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New Avengers: A.I.M. (Collected Editions)
New Avengers: A.I.M., Vol. 3: Civil War II
Civil War II is raging through the Marvel U -- but some wars are less civil than others! Roberto Da Costa's mission -- should he choose to accept it -- is to play the ultimate secret agents at their own game... with the free world as the stakes! This is sky-high spy-fi the way you crave it, true believer! This is... A.I.M. vs. S.H.I.E.L.D.!
Collecting: New Avengers 12-18
Collecting: New Avengers 12-18
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 2017
6 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 21, 2022
S.H.I.E.L.D. vs. A.I.M. vs. W.H.I.S.P.E.R. in Acronym Wars! John Garrett of Shield (Yeah, I'm not writing these as acronyms every time.) gets his mad on for Roberto DaCosta and is willing to do anything to take him down. At the same time, Whisper is spying on A.I.M., biding its time to attack. Will Sunspot be able to triumph over the forces arrayed against him? Tun in to the end of this book to find out. Leads into U.S.Avengers which is a ridiculous title for a book.
The Good: Only nominally a Civil War II tie-in. The public face of the team participates in stopping the Celestial attacking NYC. That's it. Yay!
The Bad: Maker (evil Reed Richards from the Ultimate universe) is a lightweight compared to how he was in the past. The dude destroyed most of Europe in an afternoon. Here, he's shown to not to be nearly the genius he thinks he is.
The Ugly: Marvel resets these books every 18 months which makes them almost impossible to follow. Especially when they change the names as well.
The Good: Only nominally a Civil War II tie-in. The public face of the team participates in stopping the Celestial attacking NYC. That's it. Yay!
The Bad: Maker (evil Reed Richards from the Ultimate universe) is a lightweight compared to how he was in the past. The dude destroyed most of Europe in an afternoon. Here, he's shown to not to be nearly the genius he thinks he is.
The Ugly: Marvel resets these books every 18 months which makes them almost impossible to follow. Especially when they change the names as well.
July 12, 2020
Now I've read all three volumes I can safely say, unless your a fan of one of the team members, an all-the-Avengers read can safely leave this entire season off of the list. It's Civil War II, so this easily becomes the best volume of three. 6.5 out of 12.
June 7, 2017
I really enjoyed this one. There was no 'high concept', no 'grim 'n' gritty', just good, old-fashioned superhero fun! I need more of this sort of thing, for the good of my soul. The artwork was a marked improvement over the first two volumes, as well, which was nice. I even got a mini New Mutants reunion! Al Ewing clearly grew up enjoying a lot of the same comicbooks I did (and he's the same age as my kid brother, so that makes sense).
The follow-up to this book, USAvengers, looks ridiculous... but I'm hoping it's going to be ridiculous in a good way...
The follow-up to this book, USAvengers, looks ridiculous... but I'm hoping it's going to be ridiculous in a good way...
February 26, 2017
While technically an event tie-in, the most recent volume of The New Avengers interfaces with Civil War II in only the most nominal of ways.
The plot is a complex roundelay between the New Avengers, a/k/a Roberto DaCosta’s “Avengers Idea Mechanics,” the mysterious W.H.I.S.P.ER. (and its leader, The Maker, a/k/a the evil Reed Richards from the Ultimate Universe) and S.H.I.E.L.D. (driven by psychotic cyborg John Garrett). Roberto’s intricate plans from across the series come to light, the extended cast comes to a variety of crossroads and Roberto sets up his team for its next chapter.
Writer Al Ewing uses this concluding arc to provide a satisfying wrap to the story he’s been building to since the first issues of this iteration of The New Avengers. He pitches it as a battle of wills and strategies between Roberto and Maker, with plenty of action surrounding them. Maker sets a new Revengers squad against the Avengers, and S.H.I.E.L.D. complicates matters considerably. Ewing brings readers back to key moments from across the series to peel back the layers of plans and counter-plans that brought the story to its present boil.
