*of course, huge spoilers ahead*
Avengers #4
Written by Jonathan Hickman
Art by Adam Kubert
Coloured by Frank D’Armata
Cover by Dustin Weaver and Justin Ponsor
Dated March 2013
When Hickman launched this new volume of Avengers, there were three characters that I found particularly intriguing. Fortunately, the next three issues shine a spotlight on each of those characters. Hickman, you read my mind.
First up is Hyperion. Now if you’re familiar with the MAX version of Hyperion, forget everything you know. If you know the original Squadron Supreme version, this guy is similar, but apparently from yet another alternate dimension. If you read Exiles like I did back in the day you’ll know there is no shortage of Hyperions out there in the multiverse. I guess Hickman liked the character but wanted to ditch the baggage, so let’s start from the beginning.
This issue opens with a brief reminder that villain Ex Nihilo had thrown a bunch of “origin bombs” towards Earth in an attempt to reform it. Looks like it’s time for the Avengers to head out and fix that mess. Let’s start with the Savage Land.
Before we get to see the team in action, however, Hickman gives us the low-down on his new Hyperion. Apparently this one is as close to a Superman analogue as they come, complete with the “rocket-ship from a doomed planet” and the “strong moral upbringing”. Unfortunately, his planet suffered quite the catastrophe—another Earth came along and smashed into it (as we’ll learn in New Avengers, this was an “incursion”, and it’s quite the problem). Hyperion survived, though, and was floating around for a while until A.I.M. scientists pulled him into our universe in an attempt to harness his power. Don’t worry, it only takes one panel for the Avengers to save him.
It’s a simple origin story that I found tied in nicely with the bigger picture Hickman’s creating. He gives us a familiar Hyperion, one that is heroic and ultra-powerful, but also one without the years of storylines to keep track of. His new gray and yellow uniform is pretty cool too and it matches his more contemplative, less smiley character. Again, I was surprised that Hickman was able to give us such a concise yet detailed origin without stretching things out. He does labour on a point that there are “two Hyperions”, though, and one assumes he’s talking about two sides of Hyperion’s character, but it’s a tad too ambiguous and it doesn’t pay off in these pages. In fact, I’m not sure it ever pays off, but we’ll see…
Next, an Avengers group consisting of Thor, Hyperion, Spider-Woman and a few others head out to see what’s up with the Savage Land and deal with all this origin bomb non-sense. Upon arriving they find a dispatch of A.I.M. scientists. Hyperion is not pleased.
Things go sour and the origin bomb sprouts some funky looking plants and eggs. Turns out it’s not all that dire though, because the eggs hatch and out pop a bunch of kids with zebra stripes. Hyperion’s rock-hard heart melts. Awww! He’s found a purpose in this new universe—he just loves those little zebra kids!
The Avengers arrest those pesky A.I.M. guys and the issue ends with a quick tease. A.I.M. went to Norway too, and the origin bomb there looks plenty mysterious!
Now the first thing you’ll notice is the absence of artiste extraordinaire Jerome Opena and colourist Dean White. We all knew it was too good to last. Luckily we get Adam Kubert (and colours from Frank D’Armata) and things look very different, but still very good. No longer is this gorgeously detailed, lushly painted, uber-impressive art, but standard comic book heroes rendered skilfully by a reliably likable pro. If you know Adam Kubert’s work, you know what to expect. A shift in gears, but still grade A material.
I thoroughly enjoyed Hyperion’s introduction here and Hickman gives us plenty of story for a single issue. The pace is just right here and the dialogue remains solid. Onto the next spotlight…
Avengers #5
Written by Jonathan Hickman
Art by Adam Kubert
Coloured by Frank Martin
Cover by Dustin Weaver and Justin Ponsor
Dated April 2013
Next up, we get the story of Superguardian Smasher. You know? The member of the Shi’ar guard who’s a veiled analogue of DC’s Legion of Superheroes character Ultra-Boy? Nevermind, it really isn’t that complicated, because Hickman gives us a new Smasher and we get to see her story right from the very start.
So, the Shi’ar were in some trouble, and the guardian designated “Smasher” took off to warn Earth. He didn’t make it, but his super-goggles did. Enter Izzy Kane, a simple Iowa farmer who just happened to stumble upon said super-goggles. It’s the well-worn tale of your average Joe (or Jane, in this case) coming across alien technology and gaining awesome powers and a rad costume. Izzy takes off to the Shi’ar Empire and joins the Guard, returning to Earth only to find her disgruntled grandfather had just passed.
Hickman gives us Izzy’s story at light-speed, introducing us to her family and giving us a great idea of her character. She’s a meek farmer who suddenly gets thrown into pan-galactic war. She doesn’t freak out, though, she embraces her destiny and all the eye-laser, super-strength, galactic flight powers that come with it. When a distress call comes in from the Guard, she brings the Avengers in as backup and together they whip an armada of baddies back to the own galaxy. For this, Gladiator (the leader of the Guard) bestows upon her the title of Superguardian. But, uh-oh, we later learn that those baddies she was beating up on weren’t invaders, they were running from something! More impending doom from the pen of Jonathan Hickman, ladies and gentlemen!
Honestly, I was super excited to learn about this new Smasher and Hickman came through, 100%. He grounds her character in a familiar life we can all relate to, then shoves the ultimate superhero fantasy her way and builds both story and character at a brisk yet satisfying pace. Adam Kubert gives us another solid round on art duties (this time with colourist Frank Martin) and that cover… I’m simply in love with that cover! It looks like a movie poster, with the gorgeous lighting and juxtaposition of Earth and space. Gah! Beautiful!
Five issues in and we’ve found each of them a winner. Hickman’s clearly got big plans on the horizon and he’s constantly giving us well-paced, original, exciting stories. 2013 was a good time to be an Avengers fan!