Mighty Avengers (2014) Appreciation

[XPac]

I loved Mighty Avengers and I thought these last 2 issues were fantastic... at the same time I think both issues exemplified one of the biggest issues that I felt made things an up hill climb for the series and made me empathetic to Ewing: no real effort from editorial or outside writers to really give the MA team much of a presence or importance in anything affecting the greater MU. Basically a lack of support/inclusion.

Often it seemed like Ewing was putting in the sole effort, energy and thoughtfulness in trying to keep these characters connected and relevant to everything that was going on in the big events. Often having to explain why Blue Marvel wasn't there to do this or impact that. Or coming up with creative storylines like the battle with Shuma Gorath in Infinity or the encounter with the inverted Avengers during Axis, or now what we've seen with the internal feuds with Steve Rogers, and later BP and Reed Richards. If not for those efforts, you'd barely know the MA team was around for these events or had a lvl of importance.

For example: someone with BM's intellect and abilities not having an appearance or impact whatsoever throughout the two year "Time Runs Out"/Secret Wars build up is rough. Or him appearing in that one splash page, seemingly working for Steve Rogers, to take down the Illuminati... that just seemed as unrealistic as him being held imprisoned in one of Sue Storm's constructs and later having no voice in the ensuing planning/plotting by BP, Reed, Stark, Sunspot, etc.

So I give Ewing a ton of credit for going back and providing context and explanation for something like that, especially in the way that he did... it showed (to me anyway) that he really cared about the integrity and dignity of the characters. Same thing with how he handled Monica in this last issue (not to mention the last panels for each of the characters). Nothing but respect for what he was able to accomplish with this series.

Interestingly enough I do think a lot of events went out of their way to put Luke Cage into stories along with the other Avengers, even though he wasn't on the main team. He showed up in Original Sin and Axis for example, and even showed up along with the main Avengers in Fantastic Four. Danny was frequently along for the ride as well, though not as often.

So the team got at least some representation in there for the big stuff, just not collectively as a whole.

[Rumble]

Interestingly enough I do think a lot of events went out of their way to put Luke Cage into stories along with the other Avengers, even though he wasn't on the main team. He showed up in Original Sin and Axis for example, and even showed up along with the main Avengers in Fantastic Four. Danny was frequently along for the ride as well, though not as often.

So the team got at least some representation in there for the big stuff, just not collectively as a whole.

Honestly, I'd say the Luke Cage of the past decade was pretty much guaranteed at least a cameo in any major Marvel event regardless of specific affiliation, and that it largely had to do with him being Bendis' long time pet project. So I kinda see him in the same way I do Spiderman, who technically represents the Mighty Avengers as well... i.e. if there's a chance to throw in street level heroes in the mix, those two are almost always going to pop up regardless.

I'm talking more so about the actual leader of the team (Monica) and the super brain powerhouse (Adam), and the type of influence/impact they could have in the big stuff, to further showcase not just them but the team they rep. Kinda like how the Fantastic Four weren't really represented collectively as a whole in "Time Runs Out" (i.e. Ben and Johnny) but Reed and by extension Sue were going to be at the big boys table sorting things out and having a presence.

So I feel some big opportunities were left unexplored to give Monica and Adam a presence in the grand scheme of things, as stakeholders who had a mighty team of their own (lol), but that Ewing did a fantastic job in finding gaps for better inclusion. I think that BP/Reed vs Adam discussion embodies that.

[Kusanagi]

God this issue was excellent, that last bit actually hit me. I would gladly sport a mighty avengers card, screw Tony Stark's lawyers they were the best Avengers.

I really loved the bit with Monica spoilers:

Once again showing just how crazy powerful she is, she could have destroyed Ultimate Earth by herself, but couldn't bear to kill so many people

end of spoilers

The clear indication is this or at least Luke/Jessica/Danny will be relaunched as the Defenders. Personally I'm hoping they just let Ewing run with it. With the Mighty Defenders starting in Secret Wars next month, why not just let it play out?

[JudicatorPrime]

Honestly, I'd say the Luke Cage of the past decade was pretty much guaranteed at least a cameo in any major Marvel event regardless of specific affiliation, and that it largely had to do with him being Bendis' long time pet project. So I kinda see him in the same way I do Spiderman, who technically represents the Mighty Avengers as well... i.e. if there's a chance to throw in street level heroes in the mix, those two are almost always going to pop up regardless.

