Review: Avengers vs. X-Men #2 of 12 (2012)

Avengers vs. X-Men #2 is the issue that should have started the event.  It’s action-packed and dives into the inherent beat ‘em up nature of the plot that should have presented itself in the opening comic. 

Issue #2 begins right were the first one left off as theS.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier descends upon the island of Utopia.  Already some of the dialogue hints at the X-Men’sdissatisfaction with Cyclop’s decision to antagonize theAvengers, but as Namor points out “The time for talk has ended.”  On that note, Magneto assists Colossus in an attack upon the Helicarrier and all hell breaks lose. 

From here forward many of the Avengers and the X-Men pair off (akin to the Marvel promotional posters).  The Red-Hulkclashes with the Colossus so that the Helicarrier doesn’t collapse into the sea, The Thing and Luke Cage square off against Namor, Captain America meets Cyclops on the shores of Utopia, and Iron Man and Quicksilver tag teamEmma Frost and Magneto.

The plotline is a bit light this time around, but in all honesty it is what I wanted.  The Avengers vs. X-Men is designed to be an all out brawl amongst Marvel’s mightiest, and this issue delivers on those promises.  There are some panels that are a little rough in the art still, especially in the facial expressions, but overall John Romita’s artwork is amazing.  Several panels, such as when the Red-Hulk grabs Colossus,Luke Cage cracks Namor in the jaw, and when Hope tangles with Wolverine, are stunning.  In an issue the centers around iconic characters in a battle royal Romita does an amazing job showcasing the characters powers in believable match-ups. 

I still think that Marvel is using an uncredited fill-in artist (perhaps several) for certain panels, but like I mentioned it was fewer and farer between then last issue.  In a panel towards the end of the issue, Wolverine’s facial expression is ridiculous at best.  The look appears to be trying to convey a feeling of enamoredness, but it instead looks like a 1950’s male cartoon character seeing an attractive female character.  It’s very unlike Romita’s style and testifies to the fact that a fill-in artist has been used to meet deadlines.

I enjoyed this issue better than the first and due to its improvement I am giving Avengers vs. X-Men #2 four-out-of-five stars.

(SOURCE: Review: Avengers vs. X-Men #2 of 12 (2012))

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