Art: Olivier Coipel
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Oh how the mighty have risen; and you know what that means, right? (You know; that whole saying about how the mighty have fallen. It’s going to happen, don’t you think?) Avengers vs. X-Men #6 continues the upward trajectory from the last issue. Cyclops and his team now have the power of the Phoenix, which makes the stakes higher than ever. With absolutely power, can they possibly avoid being absolutely corrupted? If they’re using that power for the good of all, does it even matter if they possess the power of the Phoenix? All good questions, not all of which are answered here, but they certainly help amp up the tension of an epic that has grown beyond just Avengers fighting X-Men; but not too much beyond that.
The nice thing about this issue is it’s willing to take the time to build some tension. Granted, we all know that just because the “Phoenix Five” are using their powers in benevolent ways to make the entire world into a utopia, things aren’t going to end well. Nevertheless, the issue at least takes the time to ask why we are so sure of that. In fact, one key character decides that he isn’t so sure, nor is he happy that the Avengers won’t even consider the possibility. Granted it’s only prudent to be prepared, but why always assume the worst (other than the fact that’s usually what happens)? It’s just nice to see some struggling not only with the concept of these five having such ultimate power, but also with whether or not it might be a good thing after all.
Now, I haven’t been reading all the tie-ins for this event, so I’m sure I’m missing plenty of details; most importantly being what role Hope is playing in all of this. Again, people talk about her being the key, and yet I fail to see what’s so key about her. On the plus side, at least she actually looks like a kid in this issue for a change.
The last couple issues have helped this event feel more like an actual event as opposed to just a fan-boy crossover. Here’s hoping the upward swing in quality continues.
Score: 5 of 7
A BIG thanks to Astro-Zombies for providing the material for this review. Learn more about them at astrozombies.com.
