UNCANNY AVENGERS #1
Written by Gerry Duggan
Art by Ryan Stegman, Richard Isanove, and Clayton Cowles
Published by Marvel Comics
Release Date: October 14, 2015

Gerry Duggan’s new series introduces a cast of mostly familiar faces: an older Steve Rogers, Rogue, Johnny Storm, Doctor Voodoo, Spider-Man, Deadpool, Quicksilver, and a new Inhuman character, Synapse. Steve assembles this Avengers Unity Squad to be the public face of human, mutant, and Inhuman partnership. We don’t get many action scenes yet as this issue is more about team dynamics. Rogue and Spidey don’t like Deadpool, and Steve and Rogue take significant time to discuss this.

Steve and Rogue’s conversation is a highlight of the issue. Rogue has taken the role of field team leader, and Steve respects her authority and decision-making. Duggan ties in characters’ history and recent events: Steve mentions Rogue’s villainous past, and Rogue brings up Johnny’s current relationship with Medusa. Rogue and Johnny’s awkwardness towards each other is entertaining to read.

Synapse intrigues as a new character. Her powers are shown and spoken of, but not fully explained. I like that the creative team shows her both in costume and in civilian clothes, and gives her more than cursory dialogue. It will be interesting to see how she fits in with a group of such seasoned superheroes.

Ryan Stegman, Richard Isanove, and Clayton Cowles continue their artistic synergy from the past year of Inhuman. Johnny’s yellow and black costume is reminiscent of Cannonball and Sunspot’s classic outfits, and the look fits the character perfectly. I like Isanove’s vibrant colors set against warm, earth tone backgrounds. Doctor Voodoo’s purple cape and Rogue’s green bodysuit pop with bright contrast. Cowles’ digital font when Rogue tests her body’s Terrigen levels looks great.

This series shows promise, especially if future issues replicate the sensitivity of Steve and Rogue’s conversation and the humor of Rogue and Johnny’s banter. While not a lot happens plotwise, Duggan maximizes the contrast of serious and flippant personalities to create a likable cast. Duggan and Stegman hit the right mix of thoughtful dialogue and eye-pleasing visuals to make Uncanny Avengers an entertaining read.

The Verdict: 8.0/10