REVIEW: ‘Avengers: Armageddon’ Issue 3

Avengers: Armageddon Issue 3 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Chip Zdarsky, art by Ario Anindito, colors by Jesus Aburtov and letters by Cory Petit.

In Avengers: Armageddon Issue 3, Colton is trying to disarm the world piece by piece, and none of the world’s heroes can stop him. This issue is slow and contemplative, with so much of the damage already being dealt. Avengers: Armageddon Issue 3 is trying to catch up with the former Captain America, Colton, but that’s just not possible. He’s flying around Earth, disarming it of nuclear weapons and facilities.

At the heart of Avengers Armageddon Issue 3, and of the event as a whole, is a conversation often had in superhero stories. Why aren’t they getting involved in wars? Why aren’t they destroying all nukes? Zdarsky is having a political discussion within this book without necessarily getting specific to current conflicts or events. Instead, he’s simply exploring what would happen if the heroes did start getting involved. The pacing is smooth and slow, which again reflects the strange genre this series is part of.

It’s a political thriller that features immeasurably powerful beings. Whereas the previous chapter of this event was so explosive, this one is quieter, with Wolverine and others trying to talk Colton down. But then by the midpoint, a twist and betrayal suddenly intensify the story.

Any time Colton appears or moves, there’s immediate fear because of how immensely powerful he is. No one seems capable of even landing a glove on him, not even the most powerful being. There is a very specific focus within Avengers: Armageddon Issue 3, and it can lead to forgetting about General Ross, who has suddenly transitioned into a subplot. This makes the ending a very surprising escalation.

The tone of Avengers: Armageddon Issue 3 is fascinating and unique within the superhero genre. It’s so nervous and frightened, laced with dread and fear. It’s because there is a general feeling that every action is going to have consequences, that there’s some large ramification just around the corner with every action.

The cast has narrowed slightly within this issue, with the baton being passed to Wolverine and Bucky to try and talk Colton down. Colton is terrifying, a product of government interference and meddling that has created a Superman-level power. He’s unpredictable and easy to spook.

The discussion with Wolverine is really beautiful, as they discuss the role of superheroes within the world. There are figures and movements in the shadows that almost prove Colton’s point. The helplessness of the heroes when they come up against Colton is haunting, as is his relative calmness at all points.

There is a change of artist inside Avengers: Armageddon Issue 3 as Anindito steps up. Established with Buffy and Star Wars: The High Republic characters, Anindito’s work has a gritty realism that fits what this comic is trying to achieve. The heroes are placed within this world, and so look like real humans.

The attention to detail when it comes to hairstyles, facial expressions and costuming. But this is also a superhero comic, and that is celebrated too. The costumes aren’t toned down or tempered to fit a more natural world; instead, the world is having to accommodate them.

A lot of these characters look tired, afraid, and battle-weary, as seen in the scratches on their faces. Small moments of comedy help break through the solemn tone in Avengers: Armageddon Issue 3. Wolverine, Winter Soldier, and Colton are having a serious chat inside a frozen cabin, and yet Colton is drinking out of a coffee cup with a little cat on it.

As a new character, Colton’s costume is incredibly designed because it recognizes his military background converted into the style of a superhero. It’s also amazing how much damage he can do with such little effort, and Anindito does a remarkable job of showing these slight movements. With them, the established heroes are left struggling and suffering.

The colors are perfect for establishing the atmosphere inside the pages. The vibrancy of the superhero costumes can be profound and bright, signalling the time they represent. Spider-Man and Human Torch outside the Baxter Building are another example of shining superheroes. Wolverine wears his more sandy-colored costume, which is indicative of a shift into something darker. Because then the gloomier colors work to create a colder and more ominous interior to the book. The lettering is smart, smooth and easy to read.

Avengers: Armageddon Issue 3 plunges its heroes into something of a cold war. The whole book feels like it’s been laced with a Tom Clancy novel, with spy thriller elements added in. It’s still undoubtedly a superhero comic, but things are changing. It draws unexpected emotions from how calm the comic can be at times. Even the action feels different as the heroes just don’t know what to do.

Avengers: Armageddon Issue 3 has gorgeous political commentary without ever being specific. Because these same conversations about nukes and weapons and dictators have existed for decades. It’s just become harder to fully understand who the good guys are and what exactly the heroes are fighting.

Avengers: Armageddon Issue 3 is available where comics are sold.