REVIEW: ‘Avengers: Armageddon’ Issue 1

Avengers: Armageddon Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics and written by Chip Zdarsky, art by Delio Diaz and Frank Alpizar, colors by Jesus Aburtov, and letters by Cory Petit.

This is the start of a new event. Red Hulk has conquered Latveria and has his sights set on any country he deems undemocratic.

This is the culmination of an expansive story and also serves as a sequel to One World Under Doom. A power vacuum has existed in Latveria since Doctor Doom’s death, and that has been filled by General Ross, aka the Red Hulk. Like the previous event, Avengers: Armageddon Issue 1 has a heavy political note, but it’s propped up and laced with superhero elements. Red Hulk is looking to reinstate democracy in various nations, smashing his way in, then letting democracy take his place.

There’s tension between the US Government and the superhero community, splitting them into separate camps. The Government wants to handle the fight themselves, annoyed by how the superheroes always make things worse. Avengers: Armageddon Issue 1 is a spacious, full comic, and much of it is setting up the story and gathering the armies. Zdarsky brings a lot of threads from his Captain America series, as he did when he was writing Daredevil and entering the Devil’s Reign run.

It’s a fantastic, massive continuation, but it may be a little confusing to others stepping in from other books; there are handy references to the story arcs that will reveal all. The comic is still easily readable without that added knowledge. There is a wonderful feeling of oncoming doom by the end of the story, along with a burgeoning excitement.

The cast in this opening chapter is huge, embracing the full breadth of the superhero community. Avengers: Armageddon Issue 1 has the Avengers in the title, but it also visits many sections of the universe. Iron Man and Captain Marvel are gathering an army, one that’s capable of attacking Red Hulk. There’s a terrific understanding of each character’s personality. The X-Men in both camps turn Tony down, but the Fantastic Four and even Namor are willing to join.

Wakanda has a unique position due to its position as a nation and Black Panther’s status as a superhero. The comic is filled with personality and individualism, but there is a general feeling of unity and weariness towards Red Hulk. Ross is aggressive and domineering, slamming his will down on other nations with a red fist. Whilst there are multiple important leaders at the heart of this comic, including Tony Stark, Carol Danvers, and Reed Richards, there is one notable absence: Steve Rogers.

Being beaten into a coma by Ross, Cap’s absence means there isn’t this absolute icon that others gravitate around, and there is a different reaction to following Steve and following Stark. A major theme that resonates between both camps is the idea of pre-emptive threat assessment. Both Stark and Ross possess the means to predict the future, which also establishes a feeling of dread.

The art is glorious, embracing the weight of the event. Diaz and Aplizar are relative newcomers, but are already showing their superstar credentials. The gritty nature of the comic and the general spectacle are captured perfectly. All the heroes look phenomenal, and their closeness is extraordinary. Their history is evident from how they interact with each other. The hugs and the gentle hands on the shoulder. These are friends and colleagues who have known each other for a long time, and that really comes across in the artwork.

Red Hulk looks isolated, completely no-nonsense and deathly serious. But he has a team of monstrous creatures around him. Each one of those has its own unique design, instead of being uniform soldiers. The cities and locations all have their own gorgeous layout, giving the comic a worldwide feel. And so often, there is a flag flying somewhere, hammering home the nationalist nature of the book.

The colors are stunning, and the lighting is magnificent, giving everything a sleek look. Avengers: Armageddon Issue 1 can be dark, but there are also some remarkably vibrant shades that look sensational. The red of Iron Man’s armor, Spider-Man’s costume, or Red Hulk’s skin is incredibly rich. The lettering is very clear and easy to read.

Avengers: Armageddon Issue 1 is a powerhouse of an opening. It involves many of the major elements of the Marvel Universe, all of the important corners, and drags them into an event of monstrous proportions. There is a global scale to the book, questioning the role heroes have within the politics of the planet. Some may create parallels with current events, but the truth is, imperialism and commentary on democracy and authoritarianism are always timely.

Zdarsky ensures that the superheroes are at the heart of the story. The writer really excels at writing grand stories like this one. The artists are new to Marvel, but are already proving themselves. Latveria has been an epic saga, and this is the next chapter of its history.

Avengers: Armageddon Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.