Saturday, April 17, 2010

Marvel Adventures Super Heroes #1

For whatever reason, Marvel is relaunching its line of Marvel Adventures titles, which offer an interesting take on the Marvel Universe.

I wouldn't categorize these as comics for kids (like the Super Hero Squad), but instead it seems to be aimed at the tweens, who are too old to be interested in the comics for younger readers, but not yet ready for the more grim goings-on in comics for mature readers.

As such, I have to say - this is a good comic! The story gives us a different version of The Avengers (don't ask me why the cover features only Iron Man - he's in here, but he plays a small part). In addition to the Armored Avenger, the cast includes Captain America, Thor, the Vision, the Invisible Woman, Nova and the Black Widow.

The story by Paul Tobin is the perfect jumping-on spot, as we see the team trying to establish itself as fighting for justice, but not under the control of any government or agency. At the same time, there's a menace from Magneto and members of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants (or whatever they're calling themselves these days).

What ensues is a straightforward, mainstream and clever comic book battle - a breath of fresh air, really.

The art by Ronan Cliquet and Amilton Santos is quite good - clean, professional, with strong layouts, some powerful sequences and easy-to-follow storytelling.

This really is an "all ages" comic that manages to capture the feel of the Silver Age of comics with a focus on characters and story. Recommended!

Grade: B+

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