Despite the plot chaos that surrounds them, Ewing manages to do some strong character work in the arc. Roberto and Sam Guthrie/Cannonball cement their places as adult superheroes, coming a long way from their New Mutants days (their old friends make a memorable cameo). Characters like Songbird, Pod and White Tiger reach important crossroads in their journeys, while fan favorites Wiccan and Hulkling get the comic book equivalent of a happy ending. It’s a satisfying resolution for the series, giving readers a crowd-pleasing finale that ties things up effectively while setting up the next phase of Ewing’s story. Most fans will find it odd that Marvel has chosen to market this arc as a Civil War II tie-in. While the events of that series are reflected here, it’s mostly in the background, with the most significant impact being its explanation of the sudden exit of cast member Hawkeye.
The team of Paco Medina, Juan Vlasco and Jesus Aburtov handle the art chores for most of the arc. Their bright, energetic take, heavily influenced by cartoons and manga, is a good fit for Ewing’s madcap plot. The artists infuse a lot of energy and wild style into the proceedings, come up with some inventive layouts and visual motifs. They really nail the balance between big ticket action and dark ‘n’ murky espionage. The simpatico Carlo Barberi steps in for the final issue, keeping the same sense of visual energy going. The artists are onboard with what Ewing’s trying to do with this arc and contribute to the sense of fun and adventure the writer is pushing.
That’s ultimately the real hallmark of this volume of The New Avengers. The creators want to give readers something outrageously entertaining and mostly succeed. The prior two arcs are necessary to properly enjoy Civil War II, but for those who have stuck with the book, it’s a winning, entertaining conclusion.
The plot is a complex roundelay between the New Avengers, a/k/a Roberto DaCosta’s “Avengers Idea Mechanics,” the mysterious W.H.I.S.P.ER. (and its leader, The Maker, a/k/a the evil Reed Richards from the Ultimate Universe) and S.H.I.E.L.D. (driven by psychotic cyborg John Garrett). Roberto’s intricate plans from across the series come to light, the extended cast comes to a variety of crossroads and Roberto sets up his team for its next chapter.
Writer Al Ewing uses this concluding arc to provide a satisfying wrap to the story he’s been building to since the first issues of this iteration of The New Avengers. He pitches it as a battle of wills and strategies between Roberto and Maker, with plenty of action surrounding them. Maker sets a new Revengers squad against the Avengers, and S.H.I.E.L.D. complicates matters considerably. Ewing brings readers back to key moments from across the series to peel back the layers of plans and counter-plans that brought the story to its present boil.
Despite the plot chaos that surrounds them, Ewing manages to do some strong character work in the arc. Roberto and Sam Guthrie/Cannonball cement their places as adult superheroes, coming a long way from their New Mutants days (their old friends make a memorable cameo). Characters like Songbird, Pod and White Tiger reach important crossroads in their journeys, while fan favorites Wiccan and Hulkling get the comic book equivalent of a happy ending. It’s a satisfying resolution for the series, giving readers a crowd-pleasing finale that ties things up effectively while setting up the next phase of Ewing’s story. Most fans will find it odd that Marvel has chosen to market this arc as a Civil War II tie-in. While the events of that series are reflected here, it’s mostly in the background, with the most significant impact being its explanation of the sudden exit of cast member Hawkeye.
The team of Paco Medina, Juan Vlasco and Jesus Aburtov handle the art chores for most of the arc. Their bright, energetic take, heavily influenced by cartoons and manga, is a good fit for Ewing’s madcap plot. The artists infuse a lot of energy and wild style into the proceedings, come up with some inventive layouts and visual motifs. They really nail the balance between big ticket action and dark ‘n’ murky espionage. The simpatico Carlo Barberi steps in for the final issue, keeping the same sense of visual energy going. The artists are onboard with what Ewing’s trying to do with this arc and contribute to the sense of fun and adventure the writer is pushing.
That’s ultimately the real hallmark of this volume of The New Avengers. The creators want to give readers something outrageously entertaining and mostly succeed. The prior two arcs are necessary to properly enjoