Thursday, June 21, 2012

Avengers vs. X-Men #6 (of 12)

Considering that this series started out in the most predictable fashion possible (the teams meet - they fight - lots of destruction, but no clear-cut victory), give credit to the creative team for taking Avengers vs. X-Men in an unexpected direction.

Rather than possessing the form of a single human (Hope was the most likely candidate), the Phoenix is instead divided among five characters - but instead of destroying the world, they seem set on remaking it into a place of peace and harmony, using the power at their disposal to right wrongs and manage some planetary engineering.

Of course, none of that sets well with certain characters, who attempt to find a way to defend against the overwhelming power of the Phoenix. That leads them to an impossible fight - and some unexpected aid.

I was really about to give up on this series, but it's definitely taken a fresh turn, and indications are that things will become even more intense next issue - so I'm definitely hanging around.

The art for this arc is being handled by Olivier Coipel and Mark Morales, and with Laura Martin's colors, they turn in amazing work. They create powerful characters, unique designs, striking layouts and some intense action scenes. It's a tough act to follow John Romita, Jr., but Coipel proves he's up to the task.

Mega events like this either work well or fall apart before they're over. So far, this is all the former, and none of the latter.

So far.

Grade: A-

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