Hank Pym’s newfound Avengers are stuck in the PymPocket; sounds kinky doesn’t it? The Pympocket is a lab that exists outside of both time and space. Barely escaping a HAMMER attack, the doorways to return home are quickly disappearing. Only Mr. Fantastic, Reed Richards, has the technology that can help them. Hank calls up his old buddy, but plans and people change. Meanwhile, U.S. Agent and Quicksilver are off to China on a mission involving the Inhumans, which could have far reaching ramifications.
Okay, I’m not a fan of the mega-science stories; time travel, multi-dimensions, and alternate realities are not my thing. That being said, I still really like this issue. I have writer Dan Slott to thank for that. Slott can write good banter and advance the story as well. Hank Pym declaring to Reed Richards “It’s on, bitch” was a great moment in Avengers’ history. This is a far from cohesive team and Slott is able to capture the tension with wit and style. With Loki pulling the strings and Hank still not entirely stable, it’s going to be bumpy time for this fledgling team.
Stephen Segovia’s art should get this book noticed. Even panels without action appear vibrant because of his talent. There is a power and fluidity to each image that brings life into these pages.
This issue leaves us waiting for the action that will occur next issue. This team is fun and Slott seems to have a lot in store for them.
3.5 out of 5
The gears of war continue to turn in Marvel’s satisfying space epic. The writing team of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning has carved their niche in the cosmic genre. War of Kings is their opus magnus. This story has been slowly simmering throughout the Marvel universe. Respectfully of many previous storylines, the writers craft their own original tale, but it feels very organic and real. These events happens within the Marvel Universe, not against it.
War of Kings is certainly about war: Shi-Ar vs. the galaxy. The Krees, now united and led by the Inhumans, have been drawn into the conflict. The Starjammers want nothing more than to kill Vulcan, the Summers’ boy gone bad. WofK is more than a battle royal of alien races. There has been a patient buildup that put each player in place for war. The political and character development gives a weight to this story.
The story takes a breathe after last issue’s action. Crystal is nicely written. Her marriage to Ronan, more symbolic rather than love, has put her in an unexpected position. She shows that she can be effective in bridging the Inhumans and the Krees. She’s maturing and the crucible of war has forced that to happen fast. Also, Karnak’s super weapon, empowered by Black Bolt’s voice, is unveiled in battle. I thought the weapon was corny and cheap. For such talented writers, it could have been done better.
The art, from pencils, ink to color, works. It ‘s drawn epic and grand, just what a galactic war should look like. Some of the spaceship battles looked like vintage Star Trek and seemed out of place. Overall, the panels look good, but nothing extraordinary.
WofK has four more issues to wrap this up. I’m looking forward to Abnett and Lanning’s next move. So far, they’ve done a good job.
3 out of 5
