‘The Avengers in the Veracity Trap!’ (review)

Written by Chip Kidd 
Art by Michael Cho
Published by Abrams Books / Marvel Arts

I have to commend Abrams Books for putting out some of the best in comic books the last couple of years. From Fantastic Four: Full Circle to The Super Hero’s Journey, the books that they have been putting out have truly been top of the line. The quality had been great and the stories have all been something that is missing from modern comics: a complete story that reminds us of what comic books can do.

When I found out that they were producing another such book, I couldn’t wait to read it.

Luckily, it is terrific as well. And how could it not be with such an awesome creative team at the helm?

This book shows us the Avengers in a classic setting, meaning they look like they did in the 1960’s.

Michael Cho is the perfect artist for this because he can really bring out that retro look while keeping it modern at the same time. Cho is a rarity in comics, and he doesn’t do that much work. When he does have something being released, it is like a small event. Every book he draws is a unique experience unto itself and it is no different here. The art and the visuals of this piece are both extraordinary.

The writing is pretty excellent as well.

Writer (and world-renowned book designer) Chip Kidd has a real feel for this version of the Avengers. But like Cho, he knows how to keep things modern and relevant. He starts the book off on Asgard. Loki has come across an object that grants him immense power. He also has one of those crazy evil plans that he cannot wait to enact upon. He gathers a bunch of villains and monsters to form an army to make his scheme come to fruition. Is there anyone who can possibly stop him?

Of course there is! The Mighty Avengers get wind of his plan, and make their way to Asgard. When they get there, a huge battle breaks out. We get the Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man, Giant-Man and the Wasp going up against these crazy beasts from Loki’s army. It is a thrill watching this whole thing happen across the page.

Part of the joy with this is that the creative team really does give the individual characters their due.

Each character gets a splash page for themselves to introduce the reader to them. It is really cool the way that it is handled. Sure, I already knew each character well before this, but it was so cool and interesting to see characters and pictures of them interspersed in the story this way.

Plus, it also gives Michael Cho a real opportunity to cut loose here on the art, and he does so in spades. All in all, it made the reading experience of this book that much more memorable and enjoyable.

From there, the story turns. It seems to be a typical kind of comic book story from the top of things, but it suddenly become something more. There is a twist in the plot that shows that the creative team has more on their mind than simple superhero fare.

The team come across something known as the Truth. Once they do, it sends the entire plot into overdrive. It also deepens the plot in a compelling and intriguing way. It makes this book and story stand out in a way I wasn’t truly expecting but is wonderful and creative nonetheless. I love it when creators take a big swing and that certainly happens here to great effect.

The ending of this book is as perfect as the rest of it. But make no mistake: at the end of the book (just like the other big releases from Abrams Books), you know something bigger has occurred here. There may be a nice and bright quality to art and look of the book, but my there is a lot more happening than what is on the surface. It is a lot more intricate than what you originally see. It’s an incredible feat and I commend the creative team working in tandem to create this. Both the artwork and the writing are outstanding.

Again, this book shows us what the comic book medium is capable of.

It excels on every front.

RATING: A