Heroes Reborn has been an interesting event. It’s one that has shown its potential. But, that potential has never really been reached. The narrative has taken on a different delivery with a series of one-shots and a main series that’s been split. Half of the main event comic has focused on the members of the Squadron Supreme while the second half has dipped its toes into the bigger story of a world changed. This “final” issue continues that pattern. Heroes Reborn #7 has the Squadron Supreme attempting to figure out who the Avengers are while the second gives a better idea as to who is behind everything.

Delivering an event in a style that’s almost like an anthology is absolutely something different and new. But, it also has felt like not enough. Writer Jason Aaron has juggled his two tasks and done with what he could. The comic has had to build this world with a rich past and current present while also addressing the mystery before us. The mystery aspect has felt like it’s gotten shortchanged as the series has done its best “What if Marvel did DC?”. That riff on DC has been interesting and entertaining with numerous winks and nods. But, there’s something that doesn’t completely click about it all. It’s not really DC as more Earth-3 DC as the Squadron Supreme builds up a pile of bodies and we learn more of their thirst for war and destruction.

With the main event, you’d think this issue would wrap things up. Nope, it’s extended even further with the upcoming Heroes Return. That makes this seven-issue series feel even shorter in its goals. It’s the opening chapter in what will likely be dragged out further than it needs to. The issue for Heroes Reborn interestingly doesn’t seem to be the content or concept but its execution and packaging.

The art by Aaron Kuder and Ed McGuinness is solid. The comic looks great as each brings their styles to the issue. It looks great and that’s not a problem at all. Mark Morales ads his inks to McGuinness’ pencils with Dean White and Matthew Wilson handling color with Cory Petit on lettering. Everyone looks fantastic, the locations are interesting and the moments between characters flows nicely. The issue never pops though. There’s moments that should have been memorable but it never hits the reader. It could be due to the shortened storytelling pages but the imagery never stands out as epic and memorable.

Heroes Reborn #7 like the issue before both works and doesn’t. There’s some great ideas and concepts but it never quite clicks and flows. Everything feels too short and like it’s missing that moment that really hits you. The fact that it ends as just one chapter doesn’t help matters. This is another Marvel event that doesn’t hit the mark.

Story: Jason Aaron Art: Aaron Kuder, Ed McGuinness
Ink: Mark Morales Color: Dean White, Matthew Wilson Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW