Close Menu
  • Login
  • Support Us
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
    • Video Games
      • Previews
      • PC
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X/S
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Xbox One
      • PS4
      • Tabletop
    • Film
    • TV
    • Anime
    • Comics
      • BOOM! Studios
      • Dark Horse Comics
      • DC Comics
      • IDW Publishing
      • Image Comics
      • Indie Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • Oni-Lion Forge
      • Valiant Comics
      • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Event Coverage
    • BWT Recommends
    • RSS Feeds
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
RSS Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Trending:
  • Features
    Momo and Okarun share a close moment in Dandadan

    Momo And Okarun: The Gold Standard For Shonen Romance

    07/03/2025
    Ironheart Episodes 4 6 But Why Tho 1

    ‘Ironheart’ Explained: Explore MCU’s Bold New Chapter

    07/01/2025
    Buck in 9-1-1

    ‘9-1-1’ Has To Let Buck Say Bisexual

    06/29/2025
    Nintendo Welcome Tour promotional image of the maraca mini-game

    The One “Game” That Justifies The Nintendo Switch 2 Purchase

    06/25/2025
    Destiel Confession in Supernatural - Castiel (Misha Collins) and Dean (Jensen Ackles)

    The Destiel Confession: The Lasting Importance Of Supernatural’s Greatest Ship

    06/22/2025
  • Squid Game
  • K-Dramas
  • Netflix
  • Switch 2 Games
  • Summer Game Fest
But Why Tho?
Home » Marvel Comics » REVIEW: ‘Avengers,’ Issue #45

REVIEW: ‘Avengers,’ Issue #45

Collier "CJ" JenningsBy Collier "CJ" Jennings04/21/20213 Mins ReadUpdated:04/30/2021
Avengers #45 - But Why Tho?
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

Avengers #45 - But Why Tho?

Avengers #45 is written by Jason Aaron, illustrated by Luca Maresca, colored by David Curiel, and lettered by VC’s Cory Petit. It is published by Marvel Comics.  Picking up after the events of King in Black and the previous Avengers arc “Enter The Phoenix,” the issue sees Dracula attempt to make his vampire kingdom a sovereign nation. With a furious Blade on the verge of quitting the Avengers, Black Panther races to find a solution to the Prince of Darkness’ power play.

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Despite having the King in Black tie-in banner and a solicitation that promised to explore Blade’s uneasy alliance with the Vampire Nation, Aaron’s story only somewhat lives up to this promise. The issue is more focused on the aftermath of Knull’s invasion, which does present an interesting wrinkle with Dracula seeking sovereignty. But the bigger issue is that Blade only appears in the second half of the issue-the entire story is narrated by Ghost Rider. And while I think Robbie Reyes is a great character, I was expecting a Blade-focused story since Blade is prominently on the cover and it centers on his lifelong mission to hunt down all vampires. To his credit, Aaron does present a new role for the Daywalker that balances his Avengers duties with his vampire hunting-I just wish it had come earlier in the issue.

The story notwithstanding, Maresca provides some genuinely stunning artwork. His depiction of Dracula definitely deserves applause: the Prince of Darkness looks every bit his age, with snow-white hair and wrinkles lining his face. He also manages to bring expression to characters who aren’t usually expressive, including Ghost Rider and Black Panther. The latter hero gives off a commanding air and doesn’t take crap from anyone, especially in his conversations with Blade. Panther isn’t fazed by Blade’s outbursts and eventually manages to talk him down, which I appreciated seeing as a fan of both characters.

Maresca and Curiel’s best work comes from a montage at the beginning of the issue, which centers through the various rooms of Avengers Mansion and each Avenger’s daily activities. And each image is fitting: Iron Man works on his armor, Captain Marvel bench-presses massive weights, and Thor comes back after a night of revelry. Combined with Ghost Rider’s black and white caption boxes, this sequence provides a look into what the Avengers do when they aren’t saving the world. Another sequence features the Avengers approaching Chernobyl, where the Vampire Nation resides; Maresca draws the majority of the team standing tall, while Thor and Captain Marvel hover in the air and Curiel makes the image pop with various colors including She-Hulk’s emerald-hued skin and Blade’s jet black trenchcoat and shades.

Avengers #45 doesn’t live up to the promise of its cover or solicitation, as it takes place after the events of King in Black and fails to place Blade at the center of its story. With Blade set to become the focus of the upcoming Heroes Reborn miniseries, I hope that series gives the Daywalker his due.

Avengers #45 is available wherever comics are sold.

 

Avengers #45
3.5

TL;DR

Avengers #45 doesn’t live up to the promise of its cover or solicitation, as it takes place after the events of King in Black and fails to place Blade at the center of its story. With Blade set to become the focus of the upcoming Heroes Reborn miniseries, I hope that series gives the Daywalker his due.

  • Read Now on ComiXology

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleREVIEW: ‘The Mighty Valkyries,’ Issue #1
Next Article REVIEW: ‘Way of X,’ Issue #1
Collier "CJ" Jennings
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)

Born and raised in Texas, Collier “CJ” Jennings was introduced to geekdom at an early age by his father, who showed him Ultraman and Star Trek: The Next Generation. On his thirteenth birthday, he received a copy of Giant Size X-Men #1 and dove head first into the realm of pop culture, never looking back. His hobbies include: writing screenplays and essays, watching movies and television, card games/RPG’s, and cooking. He currently resides in Seattle.

Related Posts

Captain America Issue 1

REVIEW: ‘Captain America’ Issue 1

07/02/2025
Godzilla VS Thor Issue 1

REVIEW: ‘Godzilla vs Thor’ Issue 1

07/02/2025
X-Men Hellfire Vigil Issue 1 cover art

REVIEW: ‘X-Men: Hellfire Vigil’ Issue 1

07/02/2025
Uncanny X-Men Issue 16 cover

REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Issue 16

06/25/2025
Godzilla vs Avengers Issue 1

REVIEW: ‘Godzilla vs Avengers’ Issue 1

06/18/2025
Death of the Silver Surfer Issue 1

REVIEW: ‘Death of the Silver Surfer’ Issue 1

06/11/2025

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here
TRENDING POSTS
Taecyeon and Seohyun in The First Night With The Duke Episodes 7-8
7.5
TV

REVIEW: ‘The First Night With The Duke’ Episodes 7-8

By Sarah Musnicky07/03/2025

The First Night With The Duke Episodes 7-8 spends welcome time in pre-domestic bliss before new developments stir up trouble.

Together (2025) still from Sundance
8.0
Film

REVIEW: Have A Grossly Good Time ‘Together’

By Kate Sánchez01/27/2025Updated:07/04/2025

Dave Franco and Alison Brie’s Together (2025) is disgustingly funny, genuinely ugly, and just a good time at the movies.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 Alcatraz
9.0
PS5

REVIEW: ‘Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 + 4’ Gives Old Games New Life

By Kyle Foley07/07/2025

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 is another example of how to breathe new life into a classic without losing touch of what makes the originals great.

Black Women Anime — But Why Tho (9) BWT Recommends

10 Black Women in Anime That Made Me Feel Seen

By LaNeysha Campbell11/11/2023Updated:12/03/2024

Black women are some of anime’s most iconic characters, and that has a big impact on Black anime fans. Here are some of our favorites.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS YouTube Twitch
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Review Score Guide
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2025 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

But Why Tho Logo

Support Us!

We're able to keep making content thanks to readers like YOU!
Support independent media today with
Click Here