Tag Archives: chip zdarsky

Nick Fury Recruits Bucky Barnes to Shape the Future of the Marvel Universe as the Avengers Face Mephisto!

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The finale of Avengers: Armageddon arrived yesterday. Now, the Marvel Universe faces an uncertain future as a new era begins!

Next month, Captain Marvel, Spider-Man, Daredevil, Wolverine, Luke Cage, and Miracleman assemble as Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in Avengers #1 by Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto. The new run spins out of Armageddon which ends with the world turning its back on super heroes as well as the events of the latest arc of Zdarsky’s Captain America where Cap and Doctor Doom team up to overthrow Mephisto in hell.

Also spinning out of Armageddon, Immortal Soldiers #1 by Zdarsky and Christian Rosado charts the future of the Marvel Universe, laying the groundwork for the biggest storylines on the horizon. First announced at New York Comic Con, the reveal of Ben Harvey’s main cover unveils that Bucky Barnes will co-star with Nick Fury Sr. in this essential one-shot, his tragic fate at the end of Armageddon reversed by Nick for this very purpose…

IMMORTAL SOLDIERS #1

Written by CHIP ZDARSKY
Art by CHRISTIAN ROSADO
Cover A by BEN HARVEY
On Sale 1/13

ARMAGEDDON DIDN’T END THE WAR — IT STARTED ONE!

Bucky Barnes tragically died during the conflict with Red Hulk… but was mysteriously reborn. How did he come back to life? What’s Nick Fury Sr. got to do with it? Answers and more questions await…

  • Comic cover featuring a character in a trench coat standing by a gravestone that reads 'Here Lies James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes,' with a robotic arm emerging from the ground and dark, stormy skies in the background.
  • Concept art featuring Bucky Barnes from Marvel's 'Immortal Soldiers,' showcasing his high-tech sunglasses, motorcycle, gloves, and various outfits with a focus on red and black colors.
  • A comic book image featuring two characters in snowy surroundings. One character, dressed in a long coat, stands confidently while speaking the words, 'We gotta save the goddamn world.' The other character is seated on the ground, looking weary. The title 'Immortal Soldiers' is prominently displayed at the bottom.

AVENGERS #3

Written by CHIP ZDARSKY
Art by MARCO CHECCHETTO
Cover A by MARCO CHECCHETTO
On Sale 1/27

“CHASE THE DEVIL” PART ONE!

Mephisto literally unleashed Hell on Earth, and Spider-Man’s new team of Avengers is determined to make him pay! But that’ll be easier said than done, as Mephisto has some shocking new allies…

Comic book cover featuring The Avengers, including several superheroes like Spider-Man and Wolverine, facing a menacing creature with a large hand surrounded by skulls.

Exclusive Preview: Captain America #16

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Captain America #16

(W) Chip Zdarsky (A) Valerio Schiti
(C) Romulo Fajardo Jr. (L) Joe Caramagna
(CA) Valerio Schiti, Romulo Fajardo Jr. (VCA) Jonas Scharf, Riccardo Federici, Tony Parker and Andrew Dalhouse, Devmalya Pramanik and Alex Guimarães

WHO WILL RULE HELL? As the battle for Hell’s throne reaches its dramatic climax, Steve Rogers realizes he may have chosen the wrong side. The effects of the war spill out into the living world, bringing the Marvel Universe to the edge of ARMAGEDDON!

LEGACY #787

Cover of Captain America #16 featuring Captain America in a dynamic pose wielding his shield against a demon-like character, with colorful action elements and shattered images of various heroes in the background.
A comic book page featuring Captain America, with a focus on the story titled 'Hell's Angel' Part 5. The artwork includes a depiction of Captain America holding his shield. Text describes a conflict involving Doctor Doom and Steve Rogers, detailing his struggles and character development.
A comic book scene with a hooded figure confronting a red demonic entity, while a distressed character struggles in the background. Dialogue expressing themes of betrayal, freedom, and despair.
A dramatic comic book panel featuring a large, menacing demon confronting a distressed character on the ground, with fiery imagery in the background. The characters express intense emotions and turmoil, emphasizing themes of danger and betrayal.
A comic book scene depicting a battle with a mysterious figure cloaked in black, a red demon, and various other characters. Dialogue indicates a struggle against evil forces, with themes of fight and freedom. The background features a desolate landscape with ominous structures.

