Post by goldenfist on Apr 24, 2008 9:50:31 GMT -5
Here's ign's review on Mighty Avengers #12.
Mighty Avengers #12 is the best issue of the series so far. I figure I'll start out this review by stating that much. I assume Brian Michael Bendis' readers were expecting no less considering every book he and Alex Maleev collaborate on is nothing short of extraordinary. Still, it's always nice to have confirmation.
Much has been made of the importance of Bendis' two Avengers books to the overall Secret Invasion storyline. According to both Bendis and Marvel, if you choose to read any SI tie-ins, you should start with these two series. So far, New Avengers hasn't exactly supported that idea. Leave it to Mighty Avengers, ever the redheaded step-chid of the Avengers family, to make that incredibly true. Issue #12 is an essential read in my opinion, and not just because of its connection to Secret Invasion.
Were you wondering what Nick Fury has been up to lately? Other than a few handy Life Model Decoys, Fury has been almost completely absent from the greater Marvel Universe for years now. I'm extremely pleased to see him make his grand return in such a grand fashion. This issue picks up at the tail-end of Secret War, just as Fury makes his disappearance. From there, Bendis' script makes several chronological jumps, showing the path Fury takes as he tries to deal with his new life of obscurity. Naturally, it isn't long before he catches wind of some very shady and Skrully doings.
I love this issue because it proves that a S.H.I.E.L.D.-oriented series is not only possible, but could easily stand out from the pack. Despite his age, Fury proves himself to be a terrific and compelling character. Rarely have supporting players like Maria Hill or Spider-Woman been used so well. Since Bendis has said this issue is indicative of how the long-delayed Spider-Woman series will be, I find myself clamoring for that book more than ever.
Not just because of the writing, mind you, but because Alex Maleev's latest artistic style is simply breathtaking. As much as I enjoy Maleev's work, I've never felt like he's been able to top his Daredevil run. Now I think he might have done just that. Maleev seems to have struck a perfect balance between moody, shadowy surroundings and strikingly realistic and lifelike characters.
For the first 11 issues of this book part of me has wondered why Mighty Avengers exists at all. For once I'm able to quiet that little voice in my head. Perhaps this issue doesn't completely justify the book's existence, as the story could have just as easily taken place in New Avengers. I don't really care. Tie-in books like this make the entire Secret Invasion blitz well worth it.
Review Score: 9.3 Outstanding
Here's a review by abother ign reviewer
There technically isn't much that I can say that Jesse hasn't said here in his review… so let me skip the recap and go right to my feelings on the comic: It is outstanding! Bendis and Maleev are an incredible pairing, and their pitch perfect action/noir style works perfect in the telling of Nick Fury's whereabouts. They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and seeing Fury back undercover doing what he does best makes for some of the most enthralling storytelling in some time.
As a bridge between Secret War and Secret Invasion, Bendis' story gives us a window into Fury's acknowledgement and first stages of preparation for the upcoming Skrull threat. While we still have no idea how Fury has been preparing, or what he has been up to in his time away from S.H.I.E.L.D., we do know that he is fully invested in protecting the Earth from the invasion. As such, we know that this is only the beginning of one of the best interweaving stories of Marvel's Secret Invasion event, and I for one cannot wait to see exactly how it pans out.
Some may claim this issue was kind of slow – as nothing more than Fury's initial awareness of the Skrulls is shown, but knowing that there is much more to the story, and that Bendis is likely to continue to explore Fury's vantage point, I choose to see The Mighty Avengers #12 as an exciting stepping stone leading to something much larger. So those looking for another Avengers story… sorry, but you are just going to have to settle with a superior story featuring one of Marvel's most interesting characters… deal with it
Review Score: 9.0 Outstanding
Mighty Avengers #12 is the best issue of the series so far. I figure I'll start out this review by stating that much. I assume Brian Michael Bendis' readers were expecting no less considering every book he and Alex Maleev collaborate on is nothing short of extraordinary. Still, it's always nice to have confirmation.
Much has been made of the importance of Bendis' two Avengers books to the overall Secret Invasion storyline. According to both Bendis and Marvel, if you choose to read any SI tie-ins, you should start with these two series. So far, New Avengers hasn't exactly supported that idea. Leave it to Mighty Avengers, ever the redheaded step-chid of the Avengers family, to make that incredibly true. Issue #12 is an essential read in my opinion, and not just because of its connection to Secret Invasion.
Were you wondering what Nick Fury has been up to lately? Other than a few handy Life Model Decoys, Fury has been almost completely absent from the greater Marvel Universe for years now. I'm extremely pleased to see him make his grand return in such a grand fashion. This issue picks up at the tail-end of Secret War, just as Fury makes his disappearance. From there, Bendis' script makes several chronological jumps, showing the path Fury takes as he tries to deal with his new life of obscurity. Naturally, it isn't long before he catches wind of some very shady and Skrully doings.
I love this issue because it proves that a S.H.I.E.L.D.-oriented series is not only possible, but could easily stand out from the pack. Despite his age, Fury proves himself to be a terrific and compelling character. Rarely have supporting players like Maria Hill or Spider-Woman been used so well. Since Bendis has said this issue is indicative of how the long-delayed Spider-Woman series will be, I find myself clamoring for that book more than ever.
Not just because of the writing, mind you, but because Alex Maleev's latest artistic style is simply breathtaking. As much as I enjoy Maleev's work, I've never felt like he's been able to top his Daredevil run. Now I think he might have done just that. Maleev seems to have struck a perfect balance between moody, shadowy surroundings and strikingly realistic and lifelike characters.
For the first 11 issues of this book part of me has wondered why Mighty Avengers exists at all. For once I'm able to quiet that little voice in my head. Perhaps this issue doesn't completely justify the book's existence, as the story could have just as easily taken place in New Avengers. I don't really care. Tie-in books like this make the entire Secret Invasion blitz well worth it.
Review Score: 9.3 Outstanding
Here's a review by abother ign reviewer
There technically isn't much that I can say that Jesse hasn't said here in his review… so let me skip the recap and go right to my feelings on the comic: It is outstanding! Bendis and Maleev are an incredible pairing, and their pitch perfect action/noir style works perfect in the telling of Nick Fury's whereabouts. They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and seeing Fury back undercover doing what he does best makes for some of the most enthralling storytelling in some time.
As a bridge between Secret War and Secret Invasion, Bendis' story gives us a window into Fury's acknowledgement and first stages of preparation for the upcoming Skrull threat. While we still have no idea how Fury has been preparing, or what he has been up to in his time away from S.H.I.E.L.D., we do know that he is fully invested in protecting the Earth from the invasion. As such, we know that this is only the beginning of one of the best interweaving stories of Marvel's Secret Invasion event, and I for one cannot wait to see exactly how it pans out.
Some may claim this issue was kind of slow – as nothing more than Fury's initial awareness of the Skrulls is shown, but knowing that there is much more to the story, and that Bendis is likely to continue to explore Fury's vantage point, I choose to see The Mighty Avengers #12 as an exciting stepping stone leading to something much larger. So those looking for another Avengers story… sorry, but you are just going to have to settle with a superior story featuring one of Marvel's most interesting characters… deal with it
Review Score: 9.0 Outstanding
