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Avengers #7 - The Last White Event Review

5

by on

The White Event hits Earth, and it's not pretty...

The Good

What incredible art this book has. So detailed, the panels so abstract, the colors make the reading experience as a whole absolutely breathtaking. Reading this issue is a process, you have to take it in sort of slowly not only because there is so much that happens, but also because each panel is more beautiful than the next. If you are anything like me, this issue will leave you completely in awe. Beyond the fact that it is incredibly detailed, it is the colors that really make this issue pop. The way that light is used to accentuate reflections on the faces of certain characters in certain key moments will just leave you in awe.The art in this comic is absolutely breathtaking, and completely complimentary to the dialogue and the story that we read in this issue.

A lot of what happens in this issue is really big; and when I say big, I mean that Hickman is continuing to dish out a story on a huge, intergalactic scale. While it is big in scope, the story is still easy to understand in the sense that it is well organized, structured and overall really well written.

This issue deals with a major event (The White Event) on a huge scale, and one constant message is continually reiterated: the machine is broken. The machine being referenced here is the machine that is responsible for selecting the Starbrand: a person with enough power to protect the entire planet. Because the machine is "broken," the Starbrand selection process is altered and imperfect. There is room for flaw. So what happens when there is a chance that ultimate cosmic power gets into the wrong hands? Well, that's a big problem, isn't it?

Hickman ends the issue on a cliff hanger, and what he does in the final pages of this issue may make you go back and look through the issue from the beginning. It is incredibly well executed the last few pages of this comic, particularly in terms of what the creative team does with the colors in these final panels. Overall, it's just really well done and the story ends on a real high: readers will be left curious and excited to read the upcoming issue.

The Bad

There is really nothing bad to say about this issue. One of the best issues thus far, really pushes the story and sets readers up for what will likely be one heck of a ride.

The Verdict

I may be biased: I seem to love everything Hickman does, but he just knocks it out of the park with this issue. Not only is this a beautifully illustrated and colored comic book, but the set up, structure, concept and dialogue are absolutely phenomenal. Everything about this comic is incredible. The way he gradually sets up the story and introduces this huge idea, luring the reader in gradually and casually rather than all at once; it's perfect. There is so much about this comic that is really fantastic and the way it ends is just mind blowing. It ends on this tremendous high that just really captivates you and lures you in. It's fantastic stuff. Overall, excellent issue that is not only a lot of fun to read, but clearly the start of something really cool.

43 Comments
Posted by DJ1107

general comicvine commentor: There's absolutely no way Avengers can be a good book clearly Babs is being paid by Marvel to say good things about it & not have an opinion on on whether it's good or not.

Me: Good review Babs.

Edited by NightRunner

Could not agree more this was such an epic issue.

Posted by pspin

This was great. The scale of this is really leaving Hickman's Fantastic Four in the dust and it is great!

Great review!!!!

Posted by mksystem74

This is a great issue. I love what Hickman is doing and can't wait to see where it goes. I'm not too familiar with Starbrand, ok I actually never head of it before. I'm sure not many have. The art was fantastic as well.

Posted by saoakden

Can't wait to read this issue.

Posted by Brownghost

This was really a great issue, the past 3 have been boring but now its started to get better.

Posted by Kerrigan

Another pulse-pounding issue of Some Avengers Sit In Dimly Lit Rooms And Talk. And, oh joy, yet another half-baked origin story, and yet more portentous sci-fi background noise offered to create the illusion of Big Things Happening.

Many writers want to introduce their own characters to ensemble books. That’s fine. But if those characters remain only thumbnail sketches, and if their introduction consumes the entirety of a book, and relegates established members to the background or to invisibility, then it’s a problem.

A bigger problem still is Hickman’s pacing. We’re 7 books in, about 155 pages, and we’re still scene-setting. 155 pages gets you 80% of the way through the Dark Knight Returns, through or nearly through all the individual Sandman books, about halfway through V for Vendetta. Look at Marvel's recent cosmic crossovers to see how much can be done, how much narrative and action, can be included in that page count. In Hickman’s Avengers, the story has not yet begun, only been sketched out. This can work if the writing is of sufficient quality, and the characters hold your attention (Watchmen was somewhat similarly paced, although a lot more had happened by an equivalent stage). Hickman writes competent but rather flat dialogue, and the characters have little opportunity to actually interact with each other. This is what makes ensemble books work. It’s absence is fatal.

Avengers #7 is in many ways an exemplar of the problems with the series. A few Avengers talk. The half-drawn new characters offer vague and fairly silly warnings and explanations. Another new ultra-powerful figure is introduced (was the Marvel U really crying out for more Star Brand?). Little conflict, little humor, little characterization, few Avengers, little fun.

Weaver’s art is fine. Hickman does not provide him many dramatic character scenes, but he does well with what opportunities he has.

