Friday, October 15, 2010

The New Avengers #5

Well, I'm feeling a bit conflicted with this issue of New Avengers.

One the one hand, I'm really enjoying the focus on Dr. Strange (one of my all-time favorite characters). But on the down side, not a whole lot happens this issue.

The previous issue set up a conflict between Dr. Strange and Iron Fist, who had (somehow) survived a visit to another dimension and an encounter with the Doc's teacher, the Ancient One.

Only... it seems that we weren't getting the whole story there, which makes the whole setup something of a cheat. We get a few teasers about the true origins of the Eye of Agamotto, a key icon for the Earth's Sorcerer Supreme, we get set up for a major battle, and then the issue ends.

So, it's not a bad issue, it just seems a bit... off. Lots of great dialogue, some clever bits of business, but it still comes off as a pause between Acts.

The art is still terrific, as Stuart Immonen and Wade Von Grawbadger continue to do outstanding work - but they just get a few chances to shine, since it's one of those talk-heavy issues.

Next issue wraps up the story and promises a big event, so I trust we'll be back in the "A" column then. But for now, it's sadly just a "B."

Grade: B

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