I'm talking more so about the actual leader of the team (Monica) and the super brain powerhouse (Adam), and the type of influence/impact they could have in the big stuff, to further showcase not just them but the team they rep. Kinda like how the Fantastic Four weren't really represented collectively as a whole in "Time Runs Out" (i.e. Ben and Johnny) but Reed and by extension Sue were going to be at the big boys table sorting things out and having a presence.

So I feel some big opportunities were left unexplored to give Monica and Adam a presence in the grand scheme of things, as stakeholders who had a mighty team of their own (lol), but that Ewing did a fantastic job in finding gaps for better inclusion. I think that BP/Reed vs Adam discussion embodies that.

“All to often, on the long road up, young leaders become servants of what is rather than shapers of what might be.”
― John Gardner

It is sad. Blue Marvel struggled his entire life against exclusionary politics. For his place at the table. And STILL he's denied. Somewhere, Anti-Man is laughing his a** off! He warned Adam: They'll never accept you; you might as well let me destroy it all.

I don't know what Adam was working on in his last panel of Mighty #9, but I'm pretty sure that Anti-Man's words were echoing in his mind.

[Joe Acro]

I absolutely loved the finale. That's the way the Marvel universe should end, with the heroes fighting to the very end.

[XPac]

Honestly, I'd say the Luke Cage of the past decade was pretty much guaranteed at least a cameo in any major Marvel event regardless of specific affiliation, and that it largely had to do with him being Bendis' long time pet project. So I kinda see him in the same way I do Spiderman, who technically represents the Mighty Avengers as well... i.e. if there's a chance to throw in street level heroes in the mix, those two are almost always going to pop up regardless.

I'm talking more so about the actual leader of the team (Monica) and the super brain powerhouse (Adam), and the type of influence/impact they could have in the big stuff, to further showcase not just them but the team they rep. Kinda like how the Fantastic Four weren't really represented collectively as a whole in "Time Runs Out" (i.e. Ben and Johnny) but Reed and by extension Sue were going to be at the big boys table sorting things out and having a presence.

So I feel some big opportunities were left unexplored to give Monica and Adam a presence in the grand scheme of things, as stakeholders who had a mighty team of their own (lol), but that Ewing did a fantastic job in finding gaps for better inclusion. I think that BP/Reed vs Adam discussion embodies that.

Good point about Luke. I do think he's sort of been elevated to the point where he can stand along side the established big guns in the MU in the big stories. Not necessarily to the degree that a Captain America or an Iron Man will... but at least it's very likely he'll show up. A lot of heroes can't say that. Hell, Spider-Man struggles to do more than just make cameos in these things.

As far as Hickman not using Monica and Blue Marvel... while I agree that both could have played some interesting roles in the book, I can't entirely fault Hickman given how many characters he was already juggling without throwing another Avengers team in the mix. Might have been fun seeing Adam in Thor's multiversal team of Avengers for example... though I'm pretty happy with what we actually got.

[Rumble]

Good point about Luke. I do think he's sort of been elevated to the point where he can stand along side the established big guns in the MU in the big stories. Not necessarily to the degree that a Captain America or an Iron Man will... but at least it's very likely he'll show up. A lot of heroes can't say that. Hell, Spider-Man struggles to do more than just make cameos in these things.

As far as Hickman not using Monica and Blue Marvel... while I agree that both could have played some interesting roles in the book, I can't entirely fault Hickman given how many characters he was already juggling without throwing another Avengers team in the mix. Might have been fun seeing Adam in Thor's multiversal team of Avengers for example... though I'm pretty happy with what we actually got.

Oh I'm with you in regards to Hickman. I'd even say that unless a writer willingly dusts off such a character from the shelf due to an inherent interest tied to specific plans, like with Bendis and the Sentry, it's kinda tough to expect other writers to want to entertain an all-powerful/game changing 'mary sue'/superman, when such a presence would likely hamper the type of story they were already set on telling. Not to mention if the character doesn't have a prevalent history or mandated importance, a given writer may just prefer to create their own 'mary sue' but with convenient limitations, like Tamara as the new Captain Universe.

Just gotta hope Adam keeps on getting appearances and continues to build a repor or niche out there.

