This issue starts with a bang. A cosmic bang. As Genesis meets with the Celestial Gardener – hoping to gain a new Death Seed and become the true heir of Apocalypse – The Apocalypse Twins emerge, armed with Thor’s axe Jarnbjorn. And then destroy a Celestial. In the DCU, this would lead to a universe-destroying, reality-warping, cosmically-retconning Crisis. And while Uncanny Avengers doesn’t seem to have its sights set quite that high, it is an appropriately powerful moment. This is just the beginning of the repercussions of Thor’s foolishness from last issue, and it’s anyone’s guess where it goes from here.
Meanwhile at Avenger’s Mansion, the PR team is still feeling the fallout of Rogue’s own foolishness – murdering Wonder Man’s brother on live TV. While she is ultimately cleared, she remains a PR nightmare and loose cannon. Speaking of Wonder Man, he tries to get back together with Wanda, but is firmly rebuffed. And speaking of romance, Wasp makes a pass at Havok – who is saved by the bell. Or rather by the destruction of S.W.O.R.D.’s orbiting station
Overall, this issue continues to be an improvement over the first arc. The stakes are high, the drama is real, and the explosions are epic. While this current Snarky Rogue is not a personal favorite, it’s hard to deny her entertainment value. In fact, it’s amazing what Remender is able to do with a group of characters that has been largely outside the mainstream for quite a while. Wanda’s been crazy, Havok has been in space, and Janet’s been trapped in the Microverse. Wonder Man hasn’t been relevant in quite some time, and Sunfire has been M.I.A. for almost as long.
Daniel Acuna’s art continues to impress. While some of the face work and backgrounds have begun to show signs of strain, it’s still an impressive issue. The Celestial Gardener looks amazing, as do the Apocalypse Twins and other Horsemen. Even the scenes at the Mansion – essentially just talking heads – are well-done. The art is expressive, and emotional, and very… classic. Or perhaps retro. Either way, it’s great.
Thor – with the help of Kang the Conqueror – has managed to make this team’s first real mission a doozy. How Captain America and Wasp are supposed to fight Celestial-empowered villains is a mystery. But if Remender can do anything, it’s write an up-hill battle for our heroes.
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