With the main story wrapped up, A.X.E.: Judgement Day was one of the best events Marvel has had in some time. The Eternals battled the X-Men with the Avengers in the middle. But, the story pivoted when the three groups had to then face a mad god bent on judging the world. A.X.E.: Judgement Day Omega #1 wraps things up setting up the status quo for the Eternals as they deal with the fallout of events.
Written by Kieron Gillen, A.X.E.: Judgement Day Omega #1 focuses on the Eternals as they pick up the pieces of the event and chart a new path. Split into factions, there’s new rules for each to follow as their secret has been revealed to the world and these former heroes are seen as villains. They also have a new outlook on things as the Machine and a new god are there to deal with.
Gillen charts a path that feels more like a prequel for whatever Eternals comic book series is to come as opposed to a follow up end chapter of the current event. Unless you really care about the Eternals, the comic is generally forgettable. Which is interesting. This is an event whose tie-ins have felt like they’ve filled gaps and expanded the story. This one though feels like the bad habit of the past of an event tie-in that doesn’t really need to exist. Everything said within in could, and likely will, be repeated in an Eternals series. There’s little that really stands out beyond a scene with Ikaris.
Not helping is the art by Guiu Vilanova. Vilanova is joined by colorist Andres Mossa and lettering by Travis Lanham. The art of the issue isn’t bad in any way. But, it also doesn’t excite either. There’s something rather melancholy about it all include the art. The body language of the Eternals screaks defeated reminding me of the many I’ve dealt with over the years after an election defeat. There’s a sluggishness about it all and the issue nails that well.
A.X.E.: Judgement Day Omega #1 doesn’t excite. It’s what I’ve run into with the Eternals over and over. There’s something rather dour about them. What I’ve read has been good but there’s only so long you can read a bunch of depressing people before having to move on. This issue captures that aspect and hopefully it gets jettisoned before we see more of the Eternals.
Story: Kieron Gillen Art: Guiu Vilanova
Color: Andres Mossa Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 7.25 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle
