Marvel reveals two more exciting Avengers Versus X-Men match-ups today:
AVX image courtesy Marvel.com
Storm Versus Thor – Can the mutant weather manipulator face the God of Thunder? Storm is an X-Man and recently joined the Avengers. During the Asgardian Wars Loki enhanced Ororo’s power. As much as I love Storm, I said in a earlier post that I was afraid an X-Woman may be sacrificed in this cross-over. Ororo’s connections to both teams creates great drama and I don’t think she can survive the full force of Thor.
AvX image courtesy Marvel.com
Spider-Man Versus Iceman – The resident funny man of each super-team in a brawl? Peter Parker has bested a variety of foes but Bobby Drake is an omega-level mutant who recently reached a new level of power control in Wolverine and The X-Men #2. Spidey gets iced.
AvX Iron Man Vs. Magneto preview art courtesy Marvel.com
New art for the upcoming Iron Man/Magneto battle from AvX Vs #1. Marvel previously announced Jason Aaron and Adam Kubert will be the creative force behind this clash of the Iron Avenger and Master of Magnetism. This art was a Comic Book Resources Exclusive.
Who will win? The edge would seem to go to Magneto but never underestimate Tony Stark’s brilliance and creativity!
Psylocke Versus Black Widow! Marvel kicked off Monday with a fanboy teaser image by Leinil Francis Yu sure to light a fiery debate!
Today on Marvel.com this image is hailed as Avengers Versus X-Men: Round One. The X-Men’s psychic ninja set to battle the most dangerous secret agent in the Marvel universe.
Betsy Braddock is a skilled ninja fighter with telepathic powers. Psylocke demonstrated she can be deadly if necessary as seen in the Uncanny X-Force:The Dark Angel Saga finale.
Natasha Romanoff was trained by the KGB, recruited by Nick Fury for SHIELD and has held her own alongside Earth’s Mightiest Heroes on The Avengers.
Psychic knife versus Widow’s bite? Who are you cheering for? Who will win?
Marvel revealed the battle plan and this new image to make sure comic fans and stores are ready for the biggest super hero war in history. Avengers VS X-Men Launch Parties are set for Tuesday, April 3 at 8pm (local time), one day before the first issue goes on-sale. In addition to being the first in line to purchase AVENGERS VS X-MEN #1, fans will also be able to receive special items exclusive to these parties, specific to the team—Avengers or X-Men—supported by the store.
Each participating retailer into this event will receive a free Avengers VS X-Men Party Kit from Marvel, featuring exclusive promotional materials. To receive a party kit, the retailer must choose a team—Avengers or X-Men—and will receive special bonuses for their allegiance.
“We’ve never had a bigger story than Avengers VS X-Men and we’re backing retailers with the biggest incentives you’ve ever seen through the Avengers VS X-Men Launch Parties,” said David Gabriel, Marvel Senior Vice-President of Sales. “Whether it’s advertising, promotional material or limited edition variant covers, every one of our valued retailer partners will be able to get the word out to both their regular customers and new fans about this comic event and the exciting Avengers VS X-Men Launch Parties. Some stores will choose to side with the Avengers and some will side with the X-Men, but I can guarantee one thing—Marvel will make sure all of them have everything they need to make AVENGERS VS X-MEN #1 their top selling comic of the year.”
To learn more and the AVX items in the kit click this Marvel link.
The evolving looks of Beast on Secret Avengers #13 courtesy Marvel.com
“Oh My Stars and Garters!” which side will Beast take in Avengers Versus X-Men? Marvel’s hairy hero shares a history with both teams. Hank McCoy is a brilliant scientist but he often goes with his heart over his head when it comes to a fateful decision.
Hank is one of Professor X’s original X-Men. After leaving Xavier’s Hank worked for the Brand Corporation where an experiment turned him into the blue hairy beast he is now. The Avengers recruited Hank where he made lifelong friendships with Captain America, Iron Man and other iconic Avengers. Hank always came to help the X-Men in their time of need like the Dark Phoenix Saga but always returned to the Avengers.
Because of government intervention of the Avengers, Beast leaves, briefly joins the Defenders along with original X-Men Angel and Iceman. When Jean Grey is found alive, all 5 original X-Men reunite to form X-Factor for a long run of adventures.
Beast leaves Utopia from Uncanny X-Men courtesy Marvel.com
All 5 rejoin the X-Men for many years. Beast used his brains and brawn to help protect the mutant race while facing several ethical dilemmas. Shortly after establishing Utopia, Hank became disillusioned with Cyclops leadership and vision for the X-Men.
Captain America recruited Hank for the Secret Avengers but when Wolverine decides to split the X-Men, Hank answers his call for help. Hank rebuilds the old Westchester school now named after Jean Grey.
Wolverine and Storm are members of both X-Men and Avengers. Beast is back with the Logan’s X-Men but could he go against Captain America and his old friends in the Avengers?
As the Phoenix targets Earth looking for a host, I expect Hank push himself to find a scientific solution even if it means exploring unethical options. Hank has been tested so many times: trying to find a cure for the Legacy Virus knowing that a mutant would have to die in order to save millions or reaching out criminal geniuses like Doctor Doom and Mr. Sinister in order to save the mutant race from extinction after M-Day.
New X-Men #117 courtesy Marvel.com
I think Beast will try to be the peacemaker. Hank is a natural bridge between the teams. A shocking decision related to the impending return of the Phoenix is what triggers the war. Cyclops is willing to make more drastic decisions and sacrifices than Captain America. Hank’s disillusionment with Scott has only grown so I would expect him to side with the Avengers. I expect Marvel’s most brilliant yet thoughtful scientist hero to be tested to his limit in AVX.
