This week’s Friday Flashback is inspired by superstar artist Jim Cheung. As I packed for my first Wizard World Comic Con I was trying to decide which comics by the acclaimed artist I would bring to get autographed.
This one is definitely making the road trip to Portland, Oregon: Avengers: The Children’s Crusade was the final act of Cheung and writer Allan Heinberg’s gorgeous and powerful run with the Young Avengers.
Here’s what I said then after turning the final page and Allan Heinberg’s final thoughts a week after the climax has sunk in:
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade reached an emotional, game changing climax last week. The maxi series by Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung launched in July 2010 starring the Young Avengers in search of the Scarlet Witch (she’s the mother of Wiccan and Speed.) The teens faced the wrath of the Avengers, X-Men and Doctor Doom. When it was over, heroes died, quit and the Scarlet Witch’s role in the Marvel Universe was established on the eve of Avengers Vs X-Men. I wanted to share some of Comics Newsarama’s interview with Heinberg now that the epic series is over.
“After over two years of working on the book, I felt immediate relief for a day or two after the book went off to the printer — and I’ve been sad ever since. I miss the characters. I miss my regular, sanity-restoring chats with Jim Cheung and our amazing editor, Tom Brevoort. I miss the pleasure of seeing new pencils from Jim every month. Honestly, if I could, I’d continue working with Jim Cheung the rest of my life. He’s a great friend and creative partner.”
The story was the redeeming of the Scarlet Witch for her actions (Avengers Disassembled, M-Day.) Some characters sympathized, some condemned Wanda for her actions. Comics Newsarama how he felt about her.
“We wanted the reaction to the Scarlet Witch’s story to reflect as many different viewpoints as possible — to foster continued conflict and debate among the Avengers and the X-Men — and among readers, as well.”
“My personal sympathies were obviously with Wanda, but she’s certainly not blameless — even if Doom was ultimately responsible for her transgressions. Wanda was, after all, driven by grief to ask for Doom’s help in the first place, leaving her and the Avengers vulnerable to his manipulations.”
For Allan’s entire interview (including spoilers) here’s the Comics Newsarama link.
This Geek’s Opinion: Avengers The Children’s Crusade is one of Marvel’s most beautifully drawn and written epics. Jim Cheung created dynamic action sequences packed with a huge cast and very intimate scenes where we could sense the hope, fear, regret and love of each player in this epic executed by Allan Heinberg.
Cheung has moved on to more Marvel epics like Avengers vs. X-Men covers and pivotal chapters of Infinity. He will team up with Mark Waid for Original Sin #0 later this year.
Jim Cheung is among the stellar roster of comic book artists and celebrities at Wizard World Portland. Here’s a preview.
By Editor