Superior Avengers incorporates proven concepts (heroes as supervillains) and adds all kinds of layers. This is clear in Superior Avengers #3, which we went out this week, as it’s revealed that these characters dislike Doctor Doom’s courage. Even his children, who are team leaders, do not love their dear old dad. They are still villains and willing to kill them, but at least Doctor Doom sees them as enemies. It looks to fight the Avengers in today’s issue.
Superior Avengers #3 begins with Killmonger dressing after rolling hay with Dr. Doom’s son Christophe Bernard. Kirstoff focuses on maintaining team unity, but Killmonger has other plans, as backed up by the flashbacks painted by Kyle Hotz.
The flashbacks are quite a bit, with a few pages dedicated near the start and I’ll come back later. Looking at Anno Doom +116, this “future” ruled by Doom is horrifying. Hotz brings you detailed layers that can get under your skin, further humanizing Killmonger. She sees her friend die and she’s not a “good guy”, but she’s a person.
A miscellaneous crew.
Credit: Marvel
The main story is portrayed by Luca Maresca, who can portray the Avengers compared to the Superior Avengers. Frankly, I was surprised at how surprised the two teams were trying to stop Graviton. The good Avengers are above what makes them seem to be killed. That’s a shock, especially since the book is only in issue 3 when the onslaught is shattered by the scar-colored witch. The cliffhanger is also shocking despite his disrupted eyesight, but his non-lethal attacks have punched a hole in someone.
The choreography for the Battle of Maresca is good, but the battle scenes also seem a bit disjointed and unnecessary. The point of suppressing Graviton is lost fairly quickly, and the attack is driven more than anything by arguing between teams. I feel it isn’t that important, except for a few clues from author Steve Fox, who suggest that this team is approaching the plan.
Superior Avengers #3 continues to overturn expectations with moral moods, character tension and shocking violence, but its biggest brawl is off course, disrupting momentum ahead of the plot.
“Superior Avengers” #3 further humanizes Killmonger
Superior Avengers #3
Superior Avengers #3 continues to overturn expectations with moral moods, character tension and shocking violence, but its biggest brawl is off course, disrupting momentum ahead of the plot.
It simmers and attacks the smart twist on the “villain as a hero”, layered motivations and attacks on DoomDoom.
Killmonger’s flashbacks add rich character development and emotional depth, especially with the creepy textured art of Kyle Hotz.
The battle between the Avengers vs. Superior Avengers falls apart and loses the focus of the story.
Graviton Subplot becomes confused and undermines tension amid the internal conflict of the team.
