A new era of all out Avengers action begins! A new team is formed to battle a mega-sized threat that is weirder and wilder than any of the superheroes have met before!
It’s a whole new era for the Avengers as IDW Publishing takes on Marvel‘s premiere team with Marvel Action: Avengers #1. Aimed at middle grade readers, the first issue is entertaining and thrilling enough that fans of all ages can enjoy it.
Writer Matthew K. Manning gives us the basics to start assuming the readers know little making this a perfect point for younger readers to start. As the action unfolds, small factoids are included allowing for an easy point of entry and catching up on the characters, their powers, and what to expect. That’s included for heroes and villains like. It’s a small detail but a solid one that keeps the entry level low.
The story itself is entertaining involving A.I.M., Madame Masque, U-Foes, not the biggest of villains, which is appreciated in a way. The material seems good for the ages it aims for, though an early explosion/bomb left me scratching my head (I’m not a great judge on that). There’s the expected violence of punching but none of it’s over the top and some of it is a little odd actually (how Madame Masque is eventually dealt with is an example). But, kids won’t be judging that at all.
The art by Jon Sommariva, color by Protobunker, and lettering by Christa Miesner is a solid style that reminds me a bit of Marvel’s animated series. There’s a nice design to the characters and the action flows nicely throughout with some nice use of panels. It all works and works really well.
The first issue is a good one that I’d have no problem handing to a younger kid who’s really in to the Avengers or the characters. It’s a solid entry to the world and characters succeeding where Marvel has stumbled, material made for non-adults. There’s also a nice sophistication to it that doesn’t talk down to its audience and should keep everyone who reads it engaged. A great start to a new take on classic characters.
Story: Matthew K. Manning Art: Jon Sommariva
Color: Protobunker Letterer: Christa Miesner
Story: 7.95 Art: 7.95 Overall: 7.95 Recommendation: Buy
IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
