The search for the new Sorcerer Supreme is over as the Eye of Agamotto is passed from Doc Strange to Doctor Voodoo. Writer Brian Michael Bendis does a good job tying up this story while dropping a few bombshells.
Jericho Drumm, aka Doctor Voodoo, has some big mystical shoes to fill. I appreciated the opening pages devoted new Sorcerer Supreme, giving us a deeper insight into his character. Most of the issue is a battle in the streets of New Orleans – Avengers and cast vs. Dormammu (that one’s not in spell check). Billy Tan’s dynamic art lights up the pages with this supernatural bout. The Avengers ran around and fought a bit, but it was Doc Strange and Voodoo who had the spotlight.
The gems of this issue were hidden in the aftermath of the fight. The Hood, who must have one heck of a PR rep in the Marvel Universe, is un-hooded. This should have major implications in the Marvel Universe. Loki offering Parker, the powerless Hood, a second chance is creepy and intriguing. Clint Barton and Norman Osborn continue their media smear campaign, adding a nice realism to the story. The last page with Clint resolved to finish off Norman is sharp.
Hopefully, the Avengers can reclaim their book now that the new Sorcerer Supreme is crowned. I’m tired of the magic stuff.
3.5 out of 5
The search for the new Sorcerer Supreme continues. The Avengers, along with Doctor Strange, head to New Orleans to find The Hood before he can become the new Sorcerer Supreme. They arrive in the Bog Easy to find The Hood and Daiman Hellstrom in the middle of a magic fueled apocalyptic grudge match.
Bendis has some great dialogue moments. Spider-man’s explanation to Luke Cage regarding his wife having a crush on him on high school is perfectly written. The banter in the jet prior to landing (and the trouble of finding a rooftop parking spot) is top-notch. He knows these characters, loves them, and writes them passionately.
I’m enjoying the interplay among the team more than the action. I’m not a fan of Marvel magical characters. I like Doc Strange in small doses, but a story arc centering on him while there is much more interesting stuff happening, disappoints me.
I love Billy Tan’s art. His panels are creative and dynamically sequenced. He draws the team to match the depth of Bendis’ dialogue, understanding their beats moments to moment. However, there were instants where the art seemed loose and hurried. Overall, it’s a sharp looking book.
The new Sorcerer Supreme (for now) is revealed on the last page. My reaction was “Really? It’s that goober?” Oh, well. When you enjoy the down time more than the main story, something is off. Hopefully, the Avengers can move onto story arc worthy of such a great group of heroes. They certainly have an author that can deliver.
3 out of 5
