With the eyes of the world on the annual Hellfire Gala, a lone intruder enters the X-Men’s NYC home, The Tree House. What are his intentions? And how will this night’s moments bring a new super team to life in Uncanny Avengers #1, published by Marvel Comics, written by Gerry Duggan, art by Joshua Cassara, colors by Marte Garcia, and letters by Clayton Cowles.
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From the sinister vibe of the opening page to the final panels, Duggan pens an opening that pulls the reader in as they see the opening moves in a new story that can potentially have huge ramifications for the political situation of the Marvel Universe. Orchis’ latest plan to undermine Mutantkind begins with a small intrusion but promises to end with a bang. But while the core of this book rests in setting up an intriguing tale, Uncanny Avengers #1 also delivers plenty of excitement to keep the pages turning.
The highlight of this book’s action comes from the X-Men’s field leader himself, Cyclops. Sporting his classic 90s yellow and blue costume, I’d forgotten how good this suit looks, he comes face to face with the team’s unwanted house guest. The icon character looks great in this fight, thanks to the stellar art of Cassara. Cyclops’ skill and intensity are captured perfectly by the artist. Combing this with how much power colorist Garcia is able to pour into the character’s signature optic blasts, I swear I could feel the heat coming off of them, and the character has rarely looked better across his 60 years of history.
But while Cyclops makes the biggest splash in Uncanny Avengers #1, numerous other characters get their moments in this book. Captain America and Rogue get a quality moment together as they confront some of Orchis’ henchmen, that see the southern belle come to the living legend’s rescue in true style. How these two interact feels great, as their mutual respect for each other shines wonderfully in their scene together.
But while some elements of the book are straightforward in their execution and ramifications, others leave questions that will undoubtedly leave readers needing to know more. I won’t spoil anything, but the last page of this book left me visibly surprised and needing to know more.
From the clear moments of action to the conspiratorial whispers between characters, the story plot, dialogue, and sound of the book are all delivered wonderfully through Cowles’s lettering. One particular panel during Cap and Rogue’s scene absolutely explodes thanks to the excellent sound design.
Uncanny Avengers #1 opens up its run with a lot going for it when all is said and done. Great action, excellent character writing, and a plot that delivers big moments while laying the groundwork for more to come. This book looks like it aims to bring a lot more to its pages than just a hybrid of Marvel’s biggest franchises.
Uncanny Avengers #1 is available now as part of Free Comic Book Day.
Free Comic Book Day 2023 — Uncanny Avengers #1
TL;DR
Uncanny Avengers #1 opens up its run with a lot going for it when all is said and done. Great action, excellent character writing, and a plot that delivers big moments while laying the groundwork for more to come. This book looks like it aims to bring a lot more to its pages than just a hybrid of Marvel’s biggest franchises.
