When, exactly, is Marvel going to take a breather?

Were okay with that.

And it gets big.

New Avengers#2 opens with the captured Black Swan being interrogated by Reed Richards.

Why did she destroy a planet?

Where is she from?

How can she be contained?

Last issue, it seemed as if she was a cosmic villain dedicated to destruction.

This becomes ambiguous as she expresses emotion over her actions.

Her warnings are dire.

She only destroyed the planet because it would have collided with Earth.

Even worse, the planet she destroyed was another Earth, and another collision can happen at any time.

Yeah, the story is THAT big.

This leads to the first meeting of the new Illuminati.

This is where Hickman and Epting shine.

The meeting is rendered with no background, just the heroes and a table floating in darkness.

This gives the sense that these heroes are the only beings in the universe that matter at that moment.

They are a pantheon of gods deciding the fate of those beyond the void.

It is Black Panther that truly stands out in this scene.

When the Illuminati first met, he stormed out, disgusted by the idea of the cabal.

Now, he is a willing member, which shows the reader just how serious a threat this is.

He even willingly stands with Namor, a man Panther has sworn to destroy.

Its interesting that Hickman chooses to have Stark as a member of the team, not as Iron Man.

They need the brain to guide them, not the armor.

Any longtime Marvel fan doesnt have to think too hard about what happens when the gems are united.

It was shocking that Captain America suggested the Gems be combined.

Hickman never loses Caps sense of humanity or duty.

With all the Avengers titles out there, this character driven approach to cosmic storytelling truly stands out.

review by:Marc Buxton

Story:9/10

Art:9/10

Overall:9/10

Daredevil #22

.

I went in dubious, but I came out a fan.

The final panel delivers a bombshell, which I have no intention of spoiling here.

Mark Waids humor and understanding of why these characters work so well has never been stronger.

Chris Samnees art has a lot to do with this as well.

His art is clean and his action is presented beautifully.

Javier Rodriguezs colors dont hurt either.

Its a great introduction to the Superior Spider-Man and has gotten me to consider expanding my Marvel pull-list.

That is a BIG deal, trust me.

Riddle me this, true believers!

When is a Captain America comic not a Captain America comic?

But disorientation is sometimes a good thing.

Didnt see that coming.

But its not the first two pages which makeCaptain America#3 so unpredictable.

No, the big surprise is saved for the last page.

Believe me, you probably didnt see it coming, either.

Its been a year (of comic book time, not our time) or more.

Even this issue seems to take place over the span of weeks or months.

Except…it IS.

Cap is still Cap, even when he isnt fighting in World War II or leading the Avengers.

Im too interested and invested in this insane Dimension Z plot to bother with more earthly concerns.

And, you know what?

I didnt see THAT coming, either.

Oh, and watch out for that last page.

review by:Mike Cecchini

Story:7/10

Art:7/10

Overall:7/10

Indestructible Hulk #3

Hulk: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Unfortunately, we will have to wait until R.O.B.

2.0 to see more of him, because Hulk smashed the original R.O.B.

Secondly, Mark Waids story for the new, upgraded Bruce Banner continues to keep my interest.

Im very excited to see Bruce Banner 2.0 working with S.H.I.E.L.D.

Waids Hulk series, so far at least, has been incredible.

Thirdly, Sunny Ghos colors are fantastic, rounding out the creative team behindIndestructible Hulk#3 quite well.

DeConnick has a handle on Carol Danvers.

Its a pleasure to read a character when the writer is clearly so comfortable writing her.

The book has an indie feel, which may harm it in todays insular market.

They shouldnt.Captain Marvelshowcases a unique blend of humor, action, and heart.

Carol is defined by three things: her inner strength, her humanity, and her relationships.

Spider-Woman as Carols running buddy is a delight to read, as is Carols banter with Stark.

Writing:9/10

Art:6/10

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