as good as the previous New Avengers Infinity tie-ins, it was still brilliant, being extremely interesting and exciting throughout. Jonathan Hickman so far has done a great job of balancing the three main series involved in this event, as although New Avengers and Avengers style and tone make it obvious that they're tie-ins, they also add more depth to the story as a whole. Hickman would also give some very interesting developments in this issue that played off this weeks Avengers issue perfectly, without spoiling it for anyone who decided to read this issue first. There was also a lot of excitement in this issue, and the end of this story is looking even more interesting.

The artwork in this issue was also fantastic, and Mike Deodato Jr. once again did a phenomenal job. The detail of Deodato Jr.'s art was also outstanding, as it was very consistent throughout, being simply perfect. The layouts of Deodato Jr.'s artwork was also once again brilliant, as it was very dynamic, and added a lot of excitement and depth to the issue. I also felt that Deodato Jr. handled the action in this issue perfectly, with it being very explosive and exciting, having a brilliant tone and atmosphere to it as well. I was however once again not a fan of how he drew Beast, as although he continues to improve with Thanos, I still feel that his version of the Beast is way too big, and too much like a gorilla.

The main development in this issue would be the Illuminati being taken by an Aleph of an other universe to meet with the Builders and Ex Nihili of another universe. This was probably the most interesting sequence in this issue, as although it may have not been the most exciting, it would have the most impact on the event as a whole. The interaction between these Builders and the Illuminati was very interesting and dramatic, and I especially enjoyed the different attitude that these Builders had. I was however not that fond of the different look for the Ex Nihili's though, as I much prefer the normal gold and black colour.

There would also be a big fight sequence as Proxima Midnight would lead an army against Wakanda, with the ultimate goal of finding the location of the missing Infinity Gem. This was easily the most exciting sequence in this issue, as although the Builders appearance had a more interesting development point, the action was simply amazing being very intense and exciting. I also loved the interaction between the Cull Obsidian prior to this, and the dialogue between Proximan Midnight and Black Panther (Shuri) throughout it added a lot of drama and suspense as well.

Thanos would also make an appearance in this issue, showing how he is continuing with his search for both Thane and the remaining Infinity Gem. Now the fight Thanos had with Black Bolt was amazing, so I was slightly surprised to see how calm he was in this issue, though this is Thanos so that fight would have probably been nothing to him. I did however enjoy seeing his interaction with his Cull Obsidian, and the discovery that he made in this issue was also very interesting, though his response to it was slightly disappointing, though worked perfectly with Thanos' characteristics.

Final Verdict

This was yet another fantastic tie-in issue, as although it wasn't quite as good as the previous tie-in issues that New Avengers has produced, it was still a very exciting and enjoyable issue. It also had some brilliant action, as well as having a lot of drama and suspense throughout. On top of that there was some very interesting developments that have me looking forward to Infinity #5 even more than I already was. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue, as well as the main Infinity event and the Avengers tie-ins as they are all truly amazing.

Rating: 8/10

New Avengers #10 Review

Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Mike Deodato Jr.

So far Infinity has been a fantastic event, and one of the best that Marvel has produced in recent years, with the main tie-ins being just as interesting as the main event, as well as slightly better at times. In fact the last issue of this is the best issue that I feel the event has produced so far.

Plot

Black Bolt has informed the rest of the Illuminati members about Thanos' secret son and how they must find him. Also Thanos isn't overall happy with the news that his Cull Obsidian have brought him.

Review

This was a fantastic issue, and although not quite as good as the last still one of the better Infinity has produced so far. Jonathan Hickman has been producing some of his best work on this event, as juggling one story over three series' can't be easy, but Hickman manages to do it brilliantly. This issue continues from where Infinity #2 left off as although some people haven't liked the development being through three series, I personally feel that they work into each other perfectly. This issue itself was very dramatic, and exciting, with amazing dialogue and encounters, though it didn't have too much development which stopped it from being perfect. 

The art in this issue was outstanding, and Mike Deodato, Jr. did a phenomenal job. The detail in his artwork is simply amazing, as everything looks so crisp and neat. I also loved the layout from Deodato Jr. in this issue, as well as the way he showed the characters emotions, as although it can be slightly stiff and awkward looking at times, for the majority of the issue it's amazing. I will however now move onto the small thing that bugged me, and that was how he drew Beast. The artwork itself was nice and brilliantly detailed, but I felt that he looked too much like a gorilla, also being way too big, dwarfing the rest of the Illuminati whilst sitting round a table. I did however prefer his artwork on Thanos this time round.

The last issue of Infinity would show that besides the remaining Infinity Gem, Thanos is also looking for his son, wanting him dead. That was an amazing development from the event, and I loved how it continued in this issue. I also found the discussion between Black Bolt, and his fellow Illuminati members to be very interesting, and their reaction to the news was also very enjoyable. I've also loved in general how Hickman has allowed Black Bolt a chance to speak without destroying everything nearby, and how he's becoming a key part of this story.