This book is failing.

Posted by ShadowSwordmaster

I have enjoyed this series so far.

Posted by kingjoeg

I have no idea what is going on and it's frustrating. Not even a hint as to who is causing all this chaos.

Posted by windcaster

@kingjoeg: I suggest picking up New Avengers#2 to find out about the incursions.

Posted by Super_SoldierXII

@Kerrigan:

Can't help but agree ... to an extent. But you made some telling comparisons.

Posted by quatro_briefs

Makes you think, how much is Marvel paying comicvine.com for these 5 star Avenger reviews which are totally unwarranted.

Posted by MadeinBangladesh

this book is still boring.

Edited by kingjoeg

@windcaster: I have read that and I love Hickman's New Avengers. That works because he set up the incursion plot and it's clear what the illuminati are trying to acomplish.

Posted by Johnnyjavavee

@DJ1107: Completely agree. She's clearly passionate about what she says about this comic. Money's just what she gets for voicing her opinion.

Posted by quatro_briefs

Still no All New X-men review?

Posted by Turkeysammich

I haven't read New Universe stuff in so long that I completely forgot about it till this came out. It is pretty damn epic, I must say.

Posted by Ramier

@quatro_briefs said:

Still no All New X-men review?

damn bro calm your tits lol

Posted by sparty-dbq

Why is there an equal sign when Spider-Fraud says "super=being?" Is it a typo? Is it supposed to be a hyphen? Do I get a No Award for this?

Posted by JonesDeini

@Turkeysammich said:

I haven't read New Universe stuff in so long that I completely forgot about it till this came out. It is pretty damn epic, I must say.

Word, I thought I'd NEVER see these characters/concepts again. I'm like...man. I'm so totally enjoying this book in ways I can't even formulate into words. Good job, Hickman.

Posted by skyjumpermike

I really like this series, but this was my least favorite issue so far.

Posted by Brazen_Intellect

This storyline would be so much better if it had been used for the cosmic line and not the Avengers IMO

Posted by JamDamage

Wow this site sure gives a lot of 5 stars. This is a classic????

Posted by Lvenger

So glad I had a look at this issue. Truly one of the best of Hickman's run so far.
Posted by Raw_Material

really enjoyed this issue..

Posted by The Mast

Kerrigan is the most contrarian poster I've seen on here.

If this series was getting no love, he'd be writing large posts on how everyone is sleeping on it and not giving it a chance. This is most obvious in his utter ignorance of Weaver's art. "It's fine." Fine? Are you actually serious? Dislike the story, sure. However, your desire to not give anyone on this book due credit just proves you're trying to go against the grain.

Posted by WaveMotionCannon
@The Mast

Kerrigan is the most contrarian poster I've seen on here.

If this series was getting no love, he'd be writing large posts on how everyone is sleeping on it and not giving it a chance. This is most obvious in his utter ignorance of Weaver's art. "It's fine." Fine? Are you actually serious? Dislike the story, sure. However, your desire to not give anyone on this book due credit just proves you're trying to go against the grain.

This. The art is FANTASTIC, the story is building slowly but I still love this book.
Posted by Owie

I just noticed a little while ago that Starbrand had been introduced into the 616 MU a couple years ago or so. I liked the old New Universe one and wanted to see what they had done with it recently, but didn't know this Avengers series was dealing with it. Is this the first issue that has to do with the Starbrand or will I have to go back a couple issues?

I have to say I picked up the first issue and was a little underwhelmed...more random new semi-omnipotents beating on Earth heroes. I didn't really care for them. But I'd be willing to check it out if it's gone beyond that.

Posted by jimmyjames

Hickman continually hits it out of the park with every issue. I'm really digging the scale of the threats the Avengers are facing.

Posted by Kerrigan

@The Mast said:

Kerrigan is the most contrarian poster I've seen on here.

If this series was getting no love, he'd be writing large posts on how everyone is sleeping on it and not giving it a chance. This is most obvious in his utter ignorance of Weaver's art. "It's fine." Fine? Are you actually serious? Dislike the story, sure. However, your desire to not give anyone on this book due credit just proves you're trying to go against the grain.

Please don't make assumptions about me. I dislike the writing on this book. That would be true in any circumstance.

The art is fine, extremely high quality, and what one would expect from a major comic book. Fine.

Attacking posters for their opinions is really not cool at all.

Posted by The Mast

@Kerrigan: I'm not attacking you. I'm saying I feel you're a contrarian. I'm expressing my opinion on your opinion. Deal with it.

Posted by Kerrigan

@The Mast: Ah. You're one of those. I'm sorry, you'll have to look elsewhere for your argument fix.

