REVIEW: ‘Avengers,’ Issue #8

Avengers #8 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Jed MacKay, art by C.F. Villa, colors by Federico Blee, and letters by Cory Petit. With the rest of the team trapped in a dream by Nightmare, Scarlet Witch and Vision stand alone against a group that has arrived to execute Kang.

The plot of this issue is fascinating, as multiple stories are happening at the same time but on different planes of existence. The rest of the team are asleep, wallowing in despair as their world collapses around them. Nightmare is just as influential to the story as he was in the previous chapter. But simultaneously, the threat is in the waking world, where Scarlet Witch and Vision are massively outnumbered. A new army, another Tribulation Event, is here for Kang, and it leads to a monumental and terrific battle. It’s a fantastic display of tenacity, bravery, and protection, as the outnumbered heroes must keep their flock safe whilst attempting to wake them up. It’s a tremendous action comic. The last arc balances the combat across the various members of the Avengers. This issue instead presents the focus on two to demonstrate the brilliance of the individuals. 

MacKay is continuing the idea of new and exciting enemies being brought into the book for this series. These new villains enter with perhaps more development and layers than enemies who have existed in comics for decades. Take this current group, for example. They are a mixture of tech and the Arthurian Knights. Their origin isn’t known, and it isn’t particularly necessary to find out. There are distinctive personalities established quickly, with areas where the individuals are weak but also where they can be dangerous. There are hints of flirtatious figures as well as deep love stories, which are captured within a few impressive pages.

On the other side of the battlefield is two ex-lovers themselves. Vision and Scarlet Witch show not only their unwavering heroism but also the tenderness they possess towards each other, even years after their relationship ended. A battle like this is going to be painful, and it isn’t easy to go through it with someone you love. To break the rest of the team out of their enforced slumber will require their most powerful member, and the dialogue in that situation is terrific.

The art is magnificent. This new group, Myrddin and his Twilight Court, have some superb designs among them. What is impressive is that there isn’t an emphasis on overloading the characters with detail. They are sleek and have signs of personalities displayed through their costumes and powers, but too many lines can overcomplicate things. There are some features of the newcomers that make them unique, with weapons that are subtle yet impressive. The response of Vision and Scarlet Witch is fierce, with extensive attention to detail on their facial expressions as they have to exert as much authority as they can. As the issue progresses, the results of the fight are clear to see, with the heroes battered by the final page. This adds more weight and gravity to the situation, created via thick lines.

The colors are integral to the storytelling for many pages. Visions’ phasing ability is noticeable due to a change in the shades of his body, denoting that he is lighter. What is also clear early is there isn’t intense vibrancy to the costumes of the Twilight Court, but that is not the case for Wanda and The Vision, who are captivating at all times. The lettering is fantastic, always clear and easy to read.

Avengers #8 is a terrific standoff against adversity. What it takes to be an Avengers is presented loud and clear early within this issue, and those credentials never take a breather. It doesn’t matter how many Avengers stand against any number of enemies; they must still stand tall and defend the weak. Each wave of danger brings with it a fascinating group of characters. They really feel like people with identities who have journeyed to either challenge the Avengers or get to Kang. Through both the writing and the art, we learn an incredible about each of them, without them detailing extensive exposition. It has made the series both enjoyable and unpredictable.

Avengers #8 is available where comics are sold.