REVIEW: ‘Avengers,’ Issue #6

Avengers #6 is published by Marvel, written by Jed MacKay, with art by C.F. Villa, colors by Federico Blee, and letters by Cory Petit. The battle between the Avengers and Ashen Combine concludes on all fronts. 

This is a fight that has stretched over multiple issues, with a structure that has led to the multiple locations being shown in varying details. Some of the heroes weren’t even seen in particular issues in order to flesh out the individual battles taking place.

But in Avengers #6, MacKay stitches it all back together. Every Avenger’s unique circumstance is wrapped up, turning the tables on brutal and dominant situations. But the pacing never loses control, keeping steady. With so many threads, it can be easy to rush through, but the writer allows for all of the locations and scenarios to establish their own identity. The ending is thrilling and satisfying, giving a surprise that will serve as important for the rest of the series.

All of the Avengers have moments to shine in this issue.  They must find inventive ways, many of them within their own abilities, to overcome their opponents. Many of them are held deep within the personalities and history of the characters. But all of them are signs of innovation, and the possibilities they all have of dipping into something darker.

The biggest example of that darkness is Vision, unleashing something that could be considered hereditary. But alongside the extreme power were those infinite notions of kindness and want to help. What has been fascinating is the inclusion of the Impossible City. It possesses a life and a personality of its own, with tinges of both sadness and hope within its walls.

The art is fantastic. Villa has maintained a sense of place in each location throughout this globe-spanning arc. Despite switching settings frequently. The landmarks and individualism of the cities have remained intact. They serve as the stage for some thrilling battles reaching their climax. They have several triumphant moments, all built around specific heroes.

The adaptability of the art is incredible, blending technology, energy, and physicality. The Ashen Combine are some of the most innovative villain designs around, They are truly inhuman but presented more like gods than aliens. But it is in this final issue that their vulnerabilities are discovered, and that is illustrated brilliantly.

The colors are excellent at displaying the explosive nature of this finale. Things are bigger and brighter, and the expulsion of that energy from the heroes is captured expertly. Whether it be sky blue lightning for Thor, red hex magic for Scarlet Witch, or yellow and orange for Captain Marvel, the vibrancy magnifies the power and the emphasis of all of these moments. The lettering has many custom word balloons, but the text is always easy to read. 

Avengers #6 is a triumphant set of knockout punches. This first arc has been epic, demonstrating the force and the severity of the enemies this Avengers team will face. The large size of the team was balanced to deal with a worldwide crisis and made the book both an individual and collective problem to overcome. There’s a real togetherness to the team, but it’s also made up of the most formidable and dominant personalities possible. It has been a drawn-out and extensive battle that has been terrifically illustrated, like one from a manga, but it has stayed interesting and ever-changing. This first arc is a strong opening gambit that will also be hard to follow.

Avengers #6 is available where comics are sold.