REVIEW: ‘Avengers’ Issue #13

Avengers Issue #13 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Jed MacKay, art by Francesco Mortarino, colors by Federico Blee and letters by Cory Petit. With all of the Avengers attacking the Orchis facilities, the Impossible City is open to retaliation. A fleet of Sentinels is attacking, and only a young girl is there to protect it.

This issue turns the tables with the Avengers on the defensive. After seeing them be so confident in their assault on Orchis, their sudden vulnerability makes the second part of this story just as exciting. The plot is split between those at the Impossible City and the Avengers in various locations across the globe. Yuna possesses the Nega-Bands and is forced to swap places with Captain Marvel, as is the rule set by Carol’s own series. The duo only have a set period of time before being replaced, with the other trapped in the Negative Zone.

The pacing of this issue is remarkable, with time rapidly running out and the Sentinels closing in. Even with backup, the situation remains suspenseful. Jed MacKay’s skill at juggling multiple storylines is on full display. This war is fought on several fronts, a structure that holds up admirably. The issue culminates in a massive surprise, and the final pages deliver a satisfying punch.

The large cast is brilliantly used in Avengers Issue #13, utilising the various abilities and power levels. The gods, androids and most mighty of the Avengers are called into space to try and protect the Impossible City. Whilst Thor, Vision and Iron Man are ferocious in their strength, Scarlet Witch is just as immense and confident as them. Black Panther and Captain America have a role to play, one that shows T’Challa’s intellect and ability to think on levels that others can’t. As for Yuna, although she’s younger than the others, she still has a tactical mind, thinking of escape options and strategies.

The art is magnificent as this immense battle unleashes. The whole comic is an enormous spectacle, with Avengers fighting against giant Sentinels that look like Iron Man. Almost every Avenger gets a moment to shine, displaying their powers at their most destructive extent. Iron Man’s armor has changed, and the details are excellent. Meanwhile, Captain America and Black Panther get a close-quarters combat against 3-D Man, which is just as fantastic and exciting as the conflict in orbit. The page can be hectic during battles, but it is not too difficult to discern what is going on.

The colors are bright and vibrant in Avengers Issue #13, with so much red and yellow on display. 3-D Man is an interesting decision to add to the comic, as his green and red bisected costume works within the chaos of the colors. The most prominent color on almost every page is red, imposing itself across the issue. The lettering is always easy to read, even with the various custom word balloons for multiple characters.

Avengers Issue #13 is a frantic finale to the tie-in. The Avengers’ involvement in Fall of X has been non-stop action, fighting Orchis with formidable firepower. The comic is an intense read that revels in classic superhero spectacle. The team gets to go all-out against foes that aren’t going to feel the damage, and it never feels like everyone is going to be safe. It remains to be seen if their actions will help the X-Men in their hour of need, but the synergy across the series has been excellent so far.

Avengers #13 is available where comics are sold.