AvX has been a frustratingly inconsistent series to read. The stand out issues have been written by Jonathan Hickman and Jason Aaron. In Round Nine, Aaron shakes up the storytelling structure by starting at the climax of the book and filling in the gaps that lead to it. What could have easily been a decompressed plot device, turns this issue into high stakes tense experience with golden character moments. If you haven’t guessed, this is a Spider-Man issue, and he is our point of reference in which the events feel just as rushed as in the previous issues, but Aaron carefully relates the reader’s feelings through Spider-Man’s conversations with Hope and Captain America. The plot points addressed in this issue are fairly predictable, but because most of them are seen through Spider-Man’s eyes, it feels fresh.
Adam Kubert joined the series last issue with some lackluster art. This issue is a step up in terms of storytelling and quality. The 2/3 splash with Thor has perfect dynamic as we feel the power of Colossus’ punch to Thor’s falling body and Mjolnir flying away.
Kudos to Laura Martin and Larry Molinar’s ambient coloring and Chris Eliopoulos’ lettering. Top notch!
Lastly, I’m not sure how many people will catch this, but there are 22 pages of Kubert art, a recap page, a creatively updated roster page and the only two ads are for other AvX titles in August and the digital code/AR page. 3.99 might be the norm for this title, but at least this week, I felt like I got my money’s worth.