Avengers v4 #26, July 2012, written by Brian Michael Bendis, penciled by Walt Simonson
Avengers v4 #15, September 2011, written by Brian Michael Bendis, penciled by Chris Bachalo
Honestly, it seems like Bendis tailor made this book to my own personal tastes. Any comic with Bachalo on art or insightful character bits or selfless acts of heroism could easily make its way to the top of my pile o’ comics, but an issue with all three of those? Bendis, you play me like a fiddle (or some instrument that people actually play).
I’m not going to get bogged down in whether or not “Fear Itself” is going well, because really this issue has nothing to do with the big mega-whatever going on right now. Yeah, the Norse-powered Hulk is this issue’s foe, but he’s easily interchangeable. The real meat of this story, what I really sank my teeth into (really should eat dinner before reviewing comics) was Spider-Woman’s tiny character arc. I loved all of her interviews, I love her wanting an “Avengers” moment (something that I’m sure Spider-Woman fans have been waiting eagerly for as well since her return; all those kick-ass Spider-Woman issues of “New Avengers” actually starred a Skrull) and I love the dynamic between Ms. Marvel and Spider-Woman. Friendships that feel real and earned are rarely the focus in hero comics, and it’s quite a feat that Bendis pushes that aspect to the forefront alongside the thing that usually overshadows it (big fights). And I don’t claim to be an Avengers aficionado, and I don’t ‘ship any of these characters, but the first kiss between Hawkeye and Spider-Woman was well-placed and exactly what I wanted to see, even if I didn’t realize it until afterwards.
So yes, the character stuff really got to me. But you know what else got to me? Chris Bachalo pushing his art style and page/panel limitations to their breaking point. The guy has become such a master of superhero storytelling, emphasizing the panels that need to be emphasized and using neat little quirks to give every page a real sense of momentum. Bachalo’s colors are also of note…because they are awesome. Seriously, when he colors his own work, you get a real sense of his artistic vision. The warm, full-wash, almost sitcom-style lightning and colors during the interviews provide a great contrast to the epic palette and earth-toned speed lines that punctuate each battle scene.
Was this issue complex on plot? Nope, not really. It was just another story about heroes saving people from danger. Bendis’ attention to character and Bachalo bringing his A-Game make this a superhero comic worth remembering.
Also, “Daredevil” #1 was really good too.
My Score: 9.2
