Avengers vs X-Men, issue #8 review

Imperious Rex!

The Sub Marnier has never been credited for his ability to govern his passions. Like anyone who has just had their tuckus kicked, Namor feels the need to vent. So what does he do to blow off some steam? He invades a country, of course. However, declaring war on the scientifically advanced nation of Wakanda may not have been his finest moment.  This act brings the Prince of Atlantis into conflict with the Black Panther, and a full company of Avengers who have T’Challa’s back. But, will it be enough to stop the Phoenix charged Avenging son?

Meanwhile, Iron Man joins Wolverine and Hope Summers who are taking refuge in the fabled lost city of K’un Lun. You can bet Stark has a plan up his armored sleeve and it centers on the young mutant Hope Summers. Laying low in another dimension should buy them the time they need to organize.

Now If you like a good deal of action in your comics (and who doesn’t?) round 8 will not disappoint. The battle sequences are tightly rendered by artist extraordinaire Adam Kubert, while the writing credits go back to veteran writer Brian Michael Bendis. What makes this issue work is Bendis ability to take an issue that is essentially just one skirmish in an ongoing war, and make it feel much more substantial.

The story ends with some interesting turn of events as we learn what happens when a member of the Phoenix 5 is actually defeated, and the relationship between Cyclops and Professor Xavier becomes very heated to say the least.

Round 8 puts some fun back in the story and produces a hint of anticipation for what’s coming next.

Final Grade: B+