Posted by Thunderscream

I remember flipping through some of the old Nightmask & D.P.7 titles in the 90s. It seems a little redundant that this is the 2nd time Hickman has stated every Universe has a "Nightmask" and a "Star Brand" now....when he just did the same thing with the Imperial Guard having Gladiator state that there are multiple "Smashers" and "Starbolts" and so on. Not saying it's a bad idea, just a repetitive theme.

I thought the last story arc ended a little too abruptly so I'm hoping for some big surprises.

The newly assembled cast is exciting...the art is GORGEOUS. Let's see where this goes. :)

Posted by The Mast

@Kerrigan said:

@The Mast: Ah. You're one of those. I'm sorry, you'll have to look elsewhere for your argument fix.

I'm not looking for anything. I just think your contrarian attitude is ridiculous. You took issue to me expressing my opinion on your opinion. I'm not looking to debate with you. You replied to me.

Posted by BigBDawg

I will say that the New Universe stuff in Universe-616 should be good. And there's now one last thing to comment on;

IT BEGINS!!!!!

Posted by quatro_briefs

@Ramier said:

@quatro_briefs said:

Still no All New X-men review?

damn bro calm your tits lol

You mean the ones in my hands? they belong to your mother! ya, i said that! lol jokes but seriously calm your tits!

Posted by sithfrog

I am glad so many people are liking this series. To me, the best thing to have happened in this book so far is the argument between Sam, Bobby, and "Spider-Man" about workplace refrigerator etiquette.

This issue picked up the pace, but I really wish they would have just launched a "Cosmic Avengers" series. I really want to like this book, I LOVE the Avengers, but it's toward the bottom of my reading list at the moment.

Posted by Veshark

@Kerrigan said:

Another pulse-pounding issue of Some Avengers Sit In Dimly Lit Rooms And Talk. And, oh joy, yet another half-baked origin story, and yet more portentous sci-fi background noise offered to create the illusion of Big Things Happening.

Oh man, I disagree with your opinion but these two sentences are just dripping with so much sarcasm that I can't help but laugh. I would totally read a spinoff book titled 'Some Avengers Sit In Dimly Lit Rooms And Talk'. XD

Posted by Cafeterialoca

I'm a little confused and annoyed at this book. It feels too technobabble and less Avengers.

Also getting tired of massive scale deaths in comics with no ramifications.

Posted by hugemonkeyman

I have a certain nostalgia for most of the New Universe characters so whenever a writer attempts to make them relevant again (like Warren Ellis did a few years back with the New Universal), you will find me there. I enjoyed all of Jonathan Hickman's previous Marvel work (S.H.I.E.L.D, Fantastic Four and The Ultimates) and I am looking forward to his take on some strange but familiar characters.

Posted by Zoch81

I enjoyed this issue the art was great looking forward next issue.

Edited by Teerack

I like how Doc Ock is written like an idiot in this book :)

Also the star mark on the guys hand is the same as the one x-23 had before she become captain universe.

Posted by Jlinden31

I haven't seen a single post about the New Universe. I haven't read all of them but read enough comments and couldn't find a single one. This was an amazing Issue as was the next one but mostly because (at least for me) the incredible punch of nostalgia I got straight to my nose. The New Universe and the White Event over Pittsburgh happened in Marvel Comics New Universe books around 1988 all because an alternate Earth with no Superheroes was suddenly struck by the White Event which gave 1 in a 1000 people (probably not accurate number) some kind of superpower. The Nightmask (12 issues) fought inside the dreamscape, the Spitfire (12 Issues) communicated with machines and was a bit like Deus Ex Machina, DP7 was the X Men book of the Universe, and Psi Force (32 Issues) were a collective group of 5 members that combined into one psychic entity. Kickers (12 issues and it was awful) was a super strength professional football player but my favorite was Justice (32 Issues) who was John Tensen, worked for the Justice dept and lost his memory and mind believing he was an alien but infected with bad dream (which Nightmask cured). Tensen could see your aura and judge you for your crimes, one hand generated a nearly impenetrable energy shield the other a sword or beam of energy that destroyed everything in it's path. He was dark and kinda nuts. All of this happened because of Ken something who was the very least likely person to become in possession of the Star Brand (32 issues) but where several Star Brands. The New Universe did poorly with readers so they wrapped it up with the Destruction of Pittsburgh in the Black Event and finally a Civil War. The New Universe was revisted by Warren Ellis and an anniversary collection of one shots that told "un-told stories" about 4 years back. The Exiles visited the New Universe and I believe Justice might have made it to the 2099 Universe (or the other one). I loved these books. I have all of the. Every single New Universe book, Exiles, one shots, literally every book 'cause I associate with such a great time in my life and reading comics. Those stories are more or less awful now. Comics are so much more refined but seeing the possibility for a rebirth of those concepts having been attempted several times and fail but not possibly make their way into the mainstream is really a nerdgasm for my 13 year old id. Love it!

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