AvX: Ongoing Comments/Thoughts

[SirReef]

So, issue #1 ... yeah, Cyclops is seeming to get the Tony Stark Civil War treatment.

I mean, overall the issue was interesting - there is a good feel to it and some good, tense scenes.  But Cyclops came across as an uber-douche (even more than usual) and fired the opening salvo without any real dialogue. 

From an Iron Man perspective, they made Tony out to be a puerile, arrogant child in one scene that really came across as completely unnecessary.  Other than that, there wasn't much.

It's a decent opening salvo, but characterization is definitely taking a back seat.  I hope they don't make that mistake through the entire series.  I also hope they don't pull a Civil War and make one side so absolutely unlikable that you simply can't see their side of the argument.

[Tetragrammaton]

I didn't realize there was a separate "versus" 6 issue mini-series featuring most of the battles.

Now I still have to wait for issue 1 of that mini-series to see the Magneto vs Iron Man fight.

[Typhon]

So, issue #1 ... yeah, Cyclops is seeming to get the Tony Stark Civil War treatment.

I mean, overall the issue was interesting - there is a good feel to it and some good, tense scenes.  But Cyclops came across as an uber-douche (even more than usual) and fired the opening salvo without any real dialogue. 

From an Iron Man perspective, they made Tony out to be a puerile, arrogant child in one scene that really came across as completely unnecessary.  Other than that, there wasn't much.

It's a decent opening salvo, but characterization is definitely taking a back seat.  I hope they don't make that mistake through the entire series.  I also hope they don't pull a Civil War and make one side so absolutely unlikable that you simply can't see their side of the argument.

About Cyclops, he's been like that for a while now.  It was the reason many of the X-Men left his team after Schism.  Scott has been scaring a lot of his own team (even Magneto) with his Magneto-like attitude and his willingness to do whatever he feels must be done in order to accomplish the mission.  Hell, this guy made a covert team of assassins to kill (not just stop) anyone who may be a threat to mutants.     

As for the Tony scene, I didn't mind it.  It was a little more RDJ Stark than comic Stark, but at least he wasn't crying, running away, or apologizing.  I'll take it.  His power display was pretty cool too.  Makes you wonder why\how those drones at the end of Resilient gave him so much trouble.

I enjoyed the issue.  It was a fun start to what will hopefully be a fun series.     

[Borjigin]

Makes you wonder why\how those drones at the end of Resilient gave him so much trouble.

     

I don't recall that issue well enough to say, but I'm sure it was because Fraction wanted to create a metaphor for alcoholism and make a statement about the rot that forms the core of Stark's soul. That's what every Fraction story is about ultimately.

[Ironghost]

So, it's Civil War all over again, with about as much of a chance for a "this changes EVERYTHING!" ending.

*yawn*

[Ironstark]

Has not even attracted my attention. Nothing about the idea made me interested. Magneto v Shellhead? I guess cause he is made of iron huh? Or are we about to get a " non ferrous" Iron Man? If you guys rate it I might pick up the TPB. Sorry, bear with sore head!

[Borjigin]

It's not cuz he's made of Iron Man, it's because he's a reformed villain. Same reason he will fight the White Queen next issue.

Captain America and Cyclops have nothing in common powerwise, but they are both the traditional heroe-types and the leader of their teams. So they fight. It says a lot about how Marvel sees Stark that they have him fighting the two reformed villains.

[Ironstark]

It says a lot about how Marvel sees Stark that they have him fighting the two reformed villains.

It does.

[Typhon]

It's not cuz he's made of Iron Man, it's because he's a reformed villain. Same reason he will fight the White Queen next issue.

Captain America and Cyclops have nothing in common powerwise, but they are both the traditional heroe-types and the leader of their teams. So they fight. It says a lot about how Marvel sees Stark that they have him fighting the two reformed villains.

See, the way I saw it was in terms of power.  Magneto is the powerhouse of Scott's X-team, so Cap sent Tony to take care of him.  I didn't even see the villain angle at all.  Think of it from Cap's perspective, who would you send against Magneto?  ME, I'd send the guy with the most power and experience.

As for dealing with Emma, her and Tony do have a past and both are second-in-command of their respective teams.  That's the way I see it.     

[Borjigin]

I don't buy it. Iron Man is never treated as the most powerful member. Hell, he's rarely even treated as being above average. And none of the other match-ups are about power. It's all about theme, theme, theme.

[Typhon]

I don't buy it. Iron Man is never treated as the most powerful member. Hell, he's rarely even treated as being above average. And none of the other match-ups are about power. It's all about theme, theme, theme.

That still doesn't answer my question though.  Who do you send after Magneto then?  Ms. Marvel?  The Protector?  Spider-Woman? Vision?  Iron Fist?  If Thor is in space to take on the Phoenix, then isn't Tony the next logical choice since it's been established that Magneto's powers won't work on his armor?

Maybe it is about theme?  I can't say for sure either way since I haven't paid too much attention to the other match ups, but I honestly don't see who else to send against Magneto.  As for power, it all depends on the writer.  Jason Aaron hasn't written Tony before (that I know of), so we could be in for a surprise.     

[Brian]

I don't buy it. Iron Man is never treated as the most powerful member. Hell, he's rarely even treated as being above average. And none of the other match-ups are about power. It's all about theme, theme, theme.

Back in the 1980s and 1990s, Iron Man was identified as the 2nd most powerful Avenger (behind Thor). Today? Who knows?

[Tetragrammaton]

The only times I recall Iron Man being called the second most powerful Avenger (that is, after Thor) was when he was saying so himself.

I always questioned if the Hulk, the Vision, Hercules, or Wonder Man didn't deserve the number two spot.

[Cool Exec]

It's a little outdated now since the #2 issue came out, but here's my video about the series:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIumYFAkdxE

[Brian]

The only times I recall Iron Man being called the second most powerful Avenger (that is, after Thor) was when he was saying so himself.

I always questioned if the Hulk, the Vision, Hercules, or Wonder Man didn't deserve the number two spot.

The problem is that most people only consider strength when talking about "the most powerful Avenger" or anything else.

I would concur that Iron Man comes in behind several other Avengers for strength. However, the Iron Man suit is much more than a extended prosthesis. If you combine the strength level with weapons, flight, tactical interface, et cetera, almost no Avenger can equal him.

Further, you have to consider the man inside the suit. The current arc notwithstanding, Tony Stark is one of the wealthiest people in the world with tons of political, business, and intelligence connections. He could pull in favors from around the world and can easily influence nations.

Lastly, Tony's ability to create and build whatever he wants. He's second only to Reed Richards as far as inventive ability. He could have become the Sorcerer Supreme.

Really, only Thor could equal this in that he could call down an army of Asgardians and has access to the Royal vault.