Avengers: Armageddon #5 sets the stage for what comes next for the Marvel Universe

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Avengers: Armageddon #5

The point of no return! After the cataclysmic events of Avengers: Armageddon #4, the world is torn asunder. Humanity turns against super heroes. And for David Colton, what is the price of all that great power? Avengers: Armageddon #5 wraps up the event and shakes up the Marvel Universe’s status-quo.

With events, they often deliver a summer popcorn story but leave little lasting impact beyond the launch of new series’. Recent Marvel events might have changed up some small details or resulted in a new focus, but they rarely have really driven massive change to the entire Marvel Universe. Avengers: Armageddon has done that, not just with the introduction of Miracleman but also how the world looks at its superheroes and the superheroes see themselves and their future.

Written by Chip Zdarsky, Avengers: Armageddon #5 reflects on the fallout of the fourth issue. A nuclear explosion has gone off resulting in the death of many and a world who has had enough of the destruction due to the action of superheroes. Though they may have saved the world, enough is enough with the fallout. It again addresses the elephant in the room, with so many abilities and such brilliance, why haven’t they focused on truly improving the world instead of just fighting? Avengers: Armageddon has given us the groundwork and a riff on the Superhuman Registration Act on a global scale.

It’s very much an end chapter, an almost epilogue, that sets up the new status-quo and the thoughts of various characters. We see reactions from the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Captain America, and Spider-Man while finding out the status of Captain Marvel. There’s also a key discussion between Wolverine and Colton about what’s next. Each is clear what’s on their mind and where things may go. Spider-Man sees the superheroes’ purpose while Colton wants to atone. Tony wants to answer the challenge of why don’t superheroes do more good while presented with an opportunity to do bad and rejecting it. S.H.I.E.L.D. is back with a new mission and focus. And while all of that makes things clear as to where things are going, Zdarsky still throws out a teaser with the “return” of two character who must “save the Earth.” From what? We don’t know.

The art is handle by the trio of Delio Diaz, Frank Alpizar, and Ario Anindito. They’re joined by Jesus Aburtov on color and Cory Petit handling the lettering. The comic looks fantastic. The art captures the guilt, sadness, and shock of events. Spider-Man, even with his mask, feels lost and sputtering for answers and a direction along with the guilt of not being there. The meeting between Colton and Wolverine is not just intense but you feel the weight of it all on Colton who feels broken from recent events along with the massive guilt of what he’s done. Wolverine, while threatening, gives off the wise grizzled teacher vibe he’s run with. Carol, who took the brunt of the blast and survived, feels weaken just in how she’s presented in the panels. Overall, it’s a somber issue whose art amplifies it all.

It’s not too hard to figure out how this new status-quo will play out. There’ll be a massive threat and the superheroes will need to band together to save humanity after the Earth’s nations fail to do so. There’ll be a renewed call for the need of superheroes though there will likely be a finer balance from the Carte Blanche of the past to the restriction Avengers: Armageddon sets up. Still, Avengers: Armageddon #5 and the event as a whole will have lasting repercussions for an unknown amount of time and gives us an intriguing direction for the Marvel Universe and its heroes.

Story: Chip Zdarsky Art: Delio Diaz, Frank Alpizar, Ario Anindito
Color: Jesus Aburtov Letters: Cory Petit
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Preview: Avengers: Armageddon #5

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Avengers: Armageddon #5

(W) Chip Zdarsky (A) Ario Anindito, Delio Diaz, Frank Alpizar

DARKNESS BEFORE THE DAWN: THE FALL OF THE AVENGERS… The point of no return! After the cataclysmic events of AVENGERS: ARMAGEDDON #4, the world is torn asunder. Humanity turns against super heroes. And for David Colton, what is the price of all that great power? See where the pieces fall in preparation for Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto’s AVENGERS #1!

