Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this edition, we’re checking out one of the most anticipated books from Marvel Comics in 2022! When “Avengers” is in the title, let alone a new series, you know there is going to be a certain buzz behind it. SAVAGE AVENGERS #1 by David Pepose, Carlos Magno, Espen Grundetjern & Vc Travis Lanham delivers on the hype and sets forth an exciting tale involving one of the most unique lineups of characters in the Marvel Comics Universe! Let’s not waste any more time and get savage with this deep dive, shall we?
Savage Avengers (2022) #1 - on sale May 18, 2022
Creative: David Pepose, Carlos Magno, Espen Grundetjern & Vc Travis Lanham (cover: Leinil Francis Yu)
Photo Credit: Marvel Comics
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The issue starts out with a mysterious stranger hiding in the background of New York City. Invisible to all, the figure moves forward looking for their target. Readers don’t wait too long to find out who this character is and who they’re after. While tearing thru a snake worshiping cult, Conan The Barbarian is confronted by none other than DEATHLOK, who’s looking to punish the Cimmerian for assaults on the time-stream. This meeting goes exactly as you would envision it ( and I wouldn’t have settled for anything less!).
The Cult that Conan was tracking down has also drawn the attention of Anti-Venom (Flash Thompson) Daredevil (Elektra). They were investigating a deadly thief in an Alchemax Lab. Weapon H have a run-in that is anything but cordial with Black Knight (Dane Whitman). In arguably the most “calm” moment in the book is the interaction with Cloak & Dagger. All these characters have their own issues going on during this time but are all drawn together during an event that shakes up them to their core! What happens next truly lives up to the name “SAVAGE”! Once all the players join the fray backing up Conan against Deathlok, the throwdown is one for the ages. The resolution though….no one could predict what happens next. The final page will have readers fired up to see where the saga goes from here!
CREATIVE BREAKDOWN
IN PEPOSE WE TRUST! Obviously if you know his previous works (and you should!), “Savage Avengers” couldn’t be in better hands. This lineup of characters is going to be very fun to read their adventures each month. BTW, What a way to open the series! From the minute Conan came barging in on the cult, the tempo for the book was set. The weapon of choice that the cult acquired is one most fans wouldn’t think of on the spot, but once I saw what it was, I marked out! Whenever I see that weapon, I immediately see that Kirby Cap cover pop up. The story involving the other characters prior to “the event” was a perfect change of pace moment. This worked extremely well with Cloak and Dagger, who seem to be the wildcards of this group. In comparison to the other members, they don’t appear to be that “savage” but I have no doubt Pepose has big things planned for the fan favorite duo. Don’t let those character moments fool you. When it came time for the action, Pepose crafted some amazing action moments that delivered for the fans. Excellent final set-up of the story to close out.
Magno really brought those action panels to life and then some with this book! Conan vs. Deathlok had that “big fight feel” that readers would expect. There were no shortages on how vicious this fight was. Mix in when the rest of the team crashes the party and you’ve got a non-stop adrenaline ride in the MCU. Those fight scenes will have fans talking for all the right reasons. Battles are brutal and define what this book should be about. Great full page shot of the team during the “I Bring You Madness” moment. The Artwork is very strong throughout this issue and I can’t wait to see what visuals are coming for the next issue’s adventures. .
FINAL CALL
Overall, Savage Avengers #1 gives readers a relentless, action packed debut that is an absolute can’t -miss addition to your pull list. Superb writing and phenomenal art ushers in this new team to the LCS. Don’t think this is “just another Avengers” book. The creative team waste no time in presenting a group of Avengers you can’t help but follow along on their stories. Make a point to get on-board now and don’t miss a minute for what is going on with this book!
Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Savage Avengers #1. Thanks for reading!