Avengers: Avengers World, Jonathan Hickman

"The greatest heroes in comics together on one unbeatable team. The Avengers ""go large,"" expanding their roster and their sphere of influence to a global and even interplanetary level. When Captain America puts out his call -who will answer? Big threats, big ideas, big idealism these are the Avengers NOW!"














The first volume of the all new Avengers run by Jonathan Hickman is something I've been waiting for since the first issues was released. I picked it up as a comic but decided it was more cost effective to wait for the trade instead, so as this was released in mid-week I decided to treat myself today.

It was well worth it. Whilst not a decompressed storyteller in the style of Bendis, Hickman's Avengers run is one which is best enjoyed when you can see the bones of the whole arc. Unlike his Manhattan Projects, a comic which exists to be read monthly, this is a more epic, focussed run. Whilst some of the talking-head tropes of Bendis's run still exist, especially in how Tony and Steve interact in choosing the team, this is much more action focussed. Unlike many books on the shelves now Avengers is a comic that can be read monthly - the first six issues include three one-and-done origin stories (for Smasher, Hyperion and Captain Universe) as well as a three issue introduction to the new team.

The biggest controversy here is the expanded roster of the Avengers to include mission specific teams, including Shang Chi, Cannonball and Smasher. Whilst Cannonball is an established character in the X-Men and Shang Chi has a long history, if no real pedigree or status in the Marvel Universe, it's Smasher who's my early favourite new Avenger.

The first human member of the Shiar's Imperial Guard, she's one of many 'Smasher' class heroes, which nicely brings in the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe. If Bendis was all about street level heroics, then Hickman seems to be about every level - five of the characters included in the team could be classed as individual heavy hitters, yet they mix alongside Hawkeye and Black Widow - essentially, the Avengers movie team.

The book itself is of a different style to the standard Marvel Premiere edition design that they've used for whole Bendis era. It's obviously Hickman designed, showcasing his flair for branding and mechanics - it's a lovely book and stands out from the rest of the shelf, although its bare spine and blue on white treatment lends it a little too much of an Image title feel.

Definitely pick this up, it looks to be going some really good places. I can't wait to get the next volume!

Also Try:
Brian Michael Bendis, New Avengers
Jonathan Hickman, The Manhattan Projects
Matt Fraction, Hawkeye
Grant Morrison, New X-Men

Hulk: Broken Worlds, Various

Across the infinite stretches of the multiverse, countless worlds are forever changed by the monster known as the Hulk... but must his tale always end in tragedy? Join us as we revisit Marvel's alternate worlds for new tales of the rampaging green goliath! Go on a journey to the House of M, the Microverse, a Future Imperfect, Age of Apocalypse, the Days of Future Past, the Marvel Mangaverse, and the years 1602 and 2099! Then, you know the HULK, but it's time you met his whole family. From Bruce's cousin She-Hulk to those who've inherited his irradiated genes, Hulk's family tree is looking a little greener all the time. Featuring: The Sensational She-Hulk, Skaar, The Daughter of Hulk, and Thundra! Plus: legendary scribe Chris Claremont delivers an epic battle between the Hulk and Colossus! Collects Hulk: Broken Worlds #1-2, Hulk Family #1, and X-Men vs. Hulk.

A collection of random Hulk-centric Elseworlds tales - Future Imperfect, the Microverse, Days of Future Past - and Hulk Family bio's, featuring Skaar, She Hulk and Scorpion, in one volume - interesting, but not why I bought this.

Sadly for the Hulk I actually picked this up for the X-Men story at the end (Colossus and Kitty Pryde fight the Hulk so Wolverine can see how tough Colossus is). That was worth the price of admission alone, and is a nice showing of how Colossus might take down the stronger, tougher Hulk.

But actually the other stories are pretty good - I like alternate universe tales and the massive number of artists (eleven for 5 issues) used to draw each different one makes this an incredibly interesting showcase of talent. Especial highlights are a really sweet Days of Future Past issue in which the Hulk breaks out of his concentration camp to post some letters and a hilarious issue from Future Imperfect where the hulk hurling Captain America's shield has some fairly bad consequences for a random thug a few miles away.

Also Try:

Planet Hulk and World War Hulk, Greg Pak

World War Hulk: X-Men, Christos Gage

Days of Future Past, Chris Claremont