Avengers & X-Men: Axis #2

By Rick Remender, Adam Kubert and Laura Martin

The second part of Averngers & X-Men: Axis has more action packed into it than the first issue did. The story starts to unfold and we get a glimpse of how things start to shake out. There are some good moments, but there are also a few that fans may not like. One thing is certain; this has been a good event so far.

We all know that Iron Man is going to come out of this event looking like a villain. This should not shock anyone because the solicitations have made it a point of saying Tony is a changed man. This issue we see Rick Remender and his planted seeds start to bloom. As the killing machines begin to capture the remaining heroes, Tony gets an ear full from the Red Onslought. This is a page that could prove to be important later in the event. Once again, Remender writes the X-Men amazingly. The monologue Havok gives as he and Cyclops fight side by side is the highlight of the issue. Both Scott and Alex come off very well this issue, and Remender continues to show of his grasp on many characters. One of the lame things about this issue, and it’s no fault of Remender’s, is the addition of Medusa to the story. It seems that Marvel is pushing all things Inhumans of late, and she feels a bit out of place here. That aside, this was another well written and enjoyable issue. Remender does have to be careful here to not be too similar to DC’S recent Forever Evil event, which has a similar premise of the villains becoming heroes, but Remender is clever enough to avoid something like that.

Adam Kubert is on the art again, and it’s good for the most part, but there are definitely some spots where it seems he’s phoned it in. A couple of panels it seems characters have misshapen heads, almost pointed like a large bullet. The last page of the issue is cool, and it would have been even better if it didn’t seem rushed. Kubert is capable of great art and it seems the tight schedule is really affecting the quality so far. It wasn’t all bad though, there Iron Man looks great in almost every panel, and the touching scene between Nightcrawler and Cyclops is well done. Ultimately the art is mixed, but not a big enough deal to ruin your enjoyment of the issue.

As the second chapter ends, some more pieces are falling into place. Remender is an outstanding story teller that has huge plans. As a fan, It’s exciting to see each new issue come out and the new developments that come with it. The art could be better, but Adam Kubert is a good enough artist and we should trust that he’ll get into his groove soon. Avengers & X-Men: Axis has been a fun ride so far, lets hope it continues!