Review: ALL-NEW ALL-DIFFERENT AVENGERS ANNUAL #1

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ALL-NEW ALL-DIFFERENT AVENGERS ANNUAL #1
Written by G. Willow Wilson, Mark Waid, Natasha Allegri, Zac Gorman, Faith Erin Hicks, & Scott Kurtz
Art by Mahmud Asrar, Tamra Bonvillain, Chip Zdarsky, Natasha Allegri, Jay Fosgitt, Faith Erin Hicks, Megan Wilson, Steve Hamaker, & Travis Lanham
Published by Marvel Comics
Release Date: August 10, 2016

Read Marvel fanfiction at your own discretion…

Kamala gets home from her latest superhero adventure to discover a story that doesn’t quite jive with her. Against her best interest, she decides to dive deep into the world of in-universe Marvel fanfiction. Through stories of passing mantles, anthropomorphic heroes, and face-punching mean stepfathers, she eventually finds a way to address her initial issue with some surprise “anonymous” characters.”

This was seriously one of the funniest comics I’ve ever read. It’s also not lost on me that it’s within a big title for Marvel. Taking the chance to branch out and explore the mind of a young superhero and her online forays created a wonderful experience that breaks the serious tone we see in many cape comics. Kamala is someone who’s as bound by responsibility as she is an embodiment of youth and joy and it’s awesome to see this side of her surface within the ANAD Avengers title.

On both writing and art we have an ensemble of all-stars that all make this comic more enjoyable. G. Willow Wilson frames the story with a true understanding of Kamala and other characters in their real worlds and how their interactions online may seem anonymous though they truly may not be. Mark Waid’s tongue-in-cheek story of heroic sexism matches that of many male comic fans’ ideals when it comes to women. Natasha Allegri provides a cute, highly referential, and fun take on the daily adventures of She-Hulk. Zac Gorman’s animal adventures utilize all the puns necessary to portray heroes in wild and punny hijinks. Faith Erin Hicks employs an enjoyable twist in a battle between Kamala and Doreen. Scott Kurtz rounds out the fanfiction with a story that encapsulates male fan wish fulfillment when it comes to superheroes.

Each of the writers on this issue bring out unconventional tools in storytelling that I honestly wish were more prevalent. These types of stories tell sarcastic and satirical tales without punching down, referencing real social politics between comics fans, creators, and critics. Having more issues like ANAD Annual #1 would be incredibly refreshing.

The varied artists within this story bring to life different aspects of each. Mahmud Asrar’s skills capture the realism of Kamala and her compatriots in this issue, helping to frame the story against the fantastical elements of each of the fanfiction segments. Tamra Bonvillain adds to Asrar’s talents by casting a realistic sheen of color on each of the characters, a departure from the typical atmospheric schemes and a great touch to add distinction between each of the stories. Chip Zdarsky’s art is both realistic and stylistic enough to make the second story feel as though it is connected to the main universe while also emphasizing its obviously disparate nature. Natasha Allegri’s comical style infuses manga elements among simple characters, forms, and environments to heighten the humor in the She-Hulk segment.

Jay Fosgitt’s knack for animal forms is comedic and light, with soft background colors which give more prominence to Hss. Marvel and the Spectacular Spider-Mole. Faith Erin Hicks and Megan Wilson’s segment with Kamala and Doreen is like a combination of the Squirrel Girl aesthetic and the two characters’ own imaginations, taking the over-the-top adventure aspect and melding it with these two highly imaginative women. Scott Kurtz and Steve Hamaker create a central character in Kenneth Raymond that gives him a comical focus among Kamala and other characters, utilizing bright colors and curvy lines to accentuate interaction and form.

All-New All-Different Avengers Annual #1 was a true delight. I’ve had my own issues with the Marvel line, so to see this surface means that maybe there’s a chance that the line could continue to grow in diverse stories that give us a break from event-laden storylines. By the end, I was cracking up, reveling in my experience reading this comic. If you love Kamala and fanfiction, even ironically, I highly suggest you read this issue. It does not disappoint and was absolutely entertaining.

The Verdict: 10/10

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