ComicBookBin

Johnny Bullet
Marvel Comics
Avengers #79
By Loretta Ramirez

March 1, 2004 - 11:44

Publisher(s): Marvel Comics
Writer(s): Chuck Austen
Penciller(s): Sean Chen
Inker(s): Tom Simmons
Cover Artist(s): Lee Weeks


avengers79.jpg
"I don't even want to talk about this with you," complains the angry Wasp; and this sentiment of disgust imbues the entire issue of "Lionheart of Avalon, Part 3" by Chuck Austen and fill-in artist, Sean Chen. Here, the Avengers lash out at each other over a civilian's death and implausibly transform into angry and unreasonable fools, more appropriately found in a morally bankrupt reality show than in a book about Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

Although the premise is initially interesting and the set-up of classic character themes is promising, this story abruptly nosedives. The character inconsistencies are atrocious. Captain America callously refers to the civilian's death as "stupid," Wasp and Yellowjacket's spousal abuse theme inexplicably erupts, and Hawkeye shockingly becomes a bungling would-be-killer. Austen has replaced moral values with shock value.

Although there are a few sketchy moments, Chen is a smooth fill-in for Copiel and excels in capturing facial expressions. The extreme range of (albeit inappropriate) emotions that overwhelms Hawkeye is movingly rendered. Particularly powerful is a scene where Hawkeye stands in a hallway, listening to the children's anguish. Additionally, the children's extreme grief is heartbreaking, especially as the little girl wails in She-Hulk's arms.

Overall: D


© Copyright 2002-2021 by Toon Doctor Inc. - All rights Reserved. All other texts, images, characters and trademarks are copyright their respective owners. Use of material in this document (including reproduction, modification, distribution, electronic transmission or republication) without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.