Over the past year, I have neglected to read any comic book titles from Marvel, as I have been obsessed with books from Image and Top Cow, and then DC Comic’s New 52 grabbed my attention and has held it over the last few months. Spiderman was one of a small group of characters that got me into comics as a kid, so when I learned of a new series featuring my favorite web-slinger I had to check it out. Avenging Spiderman #1 explores the relationship Spiderman has with members of The Avengers and it seems as if each issue will team him up with a different character.
In this inaugural issue he is paired with Red Hulk and the results are fantastic! The exchanges between the two are hilarious and are a big part of what makes the book a fun read. The story is another highlight, as it moves at a break-neck pace and brings back a classic Marvel villain toward the end of the issue. The writer, Zeb Wells, does a masterful job of pacing the action while providing just enough information to keep you flipping pages and what beautiful pages they are! The artwork is breathtaking and every panel has a three-dimensional quality that makes each image leap from the page. Joe Madureira (artist) and Ferran Daniel (colorist) have created some amazing set pieces here and they contain highly-detailed characters that are extremely vibrant in color and have a depth I haven’t seen in comics for years. I often caught myself staring at the sunlight glisten off of Red Hulk’s shoulders and wondering if I could commission a similar piece from the artists. (It would cost a fortune and I don’t have such funds lying around but…wait…what are kidneys going for on the black market these days? Never mind…)
To be quite honest, I have been very displeased with some of the storylines and character changes that Marvel Comics has perpetrated recently (i.e. the Ultimate books!!!) and that may explain why I’ve avoided their titles, but Avenging Spiderman has definitely brought me back into the fray. This is one book I would recommend to everyone, from a first-time reader to the most ardent comic book fan, as I guarantee it will not disappoint.
Great art + fun story = Perfection! Take my advice and give it a read…
