A criminal organization has obtained a weapon more powerful than they could ever imagine, but can the Avengers stop them before they enslave the Earth?
Avengers: Shards of Infinity #1
Writer: Ralph Macchio
Artist: Andrea Di Vito
Colorist: Laura Villari
Lettering: VC’s Travis Lanham
Publisher: Marvel Comics
What You Need to Know:
A new threat has emerged. An evil organization calling itself LUNAR has been secretly building a powerful weapon on the surface of the Earth’s moon. Black widow infiltrates the group to uncover an even more startling revelation…their weapon is powered by shards of the cosmic cube!
What You’ll Find Out:
Somewhere in the United States, the LUNAR organization lands at a secret base. As the members unload a mysterious box and make their way into the building, one of the suited members strikes the one closest to them then reveals herself as the Black Widow to everyone nearby. She makes quick work of those who stand in her way, then takes the mysterious box before Madame Krakov can discover them…
In the Avengers’ tower, Black Widow presents her findings to members of the Avengers including Captain America, Black Panther, and Falcon. She informs them of the altered vibranium used to power LUNAR’s new device, much to the surprise of Black Panther, then reveals the worst part. Their device uses cosmic cube fragments! Although they were able to recover one piece, Black Widow confirms that Madame Krakov and LUNAR still have another fragment. The team quickly decides that they must travel to the LUNAR base and find the remaining cosmic cube fragments.
Meanwhile, on the Earth’s moon at the LUNAR base One, Klove discusses their plan to use the cosmic cube fragments to power the cannon to active their vibranium-containing satellites when a member rushes in to inform them of the stolen fragment. They both quickly realize that the Avengers are onto them and Madame Krakov responds just as predicted. Without hesitation she uses the cosmic cube cannon to strike a Helicarrier over the Atlantic Ocean, sending it crashing down in flames.
Not long after the strike on the Helicarrier, Black Widow, Falcon, Black Panther, and Captain America arrive at the LUNAR moon base and sneak inside. After making quick work of a few automated machine guns and a patrol group, they assemble and storm into the main facility and discover the canon along with Madam Krakov and Klove.
As each side strategizes, Black Widow uses her zip line to swing across everyone and land right in front of Madam Krakov. The two immediately go after each other, trading violent blows until Black Widow strikes Madam Krakov back into a computer panel. Before anyone can regroup, she slams her fist on a button and turns the cosmic canon online. As she laughs, Black Widow slams her knee into Madame Krakov’s face and causes her to shatter the screen behind her.
As the other Avengers take on the guards, Captain America is only momentarily held up taking care of Klove, but before long they manage to group up and turn their focus to the cosmic canon. Falcon flies over it and drops Black Panther down into the barrel where he is able to use his vibranium gauntlets to jam the infinity shard and overload the canon.
As the base begins to implode due to the canon’s malfunction, the Avengers make their escape, but so does Madame Krakov and Klove. Flying off in their quinjet, the Avengers attempt to celebrate stopping so much destruction, but Captain America can only dream of a world where all people could live together in peace…
What Just Happened?
Returning Avengers’ writer Ralph Macchio and artist Andre Di Vito bring together a unique team to face the dangers of the cosmic cube once again. This time, however, they are mere fragments powering a canon that is capable of bringing down a complete Helicarrier in one blast. Despite the high profile characters like Captain America, Black Widow, Falcon, and the newest sensation Black Panther, the Avengers: Shards of Infinity #1 issue just doesn’t live up to the expectations.
The dialogue in the issue can become cringe-worthy at times, making me wonder as a reader if the campiness was intentional. There are classic one-liners like “class dismissed” that offer a chuckle, but for some reason, the characters feel the need to explain everything that is happening around them out loud. This makes for an awkward reading experience overall.
While the artistic direction isn’t the best that Marvel has to offer for the Avengers right now, there are a few highlights including the destruction of the Helicarrier and the first time the Avengers assemble inside the LUNAR moon base.
The story is somewhat predictable, however, the combination of using vibranium and cosmic cube fragments makes for an interesting plan from the villains Klove and Madame Krakov. Luckily, the issue doesn’t wrap up with just another duel of punches, but instead an introspective moment from Captain America that is right on character. He recalls John Lennon, imagining a world where all people could live together in peace. He tells the Avengers that this is a dream truly worthy to strive for and that he too, is a dreamer.
Overall, Avengers: Shards of Infinity #1 doesn’t offer anything revolutionary or even something you haven’t seen before really, but it is still a fun action-packed issue that leaves you with something to think about!
Rating: 6.5/10
Final Thoughts: Although lacking in substance, Avengers: Shards of Infinity #1 is a fun and action-packed issue that utilizes some of the most recognizable Avengers in a story that highlights the always present dangers of weaponry around the world.
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