Written by Jason Aaron & Ed McGuinness
Art by Mark Morales; David Curiel; & VC’s Cory Petit
Cover Art by Ed McGuinness, Mark Morales, & Justin Ponsor
SUMMARY:
Published by Marvel Comics for July 2018, this 32-page series opener is entitled “The Final Host.” In a prologue one million years before, the prehistoric Avengers (Odin; a Ghost Rider; a Black Panther; a female Iron Fist; a Phoenix resembling Jean Grey; and a Hulk-like Starbrand; and sorcerer Agamotto) face certain death against the Dark Celestials.
In the present-day, over drinks, Steve Rogers (Captain America) suggests to Tony Stark (Iron Man); and Thor that it’s time that they restart the Avengers … yet again. Hearing word of an imminent potential threat approaching Earth, the three heroes take Tony’s jet to intercept it.
In deep space, Col. Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel) discovers that dead Celestials are falling from the cosmos to Earth. Deep beneath Wakanda, Black Panther and Dr. Strange investigate another ominous element of the Celestial mystery. They are attacked by ominous mystical creatures. In New York, She-Hulk witnesses one of the Celestials falling from the sky. In Los Angeles, the new Ghost Rider leaps in action. While Captain Marvel tries to contain the still-falling Celestials, Thor, Captain America, and Iron Man go into battle against their assailants: ‘The Final Host’ of Dark Celestials.
Note: Three variant covers (the images aren’t available here) are credited to Aaron Kuder & Jason Keith; Greg Land, Jay Leisten, & Frank D’Amato; and Esaid Ribić.
REVIEW:
Though writers Jason Aaron & Ed McGuinness have chosen an intriguing eight-person Avengers line-up, their new cosmic (Earth-in-peril) storyline doesn’t seem compelling. At this point, it’s merely Marvel Comics’ umpteenth Avengers re-launch inside of twenty years. Still, this inaugural issue’s top-caliber artwork merits the price of admission. For loyal fans of the Avengers’ classic trio (Captain America; Iron Man; and Thor), this latest Avengers # 1 brings back some good memories.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a full-page cover reveal for the second issue.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
