“The Avengers” Issue 22 Begins a Heist in Space – Review

The Avengers issue 22 began the first chapter of a heist story that featured our superheroes trying to steal important data locked away in a casino out in space.

From writer Jed MacKay and artist Farid Karami, The Avengers issue 22 is titled ‘The Casino Job’ Part 1 and that’s exactly what it delivered. With the team rebuilding their relationship with the X-Men in the previous issue, the latest chapter opened in The Impossible City headquarters with Captain Marvel talking to her team about the Tribulation Events and how it was time for them to act instead of continuing to react.

It’s revealed that Wanda, due to the power of her name and status, was able to gain information about the ‘Missing Moment’. I liked how MacKay handled the Scarlet Witch during the moment. Yes, she’s currently serving as a member of The Avengers, but the Scarlet Witch is also a force to be reckoned with on her own. The name Scarlet Witch raised attention across the Marvel Comic Universe and rightfully so. If Wanda sent out a message about needing a possible “favor”, numerous beings were going to respond.

According to Wanda, the data archive the team needed was up for auction. But because they didn’t have the planetary scale to win such a bid, they had to go ahead and simply steal the data from a casino owned by The Grandmaster. Storm was so excited! I loved it!

Kudos to MacKay giving fans a story that basically puts the Avengers in an Ocean’s Eleven and similar caper-esque setting. Every character had a role to play and they all came through. Of course, as expected from such stories, things didn’t go as expected for our heroes, but I’ll get to it in a moment.

Wanda entered the casino with Vision and immediately attracted attention. The aliens playing in the casino were understandably anxious about the arrival of a powerful reality-manipulating being like her. Then came Storm, bumping into Wanda which led to the two women starting a fake fight to cause a major distraction for Carol and the rest to continue with the plan.

The fake battle allowed Ororo and Wanda to showcase their sense of humor. I could just tell how much fun they were having calling each other names, especially with Ororo calling Wanda a “Pretender”. Points to Karami and color artist Federico Blee for how they visualized the confrontation. Wanda’s chaos magic seemingly trying to contain Storm’s lightning makes me want to see the two perform a similar combo against a powerful enemy.

No, seriously. I want MacKay to tap into Ororo’s magical heritage and Omega-level Mutant Goddess powers to complement Wanda’s OP magical skills. We had “mutant circuits” during the Krakoan Age, and now I want to see the Avengers coming up with their own combos. Go all Marvel Ultimate Alliance with this!

With Tony managing to open the safe, he, Carol, and Sam realize that someone had already stolen the data before them. I mean, that wasn’t a surprise considering the Black Cat featured on the main cover. But having the team enact their plan was still very enjoyable to read about.

Upon receiving news about the empty vault, Vision quickly scanned the entire casino and clocked the presence of Kang the Conqueror, Walter Hardy, and… as shown on the cover, Felicia Hardy aka Black Cat. One would assume Vision should have scanned the casino the moment he stepped in, but writers have to tell a story somehow.

Anyway, not only do the Avengers have to deal with the new players who are after the same thing they want, but they are also being watched by the Grandmaster and Myrddin of the Twilight Court. I haven’t been excited about reading a chapter of The Avengers in such a long time. I’m so looking forward to seeing the team interact with Black Cat. 

Also, yes, I do think Carol, Tony, and Sam’s disguises were supposed to be a The Wizard of Oz Easter Egg.

What did you think of The Avengers issue 22?

Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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