The Avengers #21: Avengers vs. X-Men

Should trophies be awarded for the year’s funniest comic book bait-and-switch, Avengers #21 will certainly be taking home the gold, as this comic is anything but what it seems. The mischievous, playful side of Jed MacKay’s writing has been evident since his work on Black Cat, and that special quality debuts here after several issues of straight-forwardness. Yes, it’s the most amusing and lighthearted Avengers comic in a long time, but in an earnest way that stays true to the characters. And no reader would have ever guessed this from the solicit, cover or opening pages, which is half the joy.

All signs pointed towards another contrived, shallow conflict with the X-Men, and with Marvel’s penchant for hero vs. hero events, readers had no reason to doubt that history would repeat. Imagine their surprise when the threats exchanged between Earth’s mightiest heroes and the children of atom turn out to be friendly trash talk, and their epic “battle” nothing more than a game of baseball. What follows is a 24-page celebration of comradery, full of warmth and humanity that feels right on time for the holiday season.

At last, the X-Men’s Alaskan base feels like a home thanks to the vibrant work of Valerio Schiti and Federico Blee. Their artistic efforts shine during the aforementioned no-holds-barred baseball game as all superpowers come into play. It’s a chaotic and surprisingly destructive outing which proves just as entertaining as any battle could be. Most satisfying is the care and attention Mackay gives long-neglected relationships, acknowledging how the avengers’ history has always been closely entwined with the x-men’s.

Beast and Iron Man, Temper and Storm, Scarlet Witch and Magneto; the comic’s sizable cast is juggled with finesse through these pairings, and their poignant conversations give the book its heart. Carol Danvers, herself a long time friend of the mutants, solidifies her bond with Cyclops, and the two vow to be there for each other through thick and thin. Suffice to say, if the thesis statement of Avengers #21 is that these two teams make better friends than rivals, its argument is rock-solid.