Avengers #21: V-Day

A nice epilogue following the War of the Realms. This issue provides a bit of closure where the Omega issue fails and also a bit of levity following the less funny War of the Realms. I really liked what we got with T’challa and Coulson particularly as that has been brewing for a bit.

This issue did feel like it went out of it’s way to lay out most of the ongoing stories in one way or another, I’m surprised we didn’t get any Red Guard (although they did show up as chess pieces haha) or BC Avengers. It felt like following the big event Aaron felt it necessary to remind us what else is happening in the book, which isn’t the worst thing.

The bulk of the book takes place in the hot tub section of the Celestial’s body, although it isn’t laid out where that may be i figure it’s down low since there are rocks and such, I’m gonna call it his butt because it makes me laugh. This scene is where Aaron really shines this issue, the Avengers seem relieved and at ease leading to some great moments, but a lot of it is tinged with the worry of a group of people not accustomed to downtime. Really solid stuff.

I will say this is maybe the fourth cooldown issue since this series started. It’s like Jason Aaron thinks he needs to soft reset every 5 issues or so, it’s something I’ve mentioned before and just a bit aggravating.

The art by Jason Masters and Jason Keith (man Joe Caramagna must have felt left out) looks great and manages to keep the issue fun despite there not being a ton of action, I loved the design of a Ghost Rider speedboat and the Squadron Supreme and Mephisto look awesome!