Avengers: The Origin #5

The conclusion to Avengers Origins starts off with the finishing act of Avengers #1. But in that 1963’s issues last 2 panels, the 5 heroes decide to join up as the Avengers.

Here in issue 5, the last 10 pages is devoted to that commitment. This is what I’ve been expecting from Marvel, an origin tale that goes into better depth of the original source material.

The art is fantastic and the last few pages that show a glimpse of things to come for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes is poignant, inspiring, and down right touching. Excellent way to finish a mini-series that had a slightly disappointing start.

Worth Consuming.

Avengers: The Origin #4

Avengers 'Origins' finally feels like I am reading something fresh. The trio of Ant-man, Wasp, and Iron Man have tracked Hulk to a research facility whereas Ant-Man comes up with a trap for the big green machine. Meanwhile, Thor must battle a host of Lokis in order to capture the real McCoy hiding among the throng.

I honestly don’t remember any of this occurring in Avengers #1, so it felt like reading a new take of the origin of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and not a old script with new art.

This is how Origin “reboots” or “retools” should be.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Avengers: The Origin #3

Ant-man, Wasp, and Iron Man finally track the Hulk down. Posing as a strong man robot at a local circus, the trio end up doing more harm than good. Hulk wasn’t hurting anybody and then boom- the heroes arrive guns blazing.

Again, not much is added to the story with one small exception. A brief romance of sorts is added to the mix between Hulk and the bearded lady. I’m not making this up folks and actually, I’d like for Marvel to do a follow up story where Hulk returned to the circus and made amends. Might make a good romance tale.

OK- I’m sentimental.

The art continues to be fantastic and I did like what like the writers did to explore Hulk’s time under the big top.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Avengers: The Origin #2

What a fantastic cover. No wonder Iron Man created his Hulk Buster armor!

In issue 2, Thor thinks he knows whose behind the Hulk’s rampage and returns to Asgard to investigate. Already way down in the manpower department, Ant-Man, Wasp, and Iron Man use the latest in hi-tech to track the Hulk’s movements. In terms of the Hulk, he’s made some new friends who make him seem normal in comparison.

Fantastic Art. I mentioned the cover, didn’t I? There’s a great sequence that involves the Hulk on a rampage, but I won’t let on to what happens. I will say, it’s gory and kinda morbidly fun.

Worth Consuming, but it still doesn’t add much to the content first presented in 1963’s Avengers #1.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars,

Avengers: The Origin #1

I like origin stories and I think they can offer some unique insights into the characters background. But, what if they merely retell the exact story with very little changes? That’s exactly what happens in this book. If you are familiar with Avengers #1, volume 1, the events that unfold happen in this book.

Here’s the kicker- the 1963 Avengers story took 48 pages to tell a single adventure. This miniseries has decided to stretch it out for 5 issues! A little overkill, don’t you think?

The book does re-frame the origin to a more recent history. I’d say within 5 years of the book’s publication date of 2010. The hype for the Avengers movie probably prompted Marvel to issue this series. But again, if you’re not going to offer anything new to the storyline, don’t expect fans to shell out $3.99 per book for 5 issues when they can read the entire story along with 5-25 other reprinted Avengers tales (dependent on format) written and drawn by the very best in the biz- Lee and Kirby.

Thankfully, I paid only a buck a book, so I didn’t hurt too much in the pocket book. Also, the art is really good. I love the covers and the interior art has a realism similar to Alex Ross and a classic Marvel feel similar to John Romita- Sr and Jr.

Worth Consuming, but don’t pay full cover price! It’s just not worth that!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Avengers (2010-2012), Vol. 1

I haven’t read a current Avengers framed story in quite some time. What little I know is piecemeal from reading trade mags and website news. Oh, and lots of Wiki-reading.

So, I found this book in my library and thought that since I had issue 1, I could save myself the trouble of getting the rest of the series and check it out for free.

The Avengers have regrouped once again after the Dark Reign storyline in which heroes were outlawed and the villains ruled and kept the peace. Here, Kang invades the team and warns them that their children will one day destroy the world. Later, it’s discovered that Kang’s battle with the youngsters did more damage than expected by destroying the space-time continuum!

Just about everyone's favorite characters is here- Wolverine, Captain America, Steve Rogers, Thor, Iron Man, Hawkeye, EVEN Spider-man. It’s a time-travel storyline so, it gets a little confusing. But it is still very good. The art is fantastic and the cover gallery is stunning featuring artist favs such as John Romita Jr.

I enjoyed this book very much and I think Marvel’s take on “The Heroic Age” is really good and it makes me want to start reading current Marvel tales again.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Justice League America #83

After killing one of the prisoners, Guy Gardner has a melt down and escapes. Hot on his tail is the League, Captain Atom, the golden age Flash, and Guy Gardner!? Wouldn’t you know it, we get to the good stuff and a cliffhanger hits only to inform me, I need an issue I don’t have in another series I don’t even collect in order to get some answers! I hate that!

In order to read the conclusion, you’ll need Guy Gardner, #15.

Worth Consuming, but a total let down!

    Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.