Yeah, it’s that time of the year again, when Earth’s mightiest heroes, at least those who survived the latest summer event, are united against a common threat (Read : Norman Osborn), to fight foes no single hero can withstand. Except Batman. It’s a pity he’s in a different universe.
With the release of Avengers #19, written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by David Acuna, this new comic book day, Marvel has unveiled the full new roster of the post Fear Itself Avengers. It does seem like a pretty solid combination of Avengers mainstays, returning classic members and new recruits.
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The Roster
- Captain America (The real one)
After the <SPOILER!> non-death of Bucky Barnes in Fear Itself, it is time for the original Captain America, Steve Rogers to wield the shield and lead the team once more.
- Iron Man
They’re definitely not getting rid of this guy, considering the fact that he happens to be the biggest star attraction in the Marvel Universe right now after his success in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Plus, Spider-man may not be on the roster anymore, which means Bendis needs someone to channel the funny side of the force.
- Hawkeye
This guy’s been in the background in this series (and in the marvel universe in general) for a while now, which is a shame because of Bendis’ excellent work on the character during ‘Dark Reign’. It’s about time he got some spotlight.
- Vision (The real one, not the one that runs around with the Young Avengers)
Following his demise in the pages of ‘Avengers Disassembled’, It appears Tony Stark has managed to reassemble the original Vision. I’m guessing the ending of ‘Avengers : The Children’s Crusade’ will touch upon this. The return of the classic Avenger is sure to please some of the older fans.
- Red Hulk
The work done on the character by both Jeff Parker and Bendis after Jeph Loeb’s critically panned run has proved the fact that there is no such thing as a bad character. Interesting to see how long he can stay on the team, considering the green Hulk we know and love couldn’t last more than 3 issues.
- Spider-Woman
People keep forgetting that she is one of the newer characters in the Avengers franchise, considering she only joined up last year since the Spider-Woman in the first volume of ‘New Avengers’ was a skrull. Should be interesting to see her carve out her own identity in the team.
- Protector
Noh-Varr, Kree warrior from another dimension, is one of the newer recruits and has certainly added to the team dynamic with his fish-out-of-water behaviour. It has been hinted in the first arc of this volume of the Avengers that his presence might just stop the Apocalyptic future seen in that arc after the Ultron war.
- Storm
Joining Beast and Wolverine in the list of X-Men-turned-Avengers, Storm is the latest addition to the franchise - thanks to Captain America’s need for power in the line up after Thor’s demise.
- Quake
Being a big fan of Jonathan Hickman’s Secret Warriors, it’s safe to say I’m pretty happy with her inclusion in the team and hope to see the rest of the Warriors back in the game soon. Go Daisy!!
Notable Omissions
- Spider-Man and Wolverine
Two characters who were responsible in a big way for the rejuvenation of the Avengers line three quarters have been kept out of the team without much ceremony, which is funny because they’re still showing up on the covers. ‘What’s going on, Marvel?’ moment one.
- Black Panther
Certainly the ‘Is he? Isn’t he?’ moment of the issue. Cap asks Panther to join, after which Panther recommends his wife, Storm for the team. Also, he’s on the cover for this issue AND the one before this. However, when the team did finally take the stage, he’s nowhere to be seen. ‘What’s going on, Marvel?’ moment two.
- Tanarus
There’s a panel in the issue where Cap laments not having Thor around anymore. But, as seen in Fear Itself #7.2, hasn’t Tanarus replaced Thor not just in the present, but in the past as well? Why isn’t he on the team? ‘What’s going on, Marvel?’ moment three.
- Maria Hill
She is the official liason to this team, and even the kinda sorta leader, but is nowhere to be seen throughout this issue. One would imagine she would be playing a bigger role in the series considering her presence in the upcoming movie.
No, I couldn’t resist.
1 comment:
Nice piece!
Personally? Im overjoyed to have Spidey and Wolverine off the team, Marvels doing a good thing letting other characters grow here and letting these two big-guns get on with all the awesomeness in their own books. Maybe they can finally prove that not every book needs to have one of them in it to be a good one!
Oh and I agree with you about Black Panther, Im heartbroken that his killer solo series is about to end and now he might not even be on this team - so where does T'Challa go?! :(
I just hope BMB starts focusing a little more and this book improves. They need some gap time between events and Bendis needs to write less number of books so his quality can be all it can be! :)
Thanks again! Cheers!
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