Jarvis’ life hangs by a thread. Only by voyaging into Jarvis’ mind can the Beast save him – but what terrible secret is lurking inside the memory of the Avengers’ loyal butler?

If you haven’t been reading “No Surrender,” you’ve been missing out on one of the best Avengers stories in year. The action has been excellent, the art amazing, and character interaction top notch. Writers Mark Waid, Al Ewing, and Jim Zub have been balancing that action with some great character moments packing in so much into the series.

Avengers #683 focuses on one of the plot threads, Jarvis’ battle with the strange disease that’s attacking him. Beast and the Wasp do what they can to save him and there’s some fantastic moments, especially from the new Wasp, Nadia, who stands up in a way that’s beyond heroic and what being a superhero is all about.

Again, the writers shift the story up a bit taking us away from the titanic battles elsewhere to give us this more focused issues. Instead of dozens of character we get a half dozen. Instead of wide open battlefields, we get the confines of a hospital (and Jarvis’ brain). It’s this shift of the narrative that has prevented this event from being one giant fight scene.

The issue too has a big reveal that I’ve been waiting for and has been hinted at, especially in this issue… no spoilers here!

That reveal is first hinted at the art and for those paying attention, they’ll pick up on the twist towards the end of the issue. The art by Paco Madina, with ink by Juan Vlasco, color by Jesus Aburtov, and lettering from Cory Petit, helps deliver the excitement of the issue. The issue really is a build up to that reveal and the art is a big driver of that. There’s so many hints there and for the eagle eyed, they’ll pick up on what’s been hinted at for a few issues now.

That reveal too throws into questions some of the statements from previous issues. Who’s the mysterious game piece that’s been off the board? Is it the Hulk who know is returning? Or, is it the twist at this issue’s end? We’ll find out soon (yay weekly!) but this series has been a fantastic ride that has kept readers on their toes and is constantly playing with expectations. This is a perfect example of what events should strive to be.

Story: Mark Waid, Al Ewing, Jim Zub Art: Paco Medina Cover: Mark Brooks
Ink: Juan Vlasco Color: Jesus Aburtov Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Graphic Design: Carlos Lao Editor: Tom Brevoort Assistant Editor: Alanna Smith
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review