Avengers #4 Review – Marvel NOW!
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Adam Kubert
Color Artist: Frank D’Armata
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Avengers #4 picks up with the fallout from their mission on Mars against The Garden. Ex Nihilo launched “origin bombs” from Mars to Earth, with the goal of resetting our genetic code and reshaping the planet. With The Garden defeated, it’s up to The Avengers to contain the impact sites of the origin bombs. The reader is also introduced to the secret origin of Hyperion.
What I Liked
With the roster of The Avengers expanding, there are a lot of new characters to become familiar with. One of these characters, Hyperion, is featured in this issue. We learn some background of where he comes from and how he was raised. What is important to note is his origin seems to tie into the story taking place over in New Avengers, which is also being written by Jonathan Hickman.
After the epic battle in Avengers #3, this issue deals with a much smaller cast. With so many characters, it’s good to let some issues deal with characterization on a smaller scale.
Adam Kubert’s is a veteran artist of the X-Men world. I believe Kubert also was one of the many artists during Avengers vs. X-Men. His art in that was very lackluster in my opinion, but I enjoyed Kubert’s work in Avengers #4. Everything looks more crisp and detailed. It may have to do with having a different inker/colorer perhaps.
What I Didn’t Like
I’m not crazy about some of the new members of the team, specifically the ones I haven’t heard of before. Those members would be Hyperion, Captain Universe and Smasher. Smasher I’m okay with because I know she is the first human member of the Imperial Guard. From what I’ve heard, Hyperion and Captain Universe may come from an alternate universe, appropriately titled “New Universe” that was created back in the late 1980’s.
There is nothing wrong with creating new characters. However, when all of them seem to be all-powerful, that doesn’t leave many threats which can challenge them. A great writer like Hickman can overcome this, but it still leaves me wondering what is the point of having a Hawkeye or Black Widow on The Avengers when all you really need to solve any problem would be a Captain Universe or Hyperion?
Summary
The highlight of Avengers #4 is the Hyperion origin. I have the sense that seeds are being planted for future stories involving The Garden and even Hyperion himself. After an action-packed last issue, some may find this slower story not as fun to read.
This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network. They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
