REVIEW: ‘Avengers’ Issue #11

Avengers #11 is published by Marvel Comics. It is written by Jed MacKay, with art by Ivan Fiorelli, colors by Federico Blee, and letters by Cory Petit. In this latest issue, the Avengers invite old friends to the Impossible City as old enemies seek to invade.

With all of the new aspects of this run, this adventure feels like it has been plucked from the pages of the current series. The reintroduction of Jarvis, a longtime Avengers butler, facilitates a nostalgic feeling. The book has a peculiar pacing and structure that gives a humorous tone to the comic. Avengers #11 bounces around the Avengers, discussing events in their lives and the wider world. Much of it is the heroes performing maintenance on their relationships with each other.

The other side of Avengers #11 focuses on Jarvis and his assistant, Mr Sweeney. The attempts at domesticity are hilarious when they occur inside a futuristic city. Even when this book feels like a throwaway filler issue, the ending proves it is just the start of something bigger.

Avengers #11 is an excellent character issue. Conversations are taking place across the Impossible City. Captain Marvel and Iron Man discuss Orchis’ war on the X-Men. Thor and Black Panther have a council of kings. Scarlet Witch and Visiona are chatting about relationships. And Jarvis is baking.

One of those conversations erupts into action. The comic’s silliness makes it a delight to read. The Impossible City is arguably the most crucial figure in this book. We learn more about the city in every issue. When first introduced, the city was nihilistic, cold, and wanted to die. Now, it is playful and adventurous, with an arsenal to defend its citizens.

The art is magnificent. The location consistently delivers new areas and places of interest. The corridors and walkways are seemingly endless. Fiorelli accentuates the most notable features of the characters. For Jarvis, his kind smile is broad and prominent. But he is also much thinner than other artists might portray him. This presents him as older and creates a double act between him and the much larger Mr. Sweeney.

Another example of accentuated features is the wings on Thor’s helmet, which are much longer than usual. Fiorelli still gives these quiet moments life and energy. The last act of the issue is all action. The enemies have various sizes, leading to an expansive and exciting fight.

The colors prioritise vibrancy. The characters are all extremely colorful, and the enemies are simply a variety of red shades. But the Impossible City is much lighter, using faint blues or beige tones. It allows the characters to dominate the page. The lettering can stand out and stay clear within the book, no matter what else is in the panel.

Avengers #11 is warm and welcoming. This chapter relies on reminiscing in a series filled with new characters and endless action. Jarvis is the Avengers’ soul, always a point of comfort and humor. The team’s conversations are friendly and light. The whole book is freeing and relaxing. Which usually comes just before a significant challenge.

Avengers #11 is available where comics are sold.