[Rumble]

“All to often, on the long road up, young leaders become servants of what is rather than shapers of what might be.”
― John Gardner

It is sad. Blue Marvel struggled his entire life against exclusionary politics. For his place at the table. And STILL he's denied. Somewhere, Anti-Man is laughing his a** off! He warned Adam: They'll never accept you; you might as well let me destroy it all.

I don't know what Adam was working on in his last panel of Mighty #9, but I'm pretty sure that Anti-Man's words were echoing in his mind.

Yea, I wasn't a fan of BP and Reed in that scene. I'm sure both were aware of Adam's history dealing with such politics... and not to mention that BP and Monica have had romantic tension in the past, so it was tough not seeing the four of them have a better final conversation.

[itspopularnowitsucks]

God this issue was excellent, that last bit actually hit me. I would gladly sport a mighty avengers card, screw Tony Stark's lawyers they were the best Avengers.

I really loved the bit with Monica spoilers:

Once again showing just how crazy powerful she is, she could have destroyed Ultimate Earth by herself, but couldn't bear to kill so many people

end of spoilers

The clear indication is this or at least Luke/Jessica/Danny will be relaunched as the Defenders. Personally I'm hoping they just let Ewing run with it. With the Mighty Defenders starting in Secret Wars next month, why not just let it play out?

I can't believe they referenced She-Hulk #1 for those lawyers....

[mace11]

The Ultimates Is Back With Al Ewing And Kenneth Rocafort #MarvelOctober


Today, we have a lot of Marvel news coming through about their All-New All-Different Marvel relaunch in October.
It’s a rule. The Ultimates series has to be written by a Brit to be successful.

And now it will again, with Al Ewing writing and Kenneth Rocafort snatched from DC Comics to draw the book.

But don’t be looking for Ultimate Universe characters… we have Black Panther, Blue Marvel, Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau, Ms America Chavez and Galactus.

Hmmm. A clever way to rebrand Mighty Avengers? Could be…
The tagline? “Ultimate problems need ultimate solutions.”
Read the rest of our coverage with the #MarvelOctober tag on Bleeding Cool….

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2015/06/...marveloctober/

[mace11]

Covers for recently announced post secret wars
http://community.comicbookresources....st-secret-wars

[itspopularnowitsucks]

I remember the interview said Ewing pitched a survivors of dead universe idea that they liked it so much they had to have him write it... but neither Ultimates or New Avengers looks like it... actually Squadron Supreme uses the exact premise... things changed, I guess.

[Customizer]

The Ultimates Is Back With Al Ewing And Kenneth Rocafort #MarvelOctober


Today, we have a lot of Marvel news coming through about their All-New All-Different Marvel relaunch in October.
It’s a rule. The Ultimates series has to be written by a Brit to be successful.

And now it will again, with Al Ewing writing and Kenneth Rocafort snatched from DC Comics to draw the book.

But don’t be looking for Ultimate Universe characters… we have Black Panther, Blue Marvel, Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau, Ms America Chavez and Galactus.

Hmmm. A clever way to rebrand Mighty Avengers? Could be…
The tagline? “Ultimate problems need ultimate solutions.”
Read the rest of our coverage with the #MarvelOctober tag on Bleeding Cool….

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2015/06/...marveloctober/

They'll be getting my money so well done Marvel.
I also like the idea of Blue Marvel befitting from the exposure that come from the Black Panther movie when fans begin to seek out Black Panther leading up to the film and following.

[mace11]

Ewing AIMs for Global Super Heroics in "New Avengers"

With Sunspot owning A.I.M. you potentially have a large supporting cast in "New Avengers." Will we meet some of the scientists that serve as the Avenger's support network?

Yes -- we've got at least two recurring "civilian" characters, Toni Ho and Max Brashear, who are working on Avengers Island as heads of their respective departments -- Engineering and Theoretical Physics, respectively. (Readers of my "Mighty Avengers" run will probably recognize at least one of those names, if not both.) These are the people who analyze the weird science and build the cool gadgets. When we first see them during #1, Toni's working hard on a new mysterious vehicle for the team called Avenger Five, which suggests there might be Avengers One through Four -- specialist vehicles for special missions. We'll get to see Avenger One in action early on.

http://community.comicbookresources....-Avengers-quot



Max Brashear (Earth-616)
Doctor Positron
http://marvel.wikia.com/wiki/Max_Bra...28Earth-616%29