Cover of 'Avengers Armageddon' issue #5 featuring a superhero in a blue and yellow costume standing triumphantly amidst rubble, with defeated heroes in the foreground.
Cover page of 'Avengers Armageddon' issue 5 featuring graphic design elements and a blue background. The page includes text about the storyline, character introductions, and credits for the creative team.
A comic book page featuring superheroes discussing a serious incident involving casualties and international blame, with dramatic illustrations of characters in action and emotional expressions.
A comic book scene featuring a young man speaking on the phone in a diner, discussing an upcoming meeting, while an older man with a mustache listens nearby. Characters express concern about current news and personal situations.
A panel from a comic book depicting a tense meeting with various characters discussing the implications of superhero actions. Some characters are sitting in a formal setting, while others are engaged in conversation, expressing concern over power dynamics and laws regarding superheroes.
A woman with short blonde hair lies on a futuristic exam table, dressed in a yellow top and light pants. A man in a lab coat stands nearby, looking concerned as they discuss challenging circumstances. Dialogue bubbles convey a conversation about obstacles and helping others.

NYCC 2026: The Immortal Soldiers Rise in the Aftermath of Avengers: Armageddon!

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Avengers: Armageddon didn’t end the war – it started one! Revealed at the Marvel Comics: House of Ideas panel at New York Comic Con, Immortal Soldiers, a new one-shot comic releasing in January 2027 from writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Christian Rosado, will spin out of the events of Avengers: Armageddon while setting the stage for a new year of stories and mysteries.

With the world no longer trusting super heroes to save them, Earth still needs saving. Who will step up to the plate and keep watch over the planet when we need it the most?

Further details for Immortal Soldiers, including the main cover by Ben Harvey, will be revealed after the release of Avengers: Armageddon #5 in comic shops later this month. Immortal Soldiers #1 arrives January 13 with a main cover by Harvey and variant covers by Mark Chiarello, ACO, and Declan Shalvey.

Comic book cover titled 'Immortal Soldiers' featuring a figure with a skull mask holding a weapon, set against a bold yellow and black background with a target design.

The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe #1 Delivers Laughs and a Nice Distraction from Reality

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The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe #1

TONIGHT’S VERY SPECIAL GUEST STARS – THE MARI/EL UNIVERSE! To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of THE MUPPET SHOW…we bring you a crossover no one saw coming! Join EISNER-winning writer and one of the world’s greatest Muppet fans CHIP ZDARSKY along with a cadre of Marvelously talented creators as they unleash The Muppets’ trademark chaos on the MARVEL UNIVERSE. ROWLF THE DOG kidnapped by MOJO? KERMIT THE FROG, MISS PIGGY, FOZZIE BEAR, SPIDER-MAN, BLACK PANTHER and EMMA FROST to the rescue? DR. BUNSEN HONEYDEW and BEAKER experimenting with GAMMA RAYS and PYM PARTICLES? What could go wrong? Find out in this epic tale told in the MIGHTY MARVEL MUPPET MANNER! The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe #1 is a hell of a lot of fun that leaves us wanting more.

Growing up I appreciated the Muppets but wasn’t a die-hard fan. There were some aspects that I enjoyed and some I found irritating and outright cheesy. But, that’s the Muppets, right? The loveable bizarre characters have been around for 50 years and enjoyed by generations. Most importantly, they’ve delivered laughs and allowed individuals to escape the grind of life. The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe #1 continues that while having the Muppets join some of Marvel’s characters to take on Mojo along with a series of shorts, and it works really well.

With the main story by Chip Zdarsky and Pete Woods the Muppets need the help of Marvel’s heroes to find Rowlf who has been dognapped by Mojo. When you think about it, it’s the perfect setup and concept and actually makes sense. With the story there’s a solid blend of action and humor, mixing the seriousness of Marvel’s heroes with the insanity of the Muppets. Zdarsky and Woods nail the concept with a balance that can be enjoyed by a wide range of individuals. It’s hard to not appreciate Fozzy Bear and Spider-Man going back and forth or Gonzo admitting that Deadpool was too crazy. And all of it weirdly just works, not feeling forced at all and a hell of a lot of fun. Woods’ art feels like it’s a nice in-between of what you’d expect in a Muppet comic and a superhero comic from Marvel, making the characters blend nicely and not feel out of place. The story delivers some solid laughs and moments and at the same time picks on and needles superhero tropes (the story involves the multiverse).

