I am a life-long lover of Marvel Mutant Mayhem, and lately, my cup runneth over. I’ve been out of the loop for a long time, but the launch of Marvel NOW has pulled me back with a vengeance. I haven’t been reading everything (I’m only mildly wealthy, after all), but I have been reading more comics lately than I have in nearly two decades. Mission accomplished, Marvel. Your mom and I are so very proud!

I’ve been a fan of Rick Remender’s writing since Fear Agent. He has a way with dialogue that is engaging, flippant, and poignant all at once. Uncanny Avengers has not be an exception. Starting with the Red Skull stealing the brain of Charles Xavier and starting a wave of anti-Mutant hysteria, and then moving into the current Heirs of Apocalypse storyline, Remender has been keeping his story moving along quite nicely.

Eimin and Uriel, the children of Archangel and heirs apparent to the throne of Apocalypse assassinated a Celestial in issue 7. Now, they are back on Earth (after destroying a SWORD orbital station) and trying to woo Sunfire back into the fold as their agent of Famine. Thor and Sunfire team up to save Rio De Janeiro from burning orbital wreckage. Wasp tries to get cozy with Havock. Captain America crash lands in the Sudan. Parts of the Avengers team start to suspect their mutant team-mates of keeping secrets. Thor’s old axe makes a comeback.

The Good: Wolverine is in the background here, unless needed for the overall story. Havock shrugging off the Wasp’s advances. Eimin and Uriel are interesting, to say the least.

The Rad: Shiro and Thor are my new Abbot and Costello: “Do you require a hug to sort out your disposition”? “Would you risk hugging the core of the sun itself”? Sunfire in Rio:”No, please. no need to thank me, Rio. Thank the Avengers for having the foresight to beg Sunfire to join”. Captain America in the Sudan is AWESOME.

The Fugly: That smack was for blasphemy, Junior! Remender’s pacing is excellent. This isn’t mere Fights and Tights, kids. Daniel Acuna’s artwork is very sharp, and keeps you focused on the overall story from start to finish. I’m sure I could find something not to like here, but why bother? Uncanny Avengers is a great read!

Uncanny Avengers #8 is available at your local comic shop now.