Avengers vs. X-Men #1 Review

Avengers Vs. X-Men #1 | Writer: Brian Michael Bendis | Art: John Romita & Scott Hanna | Colors: Laura Martin Publisher: Marvel Comics | Price: $3.99

The fantasy matchup that fanboys have been dreaming about has arrived. The Phoenix Force is heading to Earth, and Captain America isn’t taking any chances. He wants Hope in custody, but Cyclops ain’t havin’ it.

Bendis’ superb writing conveyed that big fight feel you want from an event. The tension slowly builds through the book, starting with the inside cover, where the deck is already stacked against the X-Men with their six members compared to the Avengers’ twenty-two.

The tension reaches its boiling point when Cap says, “You do understand, I wasn’t asking.” causing Cyclops to throw the first punch.

Wolverine, being conflicted about which side he will be on, is portrayed well and poses many questions. He is a member of both teams and while he greatly respects Cap, his heart will always be with the X-Men.

Wolverine’s educational ideology makes you wonder if the students and faculty of the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning get involved as Utopia serves as ground zero. John Romita Jr.’s art failed to capture the gravity of the situation involving these two supergroups. It’s not bad work at all, but it’s kind of a letdown when you compare it to the pages of “Civil War” and “House of M.”

Overall, this is a highly entertaining book that everyone should get their hands on.

Grade: A-