Comic Review: Avengers (2018-) #32

Avengers (2018-) #32

Marvel Comics

Writer: Jason Aaron

Artists: Ed McGuiness, Francesco Manna

From a baby Star Brand being born, to Tony Stark fighting the devil in literal ancient history. The Avengers have gone through the gauntlet, and that’s only one trade’s worth of issues. In 31 issues so far, the Avengers have made enemies, some new, some old, some even friends. Now something is driving them together to unite against an enemy no single villain could withstand!

That’s the gist of this issue, pretty much. Under the ocean, Namor fights the effects of the surface world, trying to keep his kingdom in line. In Ukraine, the Kingdom of Vampires tries to recruit only the strongest of vampires seeking refuge. In Russia, the Winter Guard is doing fine, as are the Squadron Supreme of America. But together they’ve all suffered defeat at the hands of the Avengers. Now someone is reaching out to each team, convincing them all to join forces and beat their common foe.

It’s the devil. The Marvel devil, but a devil nonetheless. Mephisto, still in captivity, is pulling the strings to bring down one of his many enemies. I can’t say I didn’t see it coming, it’s kind of obvious in this issue from the start. But I still really enjoy this issue. It’s definitely slower if you compare it to some of the previous issues we’ve seen, but I like the build-up that Jason Aaron is doing. There’s even a moment in the end, that had me out loud say “oh shit” while reading. 

I’ve got nothing to complain about with the art. There’s no action in this issue, except one or two pages towards the beginning. Those are good, as far as action, but what drives this issue are the characters themselves, and their locations. Under the ocean, Chernobyl, the Winter Guard’s Moscow mansion, Avengers Mountain and a celebration in Washington. They’re all pretty different locations, and none feel similar to each other, for as much as they each appear. The characters themselves also look good. I’ve never really had complaints about the designs in this Avengers run. Besides the space costumes in the last arc.

Overall, this is a good issue. It’s not full of action or deep character moments, but it is setting up what’s to come in the series. Jason Aaron is doing well incorporating almost every antagonist the team’s fought in this series so far. Or, at least as many as I can remember. Teasing what’s coming next is also a big moment that, once it hits will make waves. The art is good, with nothing to complain about in that department. Again, it’s a solid issue of the series. If nothing else, take my word that Namor fights laser dolphins on one page, and it’s worth reading for that alone.