AVENGERS #75

Hawkeye drops off a cliff, Iron Man loses a tooth, the Scarlet Witch breaks her wrist, Captain America is pierced by an arrow, and Jack of Hearts risks his life-all to save She-Hulk. Therefore, "With Friends Like These…" is an appropriate title for Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins' satisfying conclusion to the "Search for She-Hulk" story arc, as the Avengers rescue and wound each other for the sake of friendship.

Though the plot is one big fight-first between the hulks, then between the hulks and Avengers-the poignant and witty dialogue emphasize relationships. Captain America and Hawkeye's charming banter is the most enjoyable exchange, but Johns also explores the characters' emotional depths through their willingness to suffer for each other. These displays of affection touchingly remind readers that the Avengers are a team bonded by deep emotional investment in the welfare of the world and each other.

Kolins' fight scenes are exhilarating: the blurry stream of Hawkeye's arrows, the fluid motion of Captain America's leaps, the pulsating shockwaves as the hulks beat each other. And though faces continue to be cartoon-ish, the characters' expressions match their intense emotions. Most noteworthy are She-Hulk's remorse upon seeing the destruction she has caused and Hawkeye's rigid shock as She-Hulk rewards him for his help.

Overall: A-