Guest Review: Avengers Arena #1 - Worse Things

Avengers Arena #1 Review

I'll do this first killing Original Review by Tomlikesfries at Comic Vine

No doubt at all, Dennis Hopeless got the main idea of the series from Battle Royale. Hell, there's even a slight mention to it in one of the pages. The idea does seem nice, but it's one special way to get characters killed off. Speaking of the characters, I actually enjoyed the choices here, specifically X-23. Don't get me wrong, as I said before, the idea of the title seems nice, but what's the real purpose of the series? I mean, how can 16 teenagers killing each other every issue make of this an ongoing series? Either it'll be one the first Marvel NOW! titles to get canceled, or there's something big behind the main plot.

Review

Anyway, the pacing here is a bit slow, which is suitable and acceptable for an opening issue. We get a nice introduction to the villain and what he plots to do with the characters. He claims that he's bored and wants to see teenagers killing each other. What the heck? What's the purpose of this, but killing off characters? I mean, the following issues can certainly give you a fun read, but the overall story-line is weird.

Leaving purposes aside, this issue is not that bad. There's well done piece of dialogue between Arcade and the teens. He says that will kill the weakest link to start the "game". The whole thing is a bit dramatic and cheesy, but can provide good action.

X-23 Burnt

The artwork is pretty good. I mean, it's not brilliant or what I'd call "eye candy", but it's good. I like how Walker draws X-23's burnt skull.

Health Bars

Overall, this wasn't a great issue, even though it wasn't terrible either. There's a bit of action, and nice dialogue. Its purpose just seems a bit weird. I mean, why make a "Marvel Hungers Game", but to kill off characters? I was also wondering how sixteen teenagers, all killing each other will make of this an ongoing series. I mean, it can't last forever, so there must be something behind the main plot. Will the survivors turn against Arcade? Is this all a big and weird dream? Or will they just defeat him and continue the Avengers Academy? Still, it can give you an alright read, especially since characters like X-23 are in it. I wonder what Hopeless plans to do with this series. But is it really hopeless (pun intended)? I'm honestly not sure, at least for now.

Rating 6/10

Pick it up?: Maybe. It was a bit disappointing, but I wouldn't call it horrible. In fact, I'm gonna go ahead and say yes, give it a shot. You might surprise yourself.

What I Thought

Cover - 4/5
Art - 5/5
Colors/Ink/Lettering - 5/5
Layout/Flow - 5/5
Story - 5/5
Verdict - 4.9

I was concerned going into this series after all the negative reviews, but you know what they were wrong. I don't care if the concept seems overused with movies like Lord of the Flies, and Hunger Games. Like they say if it's not broke don't fix it. The premise works and I don't see why it can't work here. While yes it will be sad to see some characters die (and we do in the first issue), as we all know unless it's the Ultimate Universe nobody stays dead. The art in this issue was great, the pacing was awesome and the story laid a good foundation for the series.

Purchase Avengers Arena #1 on Amazon

Thomas is a comic book reviewer at Comic Vine. The use of this review has been authorized by the original author.