Guest post by Mark Avo
@MarkAvo on Twitter
Mighty Avengers is a comic that’s spinning out of Jonathan Hickman’s Infinity storyline. Thanos’ marauders attack Earth and the Mighty Avengers have to step in and save the day while the regular Avengers are off world fighting with just about every alien species in the galaxy against the Builders. It’s officially part of the Infinity event as a tie-in but will remain an ongoing series through the first arc.
Mighty Avengers is also spinning out of an ever increasing use of diversity in the Marvel comics line that seems to be, at this point, a policy and not just a marketing choice. That means that this book is heavy on diversity with characters like fan favorite Luke Cage, Dr. Peter “Octavious” Parker as The Superior Spider-Man, Monica Rambeau who is now going by Spectrum, The White Tiger, Blue Marvel, Power Man, Ronin, Falcon, and She-Hulk. This strong lineup of fan favorites and B list hero’s shows the strength of Marvel’s character IP. When used properly by writers and editors, even with diversity being a strong element of the book, the focus remains on action packed character driven storytelling.
The book is helmed by Al Ewing of 2000 AD fame, Greg Land and Jay Leisten, with colors by Frank D’Armata and Lettering by VC’s Corry Petit. Right away, many Marvel die hards will have a hard time recognizing Al Ewing but will instantly be divided by Greg Land. Greg Land is a divisive artist in the comics industry. Browsing popular comics forums will instantly give anyone a taste of the heated arguments that occur whenever Greg Land is mentioned. Those arguments should be ignored because they only detract from the story Ewing has constructed. Regardless of the baggage his name brings to a title, Lands art in this book should either stand or fall all on its own.
Ewing, although new to Marvel, seems to get the characters and is able to make them feel very real. Luke Cage, having walked away from the Avengers to spend more time with his family, still needs to pay the bills. That is where the story starts, with Cage, Power Man, and White Tiger on a “Hero’s for Hire” case. Dr. Octopus, or as the Marvel universe currently knows him, Superior Spider-Man, swings in and berates the other Hero’s in his usual “Superior” tone. Thanos meanwhile, sends two of his captains down to Earth to take advantage of the planet without the Avengers to protect her.
Along the way, the book introduces Spectrum and a mystery man who though not in the Ronin costume now, will play a major role in the upcoming issues. Ewing is on record having said that he felt revealing the characters gender was saying too much and that the mystery will be explored during the first year of the books run.
Although the first arc is a tie in with the Infinity event, reading Infinity isn’t a must to enjoy Mighty Avengers. The first issue is on store shelves 9/11/2013 and is available at your local comics shop or through your favorite digital comics app. The book is one of Marvel’s $3.99 books, so if you’re like this writer, you’ll get the floppy for your nephew and keep the digital code for yourself.