Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Marcus To
Colourist: Dono Sánchez Almara
Editors: Alanna Smith, Tom Belvoort, Will Moss
Release Date: OUT NOW!
Price: $3.99

The New Avengers #9 Standoff: Assault on Pleasant Hill side story introduces two new characters that may someday be important: Corporal Tod Ziller/American Kaiju, a cross between Godzilla and Marvel’s super patriot Nuke; and Avenger 5, the team’s first giant robot, “a gestalt exoskeleton.” May they both stand the test of time, because they’re fun.

In New Avengers #9 the main Pleasant Hill story line tracks elsewhere, but the fallout from Rick Jones/Whisperer leaking S.H.I.E.L.D.’s secret means the U.S. government is coming, and Ziller’s introduction towering over the A.I.M./Avenger base chanting: “Yuuuuu Esssss Aayyy!” is amazing balls. And, surprisingly, given Marvel’s internal logic he’s just a super-soldier on lizard steroids and Pym particles, so he makes sense in context.

Marcus To continues to be a delight in New Avengers #9 and he treats both American Kaiju and Avenger 5 lovingly. His story telling style propels us forward, and the faces and figures are graceful.

Despite revolving around two crazy new characters there are no sharks jumped in New Avengers #9. Instead there is a solid story backed by attractive art keeping up the entertainment level until its too-soon ending. Did I mention there’s a kaiju monster and a robot? Can’t wait to see what Marvel does with them!

Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker