Oh boy. You know, there are a lot of really interesting comics released today. A lot.
Does anyone out there remember the original mid-1980’s television commercial for the very first Legend of Zelda video game? You know: “Which. Way. To. Go?” No? Well, that’s how I’m feeling within the confines of this column today. I’ve been recommending multiple comics for the past few Wednesdays – and that kinda feels like cheating when the modus operandi of The Wednesday Run is to recommend one great comic each week. Besides, how could you or I possibly carry all of the cool books out today? We’d need a donkey! Any volunteers to help me carry a few items out of my local shop today?
I mean, the Halloween-flavoured Superman ghost story in Action Comics #13, the just-in-time-for-everyone’s-favourite-candy-coated-holiday first trade collection of I, Vampire, part one of the much-anticipated “Rotworld” storyline in Swamp Thing or the absolutely beautiful first issue of Daredevil: End of Days could all make the singular recommendation this week.
So…Which. Way. To. Go?
No, no. I need to pick one. And although the title of this week’s column is a huge spoiler (I do love spoilers!), the reasons for the pick can be found after the jump.
Avengers vs. X-Men #12
Written by: Jason Aaron
Illustrated by: Adam Kubert
Published by: Marvel Comics
Yeah, that’s right. I went with the obvious, mainstream choice, Avengers vs. X-Men #12. But it’s a good recommendation! Here’s why:
I think that the Biff Bam Popcast gang and I have talked about Marvel Comics’ summer blockbuster series, Avengers vs. X-Men, on more than one occasion. We really got into it a few weeks ago when (spoiler alert!) Professor X bit the dust at the hands of the Phoenix-controlled Cyclops. You can actually check out that entertaining episode here.
Anyway, Avengers vs. X-Men, or AvX as it’s known in short form, has been, for the most part, an entertaining series starring all of your favourite Marvel characters. The usual suspects all take lead roles: Captain America, Wolverine, Iron Man and Cyclops. The storyline has run throughout a number of the regular monthly series titles and various mini series titles over the past four months in addition to the main umbrella book. AvX has had everything a summer comic book blockbuster should have: BANGS!, BOOMS!, and KA-BOOMS!
There have been ongoing promises that the status quo of the Marvel Universe will be forever changed after events in the series transpire and that’s the ultimate promise that the final issue, today’s AxV #12, will deliver. Not only does it complete the story of hero-versus-hero in an effort to save mankind, but it sets the groundwork for how those characters will interact with each other over the coming years.
Which. Way. To. Go?
If you want to witness an ending and a beginning; if you want to see what new Marvel Universe rises form the ashes of the old, go make the run to your local comic book shop and pick up AvX #12.
Phoenix force indeed!
Now, anyone care to help me carry my load?
Every Wednesday, JP makes the after-work run to his local downtown comic book shop. Comics arrive on Wednesdays you see and JP, fearful that the latest issue will sell out, rushes out to purchase his copy. This regular, weekly column will highlight a particularly interesting release, written in short order, of course, because JP has to get his – before someone else does!
I thought this was a solid ending to the series. The Marvel U is changed without having to relaunch a whole line of books. The Marvel Way continues to be the better way.
Better than what? I know your answer (DC’s New 52) and I’d have to respectfully disagree. Just two distinct decisions on how to proceed over the next five years in terms of generating interest and hence, sales. We can debate which is the better direction.
AvX #12 was a decent ending and it was enjoyable series overall. I’ve got hope for strong stories to come.
And if we are going to compare, I did enjoy AvX more than Flashpoint. But there were some really good offshoot Flashpoint series’ to read – and I can’t say the same for AvX.
How many AxV offshoots did you actually read.
Andy Burns @ 6:58 – I didn’t read any AxV. What’s that series about? 😉
Ha – how many AvX offshoots did you actually read.