The rest of the comic is a series of shorts from writers Mackenzie Cadenhead, Ashley Allen, Chef Paul Carmichael, Kyle Starks, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, and Adam F. Goldberg and art by David Baldeon, Paco Medina, Mike Henderson, Athila Fabbio, and E.J. Su. All of these nail the assignment, each delivering good punchlines and most importantly will put a smile on the face of readers. Each story matches up Muppets with Marvel heroes in what feels like a series of skits you’d see on the Muppet show. And it leaves us wanting more. Animal + Wolverine = the ultimate team up. Each story has a little bit of a different style in the art and some go for heartfelt tales while others deliver laugh out loud moments.

The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe #1 is fun, a lot of fun. Not only could it get me to laugh a lot but it also delivered that childlike escape where I can just sit and not care about what’s going on around me. It’s a perfect mix of Muppets and Marvel and shows off a love of both. Most importantly, it left me wanting more. While this is a one-shot, hopefully it’s not a one and done and we can see more team-ups in the future.

Story: Chip Zdarsky, Mackenzie Cadenhead, Ashley Allen, Chef Paul Carmichael, Kyle Starks, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Adam F. Goldberg
Art: Pete Woods, David Baldeon, Paco Medina, Mike Henderson, Athila Fabbio, E.J. Su
Color: Yen Nitro, Mike Atiyeh Letters: Joe Caramagna
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Miracleman joins Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto’s Avengers #1

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Earlier this week, a legendary comic book super hero was reborn in the Marvel Universe: MIRACLEMAN! David Colton, the former Captain America introduced in Chip Zdarsky’s Captain America run, inherited Miracleman’s legacy and extraordinary power amidst the team’s epic showdown with Red Hulk in Avengers: Armageddon #4. When the dust settles from this cataclysmic battle, a new era for Marvel’s heroes begins and Miracleman will be at the center of it as the final member of a bold new Avengers lineup debuting in Avengers #1 by Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto, on sale November 4. Today, fans can check out the final main cover for Avengers #1, now featuring Miracleman alongside the team, plus a slew of previously classified variant covers spotlighting the iconic character.

The newly revealed covers include True Believers Blind Bag Exclusive Covers, including a brand-new piece by definitive Miracleman artist Alan Davis. Also unveiled are stunning covers by Artgerm, Skottie Young, Jim Cheung, and Julian Totino Tedesco, as well as the complete Kaare Andrews Wraparound Cover, now featuring Miracleman.

Also revealed is Mark Spears’ Display Box Exclusive Variant Cover, available only in Avengers #1 True Believers Display Boxes. Each True Believers Display Box contains 20 copies of the issue, including one copy of the Spears variant cover in a special polybag and 19 True Believers Blind Bags.

In the aftermath of Armageddon, the world has turned its back on Earth’s Mightiest Heroes—but it may need them now more than ever as the devil has come to collect his due! When a demonic invasion erupts on Earth, CAPTAIN MARVEL, SPIDER-MAN, DAREDEVIL, WOLVERINE, LUKE CAGE and MIRACLEMAN assemble to save a world that no longer trusts them. But the unpredictable David Colton may not be able to be trusted with his godlike new abilities. And when gods cry war…the world may pay the price.

Avengers #1 True Believers Blind Bags will only contain exclusive variant covers not available for regular ordering. The main cover and regular open-to-order variant covers cannot be found in True Believers Blind Bags. See below for a list of the exclusive blind bag variant covers. In addition to those listed, fans can once again look forward to super rare exclusive covers by surprise contributors, including hand-drawn, one-of-a-kind sketch covers.

EACH BLIND BAG CONTAINS ONE OF THESE AVENGERS #1 VARIANT COVERS:

  • COLOR BLOCK BLUE WRAPAROUND VARIANT COVER BY DAVID NAKAYAMA
  • COLOR BLOCK WHITE WRAPAROUND VARIANT COVER BY DAVID NAKAYAMA
  • FOIL VARIANT COVER BY CLAYTON CRAIN
  • VARIANT COVER BY ADI GRANOV
  • VARIANT COVER BY ALEX MALEEV
  • VARIANT COVER BY ALAN DAVIS
  • VARIANT COVER BY PEACH MOMOKO
  • VARIANT COVER BY SIMONE BIANCHI
  • VIRGIN VARIANT COVER BY ARTGERM
  • MARVEL STUDIOS AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY VARIANT COVER
  • BLANK VARIANT COVER
  • OR ONE OF SEVERAL RARE, HAND-DRAWN SKETCH COVERS BY SURPRISE CONTRIBUTORS!

Preorder Avengers #1 at your local comic shop today and see the outcome of David Colton’s transformation in Avengers: Armageddon #5, on sale October 21!

  • Cover of 'The Avengers #1' comic book featuring several superheroes, including characters in dynamic poses against a rocky background with explosions and skulls.
  • Comic cover featuring the Avengers characters in dynamic poses, including a muscular figure in yellow, a blonde woman in a blue and red suit, and Spider-Man, surrounded by vibrant explosions and a menacing red figure in the background.
  • A heroic character from Marvel's Avengers, featuring a muscular figure in a blue and red superhero costume with golden accents, set against a cosmic background filled with stars and planet Earth.
  • A dynamic comic book cover featuring multiple superheroes, including Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, and Wolverine, in a dramatic action pose amidst flying debris, with the Avengers logo prominently displayed.
  • Cover art of Avengers #1 featuring a superhero with long hair and a cosmic-themed costume, showcasing stars and galaxies, looking down with a focused expression.
  • Comic cover of 'The Avengers: Assemble - Part One', featuring a stylized character with a beard and colorful costume, surrounded by explosions and debris.
  • A superhero in a blue costume with red and orange accents flexes his muscles amidst a colorful, cosmic background. The title 'The Avengers' is prominently displayed above.
  • Cover art for The Avengers #1 Variant Edition featuring a superhero in a colorful costume soaring through a cosmic background.

Exclusive Preview: The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe #1

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The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe #1

(W) Adam F. Goldberg, Ashley Allen, Chip Zdarsky, Kyle Starks, MacKenzie Cadenhead, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Chef Paul Carmichael
(A) Pete Woods, Áthila Fabbio, David Baldeón, Paco Medina, Mike Henderson, EJ. Su
(C) Yen Nitro, Mike Atiyeh (L) Joe Caramagna
(CA) Nick Bradshaw (VCA) Alex Ross, Humberto Ramos, Matteo Lolli, Skottie Young, Todd Nauck, Ron Lim

TONIGHT’S VERY SPECIAL GUEST STARS — THE MARVEL UNIVERSE!

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of THE MUPPET SHOW… we bring you a crossover no one saw coming! Join EISNER-winning writer and one of the world”s greatest Muppet fans CHIP ZDARSKY along with a cadre of Marvelously talented creators as they unleash The Muppets’ trademark chaos on the MARVEL UNIVERSE. ROWLF THE DOG kidnapped by MOJO? KERMIT THE FROG, MISS PIGGY, FOZZIE BEAR, SPIDER-MAN, BLACK PANTHER and EMMA FROST to the rescue? DR. BUNSEN HONEYDEW and BEAKER experimenting with GAMMA RAYS and PYM PARTICLES? What could go wrong? Find out in this epic tale told in the MIGHTY MARVEL MUPPET MANNER!

