by Tony Rhea, Reporter
I’ll admit, it’s been a while since I’ve read an Avengers comic. It can seem daunting, given all the history of the team, let alone the characters themselves. I can easily say that if you find yourself in the same boat, then worry not. Avengers #1 is a great place to jump back in and “ASSEMBLE!” for adventure!
Official Description:
JED MACKAY AND STORMBREAKER C.F. VILLA TAKE THE REINS OF EARTH’S MIGHTIEST HEROES! The Star. The Icon. The Witch. The Construct. The God. The Engineer. The King. The world is ever in peril, and a new team of Avengers mobilizes to meet any dangers that dare threaten the planet. But when TERMINUS attacks, a new and insidious danger rears its head: one that the Avengers know all too well, and one that comes to them in the most dangerous of guises – that of a friend.
Creative Team:
Writer: Jed MacKay
Artist: C.F. Villa
Color Artist: Federico Blee
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Cover Artist: Stuart Immonen
MacKay and Villa bring us this story from the viewpoint of the new chairperson of the Avengers, Captain Marvel, as she carefully assembles her team of “firefighters” ready to jump in and save the day when needed. Carol’s choices are carefully made, and well-reasoned, in flashbacks as the team faces the threat of TERMINUS!
In a way, this is The Avengers brought back to the basics. The faces are familiar, but their circumstances have changed. MacKay brings a Captain that is not just trying to assemble a team, but also seeking to right previous wrongs. When I say this is a great jumping on point, it really is, because enough detail is given about where these Avengers have been without bogging you down with too much detail. The mention of these previous storylines is enough to allow you to understand their motivations, while motivating you to go and check out these previous stories. These characters have a lot of recent history, not all of it pleasant, and none of it is left by the wayside. It’s very clear that these past problems will inform much of the story going forward.
While Villa’s characters don’t break the mold with bold new costumes or over-the-top accessories, they are beautifully drawn characters in classic forms we have grown to love. The fantastic work with these characters probably shines through best in their close-ups, where each character’s unique personality clearly informs every expression and every move. Each character moves in their own way, and it’s obvious a lot of work was put in to ensure that each character’s identity shines through in every panel.
Avengers #1 provides a bold and provocative new beginning for some old friends. The action starts early and doesn’t let up, but the story is never sacrificed for its sake.
Rating: 
ComicsOnline gives Avengers#1 – 5 out of 5 Mightiest Heroes!
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