Avengers #36 – The End is Here!

It all comes down to this for the Avengers. Avengers #36 marks the end of Jed MacKay’s run on the Avengers. Having defeated Kang The Conqueror’s boldest attempts at domination yet, the Avengers find themselves in uncharted territory. Meanwhile, in an intergalactic prison, a new threat is born.

Be sure to check out the Nerd Initiative review for Avengers #35.

Creative Team

Writer: Jed MacKay
Artist: Farad Karami
Colorist: Federico Blee
Letterer: Corey Petit
Cover Artist: Russell Dauterman
Cover Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg

Writing

What a thrilling ride this has been for the Avengers with MacKay at the helm. MacKay really sets the tone with this issue. While the final issue of this run is also a pretty stark departure from other issues in the series. It’s not often we see such a narrative-heavy issue from MacKay in this run, but this feels meaningful. Every word has value and feels like a farewell to the characters from MacKay.

I think the best part of this issue is that it has something for everyone. If you’re a fan of MacKay’s run and you’re sad to see it ending, you’ll find satisfaction in how this wraps up. If you’re wondering what’s next for the Avengers and what does Armageddon look like for them, MacKay lays the foundation for those moments as well. Simply put, MacKay does a masterful job of crafting a story that bookends his run on Avengers while also telling it in a way that lays out the runway for Chip Zdarksy to take over with Avengers: Armageddon.

Art

In such a narrative heavy issue, it would be easy for the visual arts side of the creative team to pack it in a little bit but that doesn’t happen in this issue. Karami and Blee combine to give us some beautiful visuals. We get gorgeous views of the flora and fauna of Wakanda,a cameo of Shuma-Gorath, and even a relatively peaceful meal in Central Park.

The lines are all crisp and the colors perfect as Karami and Blee make each local distinct and different. Corey Petit does a really good job with the lettering making it clear to the reader who is speaking at any given time and allowing them to follow the conversation easily

Final Thoughts

Overall I’ve enjoyed this run. MacKay’s Avengers run will go down as a modern classic in Avengers lore. The battles felt meaningful. In typical MacKay fashion every conversation felt meaningful. Ultimately this issue offers a satisfying conclusion. I can appreciate the creativity MacKay, Karami, Blee, and Petit showed in wrapping up this run while also preparing to leave the Avengers in new hands. Oftentimes in my comic experience, handovers can be disjointed or clunky. This however feels both satisfying and well planned.

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

Until next time, may your pulls be magical, and your multiverse remain stable

What did you think of Jed MacKay’s run on Avengers? Let’s chat about it in the comments.