Comic book cover featuring The Muppets characters dressed as various Marvel superheroes, with a colorful background and the text 'The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe!'
A promotional poster for 'The Muppets Take The Marvel Universe', featuring a list of contributors such as writers, artists, and editors with a playful Muppet-themed design.
A colorful cartoon scene featuring Muppet characters in a laboratory setting. A scientist in a lab coat explains the concept of an interdimensional portal while various Muppets, including Kermit and Beaker, listen with curiosity. The background shows scientific equipment and a glowing portal.
A colorful comic panel featuring various Muppet characters, including Kermit the Frog and Beaker, discussing a crisis involving a character named Rowlf. The scene is lively, with Beaker expressing excitement and the group strategizing about a superhero to help them. The background depicts a laboratory setting with humorous sound effects.
A comic panel featuring Muppet characters, including Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, discussing a potential investigation while surrounded by various anthropomorphic animals.
A comic-style scene featuring several characters in a lab setting, including Doctor Honeydew, Beaker, and two scientists, one wearing glasses and a lab coat. They are discussing a scientific endeavor with excitement and humor.
A comic panel featuring anthropomorphic characters including a raccoon with a gun, a pig in a space suit, and other alien-like beings discussing a spaceship alarm and potential alien encounters.
A colorful comic page featuring a vintage Volkswagen van decorated with patterns, music notes floating around. The first panel shows a character with a plaid shirt looking at the van, followed by a Muppet character holding a poster. Subsequent panels depict a lively scene inside the van with various Muppets playing instruments and enjoying music.
A comic book scene set in the Sanctum Sanctorum, featuring two characters: a woman in pajamas sneezing and a man in a mystical outfit discussing a cold remedy. The room is cozy with a lamp, bed, and tea set present.
An illustrated comic panel depicting Avengers gathered in their headquarters. Iron Man addresses the team, which includes Captain America, Black Widow, and Thor, about an emergency involving Doctor Doom. Dialogue balloons convey their discussion about recruiting new members to replace missing heroes.

With a Surprise Debut, Marvel Reveals New Avengers: Armageddon Covers (Spoilers)

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KIMOTA!

On stands now, Avengers: Armageddon #4, the penultimate issue of the five-issue event series by Chip Zdarsky, Delio Diaz and Frank Alpizar that ushers in the next era of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, delivered a game-changing revelation: the source of the Origin Box that gave David Colton his mysterious—and unparalleled—powers was none other than MIRACLEMAN.

A pioneer of modern super hero storytelling, Miracleman remains one of the medium’s most revolutionary characters. Now, the character returns in the Marvel Universe as his awesome power finds a new champion in David Colton, the 21st-century Captain America introduced in the opening arc of Chip Zdarsky’s acclaimed Captain America run.

Colton’s transformation couldn’t come at a more pivotal moment. Avengers: Armageddon is reenergizing the Marvel Universe—and comic shops with sold-out printings—as the Avengers face a battle that will forever change how the world sees them as protectors. Now, David Colton assumes the mantle of Miracleman, who once deconstructed the very idea of what it means to be a super hero, to help usher in this new age. But as Colton embraces his new power and brings it to the forefront of the fight, will there be an Earth left standing to avenge?

Check out Michael Cho’s newly revealed SPOILER VARIANT COVER and pick up Avengers: Armageddon #4 at your local comic shop today. Plus, get a first look at the final cover by Dike Ruan for Avengers: Armageddon #5, now featuring David Colton as Miracleman, alongside a previously classified variant cover by John Romita Jr. Stay tuned later this week to learn more about Miracleman’s future in the Marvel Universe.

Comic book cover featuring a superhero in a colorful costume, striking a powerful pose against a vibrant background with characters' faces behind him. The title 'Avengers Armageddon' is prominently displayed at the bottom.
Cover of 'Avengers: Armageddon' issue 5 featuring a superhero in a blue costume with a red emblem, hovering above a battlefield scattered with debris and fallen characters.
Comic cover featuring a heroic character in a blue and gold suit, floating in space with a serious expression, surrounded by stars and the title 'Avengers: Armageddon'.

Avengers: Armageddon #4 Delivers the Moment We All Knew Was Coming

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Avengers: Armageddon #4

A KEY MOMENT IN IIIIARVEL HISTORY AS A NEW CHARACTER TAKES THE STAGE… The Marvel Universe changes forever right here and right now! The Avengers are torn apart as a shocking character makes their debut, setting the stage for November’s Avengers #1! While the moments of Avengers: Armageddon #4 are expected, it’s still a big moment for the Marvel Universe and sure to be an issue snag by collectors.

