AVENGERS & X-MEN: AXIS #1 Review

The wait is over and AXIS is finally here. But does this event prove worthy of your money? Or is it yet another disappointing way to draw fans in? Read on to find out.

The official description from Marvel:

ACT I: THE RED SUPREMACY
• The Red Skull has exploited the gifts of the world’s greatest telepath to broadcast pure hatred across the globe. Now, born of the murder of Charles Xavier, World War Hate has begun.
• Tony Stark discovers a secret truth that will upend not only his life, but also the lives of everyone he cares for.
• Can The Avengers and X-Men finally unite? Would their combined strength be enough to hold back the darkness of the Red Onslaught?
• Magneto murdered the wrong man, releasing the greatest evil the Marvel Universe has ever known. Now Rogue and Scarlet Witch are all that stand in its way.

Having followed this story since way back at the start of Uncanny Avengers, and if you want to go further back Avengers vs. X-Men, I have been both highly anticipated this release, as well as fearing how it would fair. Setting an intriguing presence, this first issue manages to give a quick build-up for new readers, whilst also giving some exciting moments for old. Despite this the issue spends too much time accommodating for new readers, and though that’s all well and good, for $4.99 it should have been so much better.

Rick Remender scripts the latest in a long line of Marvel events, with the writer taking elements from his Uncanny Avengers series, and throwing the remainder of the Marvel Universe along for the ride. Despite the first three quarters being rather average, the remainder of the issue proved to be more exciting, with the prospect of the X-Men (both Scott’s team and the ex-Wolverine team) finally reuniting bringing a smile to my face (especially seeing as Wolverine is gone). On top of this Remender does a good job of leaving unanswered questions, and though some may prove frustrating, this certainly adds suspense and mystery to this tale.

When Adam Kubert was announced to be the artist for the first part of AXIS I was immediately excited, having loved his work on Ultimate X-Men and more recently Origin II. I was however a little disappointed, as though for the better part Kubert impresses, there are a few underwhelming moments. The main area in which this is president is the overcrowded sequences, with the vast amount of characters leaving little room for detail. Another thing I disliked, though not necessarily Kubert’s fault was the horrible AXIS banner that went through the issue. Yes it’s was a unique idea, but it just doesn’t work. Rounding things off we get punchy colours from Laura Martin and Matt Milla, giving a vibrant finish to Kubert’s art.

Avengers & X-Men: AXIS #1 gets off to a relatively good start, as though nowhere near as awesome as it should have been, not quite feeling worth the extra dollar, it shows signs of a brilliant event. It also leaves with some mysterious questions, having me hooked for the next issue. Due to this the issue comes recommended.