Wolverine and the X-Men #11 may be my favorite chapter (even if it’s a tie-in) in Avengers vs. X-Men so far. The issue is packed with action and humor with AvX battles on six fronts. Jason Aaron must love a challenge because not only does he balance all these story threads but he brings on the Shiar is a big way.
Logan is haunted by the Dark Phoenix Saga and questions if he really can be the best at what he does – if it means killing a child. Aaron writes Wolverine like no one else. Logan doesn’t know if he should save Hope or kill her to save humanity. The debate is interrupted by the Shiar Death Commandos. The alien assassination squad is on Earth to eliminate the potential joining of the Phoenix Force to its human host. The battle is brutal, inventive and reveals the true threat Hope poses.
One of my favorite elements of Aaron’s run is how he handles Bobby Drake. The original Iceman still provides comic relief but he’s maximizing his power like never before. Bobby is an Omega level mutant and now he’s flaunting it. The Red Hulk tries to make crushed ice out of Bobby but Iceman’s new power level and cool factor smashes the Rulk.
Kid Gladiator is a breakout new star of the series. Aaron is pitch perfect with how he writes the arrogant, brash heir to the Shiar Empire who defies his father and frustrates his classmates. Lord Kubark may have taken on more than he handle but we’ll have to wait until next issue plus his daddy dearest arrives for one helluva parent-teacher conference!
By Editor
