The Avengers #12

I keep waiting for an issue of The Avengers to disappoint.

I'm going to have to wait a while longer.

Each issue focuses on a different combination of heroes, as the mysterious aftereffects of a recent attack by the alien Builders continues to change part of the Earth and challenge the team.

This story takes us to the Savage Land, where Hyperion has taken on the challenge of "raising" a new kind of life form - a childlike (and humanoid) group of young creatures.

To guide their new wards, the team takes on the role of teacher - though not all of them are cut out for the job. Thor is surprisingly adept at it, while Hawkeye and Spider-Woman seem to lack the knack.

Worst of all, of course, is the "Superior" Spider-Man (a nasty bit of character assassination about which the less said the better).

The issue is clever and introspective, with a clean science fiction edge and some challenging philosophical questions, too.

The art by Mike Deodato, as always, is wonderful, with amazing detail, nuanced emotions and stunning creature designs.

Jonathan Hickman shares the writing credit this time with Nick Spencer, and it's another top-notch effort.

There's not much in the way of crazed action in this issue (at least not until the end), but there's a good workout here for your mind. Great stuff!

Grade: A

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