Ultimately Black Bolt would task his fellow Illuminati members with finding Thanos son, preventing his death. Now I won't go into too much discussion over how this affected the plot of this issue as to avoid spoilers, but I will say my thoughts on the discussion the remaining Illuminati members had once they left Black Bolt. The sequence itself was very dramatic, with plenty of suspense. It also had a brilliant atmosphere, and overall had a lot of tone to it, showing the different emotions of the Illuminati perfectly.

This issue would also see Thanos' Cull Obsidian return with the information they gathered. Now Thanos being apart of this event has been what I've been most interested in, but up till now I feel that we haven't seen him at his best, as although he's used people to do his work in the past, it's always better when he has a more hands on approach. This issue would however show more of the Thanos I love, as he would show his disgust at Black Dwarf's failure, also adding a lot of excitement to the issue.

Final Verdict

Although not quite as good as the last issue this was yet another brilliant instalment in the Infinity event, following on from Infinity #2 perfectly. The issue itself was very dramatic and exciting, though it did lack in action, being more of a set-up issue. I would however highly recommend this issue, and the event so far, and will be moving straight onto Infinity #3 which was also out this week.

Rating: 9/10

New Avengers #9 Review

Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Mike Deodato Jr.

Now I haven't been reviewing this series, but due to the Infinity event I have decided to review this series, as well as the Avengers throughout the Infinity event, which so far has not disappointed.

Plot

As the Avengers are preparing for an invasion Thanos sends members of his Black Order to find the sole remaining Infinity Gem.

Review

This was an amazing issue, and easily the best this series has produced so far. Much like Avengers #18 Jonathan Hickman has managed to continue from the events of Infinity #1 perfectly, though this time round he's also managed to have that work in with the series events as well. The fact that the Illuminati didn't have a huge role in Infinity #1 probably helped as well, but the way that this series, and the Avengers compliment each other the now is simply wonderful. Besides that Hickman managed to add a lot of tone, and drama to this issue, as well as suspense, and excitement. The dialogue was also outstanding, adding depth, as well as atmosphere.

The art in this issue was also outstanding, and Mike Deodato, Jr. did an amazing job. The detail in Deodato Jr.'s artwork was simply brilliant, as everything looked perfect. The layout was also fantastic, adding a lot of depth, and tone to the issue, being very dynamic as well. I also loved how Deodato Jr. drew all the characters, with the only small exception being Thanos, who didn't look as awe-inspiring as he should do. The action was also handled perfectly, and I loved how much detail was in the artwork, with the excitement, and explosiveness of the sequence really standing out. I also loved the backgrounds in this issue, as along with all the action it added to the depth of the issue, also adding atmosphere.

This issue started with Thanos talking with his Black Order about holders of the Infinity Gems, and how all but one have been destroyed. I found this really interesting, and it also really excited me, as having anticipated the Infinity Gems having an involvement in Infinity, with it most likely happening in this series I was happy that it was the case. I also loved seeing Thanos again, as following his appearance in the first issue of Infinity I was really excited to find out more about his role in the event.

The Avengers learned in Infinity #1 that the Builders were heading to Earth, and Iron Man got the job of staying behind in case Captain America's team failed. Iron Man doesn't appear to have put a team together, as although he's working with Mr. Fantastic of the Illuminati, all the other members appear to be in their regular locations outside the team. Iron Man, and Mr. Fantastic however are prepared for an invasion, and are fighting it. I personally loved this, and enjoyed seeing the high tech setting for this sequence. I also loved the interaction between Iron Man, and Mr. Fantastic as well, as it was extremely interesting. I did however question who the invaders were, as although the Builders are the logical suspects, the issue also made it look like it may have been Thanos' army.

Whilst all this was happening Thanos' Black Order targeted Black Panther, Namor, Doctor Strange, and Beast individually, trying to find the location of the remaining Infinity Gem. This was an awesome collection of sequences, and I loved seeing how each character reacted to this treat differently. I especially loved the fight between Black Panther, and Black Dwarf, as well as the fight between Corvus Glaive, and Supergiant against the X-Men, though I did feel that Wolverine was focused on more than Beast in the later sequence, which it shouldn't have done.

Final Verdict

This was a brilliant issue, and a terrific tie-in. Being the best issue that this series has produced so far this issue was everything from exciting, to dramatic, also being suspenseful as well. There was also great action as well, which was very explosive. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue, and can't wait for issue two of Infinity.

