REVIEW: Uncanny Avengers #2

Uncanny by definition means strange and mysterious in a disturbing way; it’s an appropriate word for this roster of Avengers: Havok, Captain America, Thor, Rogue, Scarlet Witch, and Wolverine. Brought together by Captain America to promote mutant and human co-existence, they combat a renewed fear and hatred for the mutant rebirth. However, with these heroes still distrustful of one another, can Havok, their appointed leader, unite them against an old powerful foe, the Red Skull?

UNCANNY AVENGERS #2
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: John Cassaday
Letterer: VC’s Chris Eliopoulos
Colorist: Laura Martin
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

Previously in Uncanny Avengers: With mutants repopulating the Earth, Captain America decides to have Alex Summers, a.k.a. Havok, lead the Avengers. Before Havok makes his decision, Avalanche arrives in Manhattan and devastates the city in the name of the “mutant revolution”. Meanwhile, Rogue confronts the Scarlet Witch at Charles Xavier’s grave site, only to be ambushed and captured by a group of super villains, led by Red Skull.

SO MUCH MUTANT HATE

Rick Remender’s initial issues of Uncanny Avengers deals with the aftermath of Charles Xavier’s death. The X-Men—including Havok, Wolverine, and Rogue—are still reeling over the events of Avengers vs. X-Men. Unlike other comics in the Marvel Now campaign, it is not “business as usual” for these heroes. Through flashbacks, monologues, and dialogue, our heroes express their emotions regarding the recent events. It is a good balance between handling the dangers of superhero duty with dealing with heartbreaking loss. I also enjoyed the inventive use of superpowers in this issue. From Honest John, the Living Propaganda, manipulating the public to kill mutants, to Rogue using water to absorb powers, to Red Skull exhuming Xavier’s body to fuse his brain into his own, it shows the outlandish creativity of Rick Remender. It demonstrates that the writer understands the experience these heroes have gained over the years. Surprisingly, with all the twists and turns, Red Skull’s evil plot is very simple—destroy all mutants. Although the motive goes a little out of Red Skull’s Nazi-domination personality, it fits for the theme of the series. Uncanny Avengers #2 continues to elaborate on the intricate story established in the first issue.

ART IS IN THE DETAILS

I’ve been a fan of John Cassaday’s art since I read Astonishing X-Men and Planetary. The scenery is epic, from the scenes of Manhattan’s destruction (for the millionth time in the Marvel Universe) to Red Skull’s secret lair. Although there is not much creativity with the design of each hero, they are easily recognizable. The new villain designs have been done well. Each has a menacing and dangerous power to them, as if they will be an equal match for the overpowered Uncanny Avengers. The characters’ emotions also blend with the dialogue and text, taking full advantage of the artistic style with little to no white space. It is brutal, detailed, and deep, much like the narrative.

BOTTOM LINE:  WORTH THE WAIT

This title’s release was delayed for two weeks, but it was worth the wait. With all these egos to control, it will be interesting how each hero will fill a role on the team. It is a great start to a series brought out of the last Marvel crossover events. In the next few months, it will be interesting who Rick Remender will bring on board to balance the power of these Avengers.

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