Avengers #12
Writer: Brian Bendis
Artist: John Romita Jr
Thanos. Page one, Thanos. Am I the only one who thinks that’s awesome? Well anyway. Book 12 in our new (not New) Avengers series brings a close to not just the most recent story arc, but a long time question from the Pre-Civil War Illuminati; What happened to the Infinity Gems? In case you haven’t been keeping up, the quick version is that The Hood began assembling the Infinity Gauntlet in order to give himself his powers back, and then some.
I love The Hood, I think he is a fantastic villain, and the work Bendis has done with him since his reappearance back in the first New Avengers series has been amazing. The pure ambition that drives Parker Robbins to want to dominate not just the criminal world, but the Super Criminal world is staggering. For a man with no inherent powers to continuously fight back and keep The Avengers on their toes is just way impressive.
Ok, superhero man crush aside, this is a great issue. The final showdown between the gathered Avengers and The Hood is more a battle of will and character than an all out power fueled brawl. With the Illuminati exposed, the Infinity Gauntlet assembled, and Tony Stark once again in the spotlight having to redeem himself for his actions, this is a pretty important issue. I try to keep these reviews as spoiler free as possible, and it forces me to leave some substance out. I will say this, Bendis has just wrapped up another awesome arc, during which we get to see Thanos, we find out the fate of the Illuminati, Thor gets to throw down, Dr. Strange continues to be badass, and most shocking of all: Bendis makes me like Red Hulk.
Bottom line? This review isn’t spectacular. For the sake of the issues integrity I’ve gone light on the details. But I will say this, if you haven’t already committed yourself to any ongoing series Brian Bendis writes, I suggest you quickly remedy that. Start with this series, and pick up this issue. The arc is done, finished. And we are ready to move on to the next big thing. A great issue, a great arc, and a fantastic series.
4/5
