Review: Avengers vs. X-Men #5

Well, this is it! Issue five of the story that was supposed to rock the world of comics to the ground — has hit the stands.

And I am still waiting for this book to “WOW” me in any fashion at all!

The Phoenix Force has arrived on the moon to greet the combined mass of the X-Men and the Avengers. There are slight fisticuffs, a giant robot and a pretty significant twist for an ending, but yet again — nothing REALLY happens!

There are panel after panel of heroes gawking at one another, gawking at Hope, gawking at computer screens and gawking at the heavens as the Phoenix Force approaches! If you think I am over exaggerating, you will be sorely mistaken! This story is extremely bland, it’s as if Marvel is too afraid to actually make any significant changes in the status quo of their beloved franchises to make this series the thing it was supposed to be. This was the tale that was going to be Marvel’s epic crossover between its biggest franchises, something that would usher in a new era of greatness to Marvel. Instead we get pathetic skirmishes that take place in a completely different series and a lot of name calling and finger waving! Even the shock and awe that should be felt by the coming of the Phoenix, is lost due to the poor execution of the overall tale!

This issue is supposedly the game changer for what comes next. And the ending we see in this issue, was definitely not one I saw coming! So, maybe – just maybe – this series will take an upswing next issue. At least I hope so, I was really looking forward to this series and so far it has been a total disappointment! I guess we will all find out in two weeks when there will be — “No More Avengers!”