The ‘End Times’ storyline from Brian Michael Bendis not only marks the last story before departure of the long-time Avengers writer, but also the end of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes as we know them! At least, in this numbering anyway since they’re launching a new number one for Marvel NOW.

In the last issue, we found out that an unknown, lost Avenger had made her way into inner space and fought through some fierce creatures to just to get a signal out to the team to save her. This issue picks up with Iron Man assembling the team and formulating a rescue mission to inner space. They all meet in Central Park in the exact spot where a certain teammate had fallen in battle, and Giant Man becomes extremely invested in the mission. So, he joins Captain America, Thor, and Iron to form the rescue team while the others stay behind as backup.

Before I go any further, I have to say that there is a SPOILER here. I don’t usually have those in my reviews, but I can’t not mention that Janet Van Dyne AKA The Wasp is the one who is stuck in the microverse and in need of saving. I KNEW IT! I called it in my review of the last issue, and I’m pretty happy about it. I was pretty upset when she perished, but I should have known that no one truly dies in comic books. Everyone comes back eventually except Uncle Ben and Gwen Stacy.

The panels where Janet is reunited with the boys is great. I especially love when she’s so stoked on conceiving a plan that actually worked. Wasp doesn’t really get put in survival situations like the one that she was in in inner space, but I’m glad that Bendis showed that she has it in her.

I’m a little confused by her appearance though. I would’ve guessed that her hair would have grown a lot during her time gone. Also, I don’t remember her having reddish-brown hair. But slight aesthetic issues aside, I’m glad she’s back.

Lastly, I think this whole Wonder Man thing is really funny. Him asking for forgiveness is such a minor thing at the moment, but maybe it’ll have a bigger payoff later. He’s like that friend who pissed you off but then wants to come back and play the next day. When you’re still mad at them, they’re just like, “Oh, okay. I’ll just sit here in the corner and watch today I guess.” I know he tried to kill the team and everything, but I do feel bad for Simon and I hope he either A) Gets forgiven in some small way soon or B) Turns on them in a major way. Both scenarios would work for me, as long as it’s done right.

Final Score:

 

THE AVENGERS #31

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Art by BRANDON PETERSON, MIKE MAYHEW, and JASON KEITH

Cover by BRANDON PETERSON