Defend Midgard With War Of The Realms Strikeforce: The War Avengers #1
by Josh Davison
[*Mild Spoilers Ahead!]
Fire sharks from Muspelheim chase Deadpool into the domain of Namor, who isn’t happy about the intrusion. Captain Marvel and Lady Sif soon follow; they’re trying to put together a team to challenge Malekith’s invasion as often as they can. Deadpool accepts, but Namor doesn’t. Carol and Sif next recruit Weapon H, Venom, Winter Soldier, Black Widow, and Captain Britain. The battles are many, but the victories are few. However, they discover that Malekith is in London and trying to put down Black Knight, Spitfire, and Union Jack. This is a chance to take down Malekith and end the war. Captain Marvel can’t refuse the opportunity.
War of the Realms Strikeforce: The War Avengers #1 follows Captain Marvel’s attempts to contain Malekith’s forces on Earth. She knows that she won’t be able to win many battles; the goal is to slow Malekith as much as possible.
Much of the comic focuses on Deadpool’s part in the fight, which is a disappointment for yours truly. I don’t find Wade Wilson entertaining, and he’s still grating here.
That said, the comic also has great characters like Captain Marvel, the Winter Soldier, and the underused Captain Britain, and that does help a lot.
The comic covers a lot of time and conflicts, which can get a little confusing at times, as the time jumps aren’t especially well-telegraphed.
It ends with the London encounter from War of the Realms #3, so, if you read that, you unfortunately know how this comic ends already. That said, much of this comic is still new content, so it’s not all recap.
Kim Jacinto and Ario Anindito team up for the art in this comic, and both artists put in great work. Their styles gel well, and the book looks good from beginning to end. There is a sense of grit and dirt to the detailing, but it’s balanced by a sleekness in the forms. Java Tartaglia and Felipe Sobreiro contribute excellent color art to the comic, keeping the pages attractive to the eye while maintaining a heavy atmosphere.
War of the Realms Strikeforce: The War Avengers #1 has its problems and can feel disjointed at times, but the characters and nonstop action keep things interesting. Mix that with some great artwork, and you have a book worth recommending, even at the $4.99 price. Feel free to pick this one up.
War of the Realms Strikeforce: The War Avengers #1 comes to us from writer Dennis “Hopeless” Hallum, artists Kim Jacinto and Ario Anindito, color artists Java Tartaglia and Felipe Sobreiro, letterer VC’s Joe Sabino, cover artists Jacinto with Matt Hollingsworth, and variant cover artist Nick Bradshaw with Laura Martin.
