Sunday, April 1, 2012

Avengers vs. X-Men #0

Avengers vs. X-Men, Marvel Comics' big 2012 summer event begins here. With a Zero issue. Really? A Zero issue? Apparently Marvel didn't learn from DC's mightily bungled New 52 that things which happened in the 1990's should stay in the 1990's.

The comic is broken into two stories. The first (written by Brian Michael Bendis) is the reemergence of the Scarlet Witch who, with the help of Ms. Marvel and Spider-Woman, helps save a United Nations ambassador from M.O.D.O.K. and A.I.M. Despite her concerns the pair convince her to return to the Avengers mansion where she receives a chilly reception.

The second story (by Jason Aaron) focuses on Hope's growing violent outbursts as she waits for the Phoenix to arrive to either embrace her or destroy her. The story begins with Hope's altercation with Cyclops over his overprotective nature and ends with her nearly beating the Serpent Society to death before looking longingly into the sky for something just beyond the horizon.

It's no coincidence the first issue (or does a zero issue still count as a preview issue - goddamit, did I mention I hate zero issues?!) begins with the character who made mutants an endangered species and the one believed to be able to return them to glory. Of the two, I think Hope's story is stronger. Knowing the cold reception she would receive I just don't buy Wanda getting talked into visiting the mansion that easily, even by Carol Danvers (who also should have known better). Worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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