Avengers #685 Review

Avengers #685

Writers:
 Mark Waid, Al Ewing & Jim Zub
Artist:
 Paco Medina (penciller), Juan Vlasco (inker)
Colorist: Jesus Abertov
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Cover: Mark Brooks

Publisher: Marvel Comics

A review by Nico Sprezzatura.

We’ve got a little more than a month left in the weekly “No Surrender” saga, but out Avengers aren’t any closer to getting themselves out of Grandmaster & Co.’s mess. But if you’re in the market for some Hulk-on-Hulk action, then Avengers #685 is probably the comic for you.

THE BIG BIG BAD?
As “No Surrender” continues into its final act, I think recent events have cemented Voyager as out closest thing to a main baddie. Though morally dubious, I wouldn’t really class either the Grandmaster or Challenger as “villains” in the traditional sense, while Voyager has become the former’s Starscream. There’s a certain quality to her that seems… off. Grandmaster might wanna be worried about the child he raised.

VOYAGER WATCH
Still up to no good, but not as much as last week. She’s a bit overshadowed by the (Immortal Hulk) in this installment. Speaking of which,,,

THE LIMELIGHT AVENGER
More Voyager POV this week! But unlike last issue’s vital narration from “Valerie Vector,” #685 is light on any particular character’s voice, focusing more on the (Immortal) Hulk’s return and subsequent clash with the Avengers. I think she might be the only character thus far to have multiple issues told from their perspective? Interesting…

WORDS AND PICTURES
Avengers #685 features Paco Medina on pencils, and they’re just as good as ever. His previous work with co-writer on Al Ewing’s recent titles New Avengers and U.S.Avengers was top-notch, and this issue is pretty indicative of what he can do. He draws an especially good Hulk —two of them in this issue, actually!— and the bigger moments in the script really land.

While on the topic of the script, “No Surrender” is clearly heading to a conclusion soon, and I really think Waid, Zub, and Ewing’s story has kicked into gear the further it’s gone on. Lots of these crossovers and events run out of steam quickly into their run, but that hasn’t been the case here — thankfully.

THE VERDICT
As it grows closer to the conclusion of its weekly “No Surrender” saga, Avengers #685 deepens the plot — and pits Hulk-against-Hulk!