Coalition Of The Damned: ‘Avengers #32’ Reviewed
by Josh Davison
Mild Spoilers Ahead
Namor, Sub-Mariner and King of Atlantis, has slipped to the depths of the Mariana Trench to enjoy a drink. His peace is interrupted when the bartender begins making suggestions for how Namor should deal with his enemies on the surface. The bartender tells Namor to join with the Avengers’ other enemies and destroy Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. In Chernobyl, Baroness Blood begins to think the vampires need to form a coalition to destroy the Avengers. In Russia, an aid to the Winter Guard tells them the same. In Washington, Phil Coulson receives a call telling him that the Squadron Supreme needs to make allies.
Avengers #32 finds the team’s enemies being brought together by a malignant force intent on wiping out Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. No points for guessing who it is.
The comic checks in on all the enemies the Avengers have made in the past year. We see how Namor, Dracula, the Winter Guard, and the Squadron Supreme are fairing as the malefactor convinces them to join together to bring down the Avengers. It’s more-or-less the same scene on repeat, but we do get to learn what Namor and the vampires have been up to since we’ve last seen them.
We do get one scene of the Avengers; Black Widow tries to convince Blade to stay with the team instead of going back to his vampire hunt. We also see Tony and Thor with the new Starbrand child.
Ed McGuinness illustrates much of the book and his trademark bulky and cartoonish style serves it well. He is joined by Francesco Manna, whose style pairs well with McGuinness. As a result, the book looks great throughout and there’s no jarring shift in aesthetic. Jason Keith provides a vibrant and atmospheric color palette that suits the Avengers perfectly.
Avengers #32 sets the stage for conflicts to come. The Avengers’ enemies are mobilizing against them and it may be more power than even Earth’s Mightiest can handle. Either way, this is an enjoyable read that earns a recommendation. Check it out.
Avengers #32 comes to us from writer Jason Aaron, artists Ed McGuinness and Francesco Manna, color artist Jason Keith, letterer VC’s Cory Petit, cover artist Ed McGuinness with Mark Morales and Jason Keith, and variant cover artist Mike McKone with Andres Mossa.
Final Score: 8/10