Double Vision
Written by: Mark Waid
Art by: Humberto Ramos
Publisher: Marvel
Review by: Andrew McAvoy
I had a little ponder this evening as to when I last enjoyed a Marvel or DC crossover. Couldn't recall offhand which says a lot in itself. One thing's for sure, it definitely wasn't the Champions/Avenger crossover which soaked up the last few issues of Champions. Now that we are free from the grown-ups' shackles again lets see how this issue was.
Aaaaaaaand were back! Phew. We survived all those grown up Avengers contaminating our teen book. It's back to the smart ass comments, banter between members and all round fun again. This issue was an interesting one that was split between two story elements both of which were compelling.
The first story element was that surrounding the predicament of Viv Vision and her new "sister". The original Viv has been "humanized" by the High Evolution during the Avengers Crossover and this issue draws out her experiences in this new form. Meanwhile a reminder of how things used to be, her father's recreation of her - a back up of Viv Vision in her synthesized form - is now her new roomie/sister at the Vision household. Awkward to have to bunk up with your "replacement" model, this element of the book explores some neat ideas around humanity, the things that Viv has lost and gained in her new form, plus how Viv, her father, and her alternative version now have to be aware of the sensitivities of their new family dynamic.
Meanwhile the second element of the story centers upon the recruitment drive being undertaken by the rest of the Champions in light of their recent shortcomings. We see consideration of Moon Girl (and Devil Dinosaur), Ironheart (aka Riri Williams), plus Patriot, plus Spider-Gwen, plus "mini-Falcon", all in the mix. This will be pretty awesome to see, and it is good to know that the Champions are doubling down on the type of characters that I enjoy from Marvel. It should add a boost to the title and give it some good angles going forward.
Bits and Pieces
All in all this was a return to what I enjoy about this series, and special mention should go to Ramos' art - both on the internal artwork but also on a pretty epic cover this issue. In my recent reviews I noted my sense that he wasn't fully invested in the Avengers Crossover and seemed to not enjoy working on the Avengers (maybe just my perception) but that feeling is now dispelled and his work on this issue is fabulous (one panel where the team just burst out laughing at Miles Morales was a pure delight). Storywise it is great to see two meaty plot threads that look like they will sustain the title for a few issues, and have the potential for interesting follow up stories. Back on top form.
Score 8.5 out of 10
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