You want to talk about colorists? Fine. Let’s talk about colorists!

Dean White, Frank Martin, and Richard Isanove absolutely killed it with this issue. The is one of the strangest comics for Marvel right now, I think anyways, because of the coloring. Everything with this series so far has a bright, neon vibe to it. The reds, purples, oranges, and yellows really stand out in each panel. Next to ‘Indestructible Hulk’ this is the brightest green I’ve seen used for Hulk. You can tell when each colorist was used at a different point whether it be from an explosion or major event in the comic. But they are all very similar for the most part so luckily the use of three different colorists doesn’t hurt the issue.

I am of different minds from Jerome Opena’s pencils. For the most part I love it and it is very different from the usual crop at Marvel. But I must admit that I can’t pinpoint what I love or hate about it. His pencils remind me a bit of the animation from Aeon Flux (especially with the character Abyss). Everything has a fluidity to it and you can sense the motion in each character’s action. But some of the character models are a bit ‘off’. Not in a bad way but it doesn’t gel with me quite yet. I liked he is using a Jack Kirby design for Hulk but when he gets into action it is a bit rough. That and some human designs are a bit weird to look at as well. Again, I think it’s a good style but I’m still not 100% on board with it.

The story is definitely Jonathan Hickman. A space alien trying to reform the world and spouts philosophy? Yup it’s a Hickman book. There is a nice balance of these philosophical pages and mindless action inside. Not all of this makes sense and I must admit I am unfamiliar with some of these characters. One thing for sure though: I want Hickman to write more of Thor because he has got him nailed down.

I’ve always noticed coloring in comic books but sometimes I do tend to forget to praise the colorists. For this series you can’t help but notice the coloring because it is so off the wall. But I love every page of it and I wouldn’t want this book to look different in any other way. Sure, the pencils by Opena are a bit weird and Hickman’s writing isn’t for everyone. But for once I am really enjoying an Avengers book so I don’t wanna complain too much. It is going to be weird when we change artists soon for this series and how it will affect my enjoyment of this title. Hopefully it won’t drastically change too much.