Avengers & X-Men: Axis #1

By Rick Remender, Adam Kubert and Laura Martin

It seems like the Marvel Universe is one big event after another these days. Original Sin wrapped up and here we are moving onto Avengers & X-Men: Axis. This event, like every other one, claims it will shake up the status quo and have lasting consequences. One thing is for sure though, Rick Remender has been building to this event since his first issue of Uncanny Avengers.

There is a lot to like about this first issue of Avengers & X-Men: Axis, but there are also a few problems as well. Firstly, Remender kicks things off with action right away, he wastes no time. This is great because some events take a while to get things going, but this issue came firing out of the gate. The X-Men were well written this issue and Remender gives us a very good scene between Scott and Alex that makes this issue worth buying. If Remender ever decides he wants to write an X-Men book, he will have his share of supporters after this. One big negative for the issue is the lack of continuity. Captain America is working with Iron Man, who he currently has a grudge against in Hickman’s Avengers book. This is a bit of a nitpick, but it does matter. On the flip side, pun intended, the X-Men acknowledge their split and deal with it appropriately.

The art by Adam Kubert felt a little inconsistent this issue. At times, certain characters had distorted faces, which ruined some good scenes. As the issue goes on, the art does get better and Kubert has a couple of well drawn double page fight scenes. Magneto taking on Red Onslaught looks very good on a giant spread. Laura Martin is one of the best colorists in the business and she does a great job this issue with help from Matt Milla. While Kubert does have some panels that lack detail, the devious look of the Red Onslaught in close panels should make up for any major gripes.

This was a pretty good issue to kick off the event. Alliances were formed, enemies became allies and someone died, so overall it was pretty successful. Rick Remender is one of the best wide scope storytellers in the business and he put a pretty good first foot forward. The art was a little dicey at first, but Adam Kubert righted the ship at the end of the issue. This has all the making to be an epic event and Remender has a great track record.