Rating: 9/10

New Avengers #1 Review

Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Steve Epting

Initially I wasn't planing on getting this series due to already getting 2 Avengers series (Uncanny Avengers, and Avengers), and am planing on getting Young Avengers, so I felt that I would have enough Avengers series'. After all the hype for this series I've decided to try this, and cut the Avengers series I least like, or all if they're all poor, as I don't want to be getting more than 2-3 Avengers series (preferably 2). I've never been a huge fan of Jonathan Hickman's work, but the idea of a series featuring the Illuminati interested me, so I will be at least getting the first story arc of this series.

Plot

This issue mainly focuses around Black Panther, and how a disaster that affected Wakanda, and looks to affect the world, leads to him forming a group of Avengers that have previously been known as the Illumiati.

Review

This wasn't a bad issue, but at the same time it was a bit mediocre, and not as good as I'd hoped. Although Hickman does a decent job of starting this catastrophe story, the issue focuses too much on Black Panther, and doesn't feel like a team book, let alone an Avengers/Illuminati book. Hickman is no stranger to writing Black Panther, as he's appeared in the Fantastic Four during Hickman's run, and Hickman wrote him perfectly then and just as brilliant now. I hope that Hickman continues this, and that Black Panther is written a with as much quality as he deserves as his last solo series, Black Panther: The Man Without Fear, started good, but dropped in quality soon after. I also hope that Hickman can make this a good team book, as both his Avengers series' haven't been as good as I expected, but it's still early days.

Although the story wasn't brilliant, the art was, and Steve Epting has done a great job on this first issue. His art is truly fantastic, and beautiful, and I love looking at it. I also liked that during the flashback at the start it had all the Illuminati members in the uniforms they wore at the time they were originally meant to have formed (after the Kree-Skrull War), which was nice and set up Black Panther's involvement in this story perfectly. I always love seeing Epting's art, and loved it in Fantastic Four, FF, and Captain America. Epting also add's ton's of detail to his artwork, and draws backgrounds, as well as characters beautifully. Frank D'Armata also does a fabulous with the colours in this issue, and really sets a brilliant mood/tone. I loved that he used a muddy darker colour in the flashback, and that it looked more grittier than most flashbacks. I also thought he did an excellent job on the rest of the issue, and that the colours were vibrant, and that he chose when to make them lighter, or darker perfectly.

The Formation of the Illuminati

The thing I did like in this issue was that it showed the original meeting between the Illuminati. Although the Illuminati were originally featured in Brian Michael Bendis' original New Avengers series, it was revealed that the group originally formed following the Kree-Skrull War, and that Black Panther was the only person that refused to join the group, not thinking that it was right to make decisions that affect the world behind everyone backs. This made total sense as that's the type of character Black Panther is, and although some of the other members of the Illuminati might agree with him, they don't agree enough to take his warning. I do however find it slightly hypocritical that he's now forming a Illuminati group of his own, and that it involves the remaining members of the original Illuminati. I know that there are certain circumstances, but I was still a bit shocked to see Black Panther change his morales. I am however looking forward to seeing what Black Panther will bring to this group, and whether he can become a team player, especially considering he's leading the group.

Black Panther's Trouble

This issue however mainly focused on Black Panther, and Wakanda, and a new threat that has come, which affects Wakanda and the world. Although I liked seeing Black Panther, and Wakanda again, I felt that this sequence was a bit slow, and took up too much time in the issue. I also think that it wasn't a good move for newer comic book readers, as although it explains the situations that formed this group, it doesn't show much of the actual formation, and doesn't feel like a team book. I do however hope that this is a one of thing to set up the story, and that it's more focused on the Illuminati, than Black Panther in future, although I still want to see him have a big role, just not as big a role as he was in this issue.

WARNING: SMALL SPOILER!

Illuminati Assemble

We do however get to see a set-up to the formation of the Illuminati at the end of the issue, as Black Panther appears to have swallowed his pride, asking the remaining members of the former Illuminati, and Captain America to help him with this situation. Although nothing happens in this issue, it doesn't half tease what's going to happen in the next issue, whilst asking a few questions that you wouldn't prior to reading this issue. The main question I'm looking forward to seeing answered, and hopefully next issue, is what Captain America's role will be in this series, as he wasn't advertised as being in this series. It will probably land up being a supervising role to overlook the formation of this group like in the last New Avengers series, and that he won't be involved to much, but I will be looking forward to the specifics. I'm also looking forward to the interaction between Black Panther, and the remaining members of the former Illuminati, and whether anything volatile will happen. It will also be interesting to see how Beast joins the team, as he wasn't on the previous Illuminati team, but is a genius, like the other members.

Final Verdict

A decent start, but very disappointing. The only positive this comic is that it shows ton's of potential, and I hope it delivers. I wouldn't recommend getting this issue, straight away, but if the series picks-up in quality I'd recommend getting it to fill the gap, cause if the series turns out to be poor it would be a waste of money.

Rating: 3.5/5