Avengers Armageddon #2 – God Bless New America

The Red Hulk and his team of Hulks are on a rampage. Fighting to bring democracy to the world by force, Avengers Armageddon #2 sees what happens when the heroes of the world are unwilling to turn a blind eye to Ross’ ideological romp through the world. With new powers, Super Soldier David Colton joins the fight, but will he be able to stop when it’s time to stop?

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Megan and Shawn!

Catch Up with Avengers Armageddon #1

Creative Team

Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artists: Delio Diaz and Frank Alpizar
Color Artist: Sonia Oback
Letterer: Cory Petit
Cover Artist: Dike Ruan
Cover Color Artist: Moreno DiNisio

Writing

Megan – The fight is on between the Avengers and Thunderbolt Ross! Ross is willing to do whatever it takes to put a stop to them, but the Avengers have a trick up their sleeves in the name of David Colton. Ross isn’t prepared for this unexpected guest, and he has to change up his plans to accommodate. The fight between the Avengers and the Red Hulk doesn’t go exactly how you’d picture because of a wild card of character. Now, things are up in the air, the stakes are higher than ever, and the devastation is growing by the minute.

Avengers Armageddon #2 does an excellent job illustrating the varying emotions that the Avengers feel. Whether it be the frustration, the the guilt, or their confidence running on an all-time low, the reader is able to feel every tone in the story. Chip Zdarsky keeps the energy high throughout the comic, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Zdarsky matched the energy of the first issue, and doubles it with the excitement of the fight. We’re left on a very interesting cliffhanger, and I am excited to see where it goes.

Shawn – This issue had me fighting for air. While I still enjoyed Avengers Armageddon #1, this issue felt more like what the series had been hyped to be from the get-go. I loved getting a glimpse of how powerful Colton has become. Zdarsky is really giving us a look at the real-world impact these battles have. It’s not enough for the heroes to fight Red Hulk. It’s the world reeling from the impact of these battles, the everyday people stuck in a battle between heroes and a newfound villain who thinks useless deaths are just part of the price he will pay to bring his form of democracy to the world.

Zdarksy gives us a glimpse that we got to see a little bit of during the One World Under Doom event, which I truly enjoy seeing, which is our heroes on their toes. The Avengers and even the infamously self-righteous Tony Stark have no real answers for what happens next. I love that we finally get confirmation from Zdarsky what Doom’s Machine was that Ross had been looking for, and that it will continue to play a roll going forward after that cliffhanger at the end.

Art

Megan – Delio Diaz, Frank Alpizar, Sonia Oback, and Cory Petit do some really brilliant work in Avengers Armageddon #2. The detailing that goes into the linework is absolutely stunning. With how detailed the panels are, nothing is left ot the imagination and no stone is left unturned. Diaz and Alpizar do a phenomenal job with this and makes each page nothing short of stunning. Oback handles the colors and brings a great juxtaposition of vibrancy and neutral tones. Cory Petit is behind the lettering and nails the emotions of the characters through the dialogue. Together, the artists made this a memorable issue that’s wrapped in gorgeous artwork.

Shawn -Delio Diaz, Frank Alpizar, Sonia Oback, and Cory Petit managed to put in some of the best work we’ve ever seen from any of these creators. The Avengers alone are a tough group to draw. Regardless of the makeup of the Avengers, the entire group is always a hodgepodge of well-known characters with a certain expected aesthetic. Delio Diaz and Frank Alpizar craft versions of these characters that are instantly recognizable while putting their distinct touch on them. In addition to the Avengers, the team of Hulks as well as David Colton provide a new playground for Diaz and Alpizar to craft images with that turn out spectacular.

Sonia Oback brings this world to life through the vivid colors. You feel the impact of the words, the battles, and the actions of our heroes. The vivid coloring makes me hurt when I see characters tangle up and start fighting because, through Oback’s colors, you can almost feel the impact of super powered individuals fighting. Cory Petit does a ridiculously good job of guiding readers through the story and using impactful SFX that bring depth to the action.

Final Thoughts

Megan – 8/10. I’m very interested to see where it goes after Avengers Armageddon #2. Chip Zdarsky leaves us on an interesting note and there’s no telling what’ll happen next.

Shawn – 10/10. This is what I wanted to see in the first issue. Everyone is a loose cannon, and no one knows what will happen next. The heroes are caught flat-footed and don’t even realize the depth of their trouble yet. I can’t wait to see where this creative team goes next.

Overall Grade: 9/10

What do you think will happen next in Avengers: Armageddon? Let me know in the comments