ADVANCED REVIEW: ‘Avengers,’ Issue #750

Avengers #750 is published by Marvel Comics and serves as the launching point for a new wave of stories featuring Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. “An Earth Unlike Any Other (Just Like All The Rest)” is written by Jason Aaron; illustrated by Ed McGuinness, Carlos Pacheco, Aaron Kuder, Rafael Fonteriz & Javier Garron; and colored by Rachelle Rosenberg, Alex Sinclair, Matthew Hollingsworth & David Curiel. David Baldeon & Israel Silva illustrate and color a two-page spread of the Avengers’ base Avengers mansion. “The Two Worthies” is written by Christopher Ruocchio, illustrated by Steve McNiven, and colored by Frank D’Amarta. The entire issue is lettered by VC’s Cory Petit.

The issue concludes the ongoing “World War She-Hulk” arc, which featured She-Hulk captured and transformed into a weapon by the Russian strike force known as the Winter Guard. After saving her, the Avengers discuss recruiting new members while She-Hulk asks Namor for a favor after saving his kingdom of Atlantis. Meanwhile, Ka-Zar goes on a mission through time but is ambushed by the multiversal Masters of Evil. The Masters’ leader, an alternate version of Doctor Doom, has stricken a deal with none other than Mephisto.

Aaron’s run on Avengers has been a bit of a mixed bag; while he’s turned out a couple of solid storylines such as “War of the Vampires” and Heroes Reborn, his grasp on the ensemble dynamics that usually go with the Avengers is less than stellar. He also throws a lot of big ideas at the audience, and while the Avengers do assemble to “face the threats that no single superhero could withstand” it feels overwhelming at times. I wish Aaron had taken a page from other anniversary issues such as Venom #200 and told a singular story instead of cramming everything into one issue.

However, there are two plot threads that stood out for me. The first involves Robbie Reyes, aka the Ghost Rider, being approached by Deathlok to stop the Masters of Evil. This sets up the upcoming Avengers Forever series, and it’s one I’m looking forward to. Robbie is a character I’ve always wanted to see more of and the idea of Ghost Rider leading a team of multiversal Avengers is too cool to pass up. The second features the New Masters of Evil, with a lineup that feels like Aaron stretching his creative muscles. From a younger Thanos to a Green Goblin who kills Ghost Riders and a version of Erik Killmonger who conquered Wakanda AND Asgard, this is the baddest group of bad guys I’ve seen in a minute.

Artwise, McGuinness, Kuder, and Pacheco are the clear standouts of the issue. McGuinness has illustrated Avengers and Heroes Reborn with Aaron and his pages continue to feature the hyperdynamic action he’s known for—especially where Ka-Zar is involved. Kuder indulges in body horror when Robbie turns to Ghost Rider, as it looks like the skin is literally melting off of his face. And Pacheco, best known for his work on Avengers, turns in a two-page spread featuring Avengers from different worlds.

Finally, “The Two Worthies” features Thor in his prime coming face to face with a young boy who may carry his own special weapon. Ruocchio’s script pits Thor against the Brood and showcases why the God of Thunder is a foe to be feared. It also helps that McNiven, best known for his work on Old Man Logan, draws the hell out of the fight scene. Thor’s hammer collides with Brood skulls while he sends others flying with rapid punches. And D’Amarta’s color art truly makes the scene feel like it takes place on a rainy night.

Avengers #750 is a super-sized setup for future Avengers stories that could have used more fine-tuning, though there is some promise in the story and art. I look forward to the release of Avengers Forever, and more of the Masters of Evil wreaking havoc across the multiverse.

Avengers #750 will be available on December 1, 2021, wherever comics are sold.