WARNING, THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS

Avengers: Armageddon as a whole has been an interesting event whose goal is to clearly shake up the status quo of the Avengers as well as the greater Marvel Universe. Like events before it, it swings big with underlying themes and grand concepts. Written by Chip Zdarsky the series began with Red Hulk wanting to bring democracy to nations through force, It was an interesting flipside to the recent “One World Under Doom,” which saw the world give up a lot to a “benevolent” dictator. But, where that series had one focus, Avengers: Armageddon pivoted quickly instead turning to David Colton, the Captain America who took on the role after 9/11.

Colton was introduced in Zdarsky’s run on Captain America and has become a rather intriguing character overall. At first, he had a jingoistic aspect to him, like many did, after the terrorist attack of 2001. But, as the series progressed and in the subsequent Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon, we saw the character evolve into a soldier questioning his service and government, seeing through the propaganda and patriotism. During Weapons of Armageddon, Colton came across a box from the Ultimate Universe that grants powers to individuals (long story to explain that one). Colton was transformed with powers and abilities similar to Superman and Hyperion. With the Red Hulk threatening numerous nations, the Avengers assembled, against the United Nation’s wishes and attempted to save the day with Colton joining the Avengers and delivering the upper hand.

Avengers: Armageddon has been focusing on what Colton has been doing after the battle with the Red Hulk. With so much power, he’s decided to take his actions further attempting to bring peace to the world by attacking nuclear sites and removing weapons of destruction from the hands of numerous nations. Basically, he’s gone Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.

Avengers: Armageddon #4 focuses on the next phase with just one more issue to go as the Red Hulk has his revenge and with the help of Russian forces, presses an attack on the Avengers and America as a whole.

But all of this is to set up what happens after Avengers: Armageddon in Avengers #1 and it promises to be a hell of a shift for the Marvel Universe.

WARNING BIG SPOILERS

Zdarsky has had Colton focused on atomic weapons, delivering a tease that has spanned a few issues and leading to Avengers: Armageddon #4‘s big moment, the reveal of Colton as Miracleman. Yes, the character in limbo is back and has joined the Marvel Universe proper. It’s something we all knew was coming, it was just a question of when and how.

This big moment is sure to bring with it either excitement or a lot of criticism as the character itself has had a weird, winding, rocky, history and it’s clear whatever comes next for the Avengers and Marvel Universe will be shaped by this debut.

It’s a moment though that delivers and Zdarky’s introduction is well done with a nice build through the issue that really feels special. There’s some excitement underneath with great pacing and a lot of climactic moments that really build until the final reveal.

The art by Delio Diaz and Frank Alpizar is fantastic. The issue is one that swings big for massive moments, multiple, and each actually delivers while not relying on packed chaotic spreads. Instead, the story has only a few heroes confronting Red Hulk and his Russian allies, keeping it focused and the art does a great job of doing that deliver a battle that feels like a real struggle and full of chaos. Diaz and Alpizar are joined by Jesus Aburtov on color and lettering by Cory Petit and it all pops, looking great. But, where the comic really stands out is the apex of the battle with Red Hulk as a massive explosion seemingly kills multiple characters in dramatic fashion. Stop and look at what happens to the Winter Soldier, it’s brutal in its depiction.

But, that moment quickly shifts as Colton fights for his life and his true identity is revealed. It’s that moment in the film where the boxer is knocked down and given that pep talk in their head to quickly pop up for one more round. The art team nails it without overdoing the moment.

END OF BIG SPOILERS

Avengers: Armageddon #4 is an issue that is likely to become a controversial one with folks either loving what it does or absolutely hating where it’s taking everything. Either way, it’s hard to argue the comic doesn’t deliver a cinematic and epic story and moments that are full of surprises. The event as a whole has been interesting and with this issue it has delivered on its promise to shake up the Avengers for what comes next.

Story: Chip Zdarsky Art: Delio Diaz, Frank Alpizar
Color: Jesus Aburtov Letters: Cory Petit
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

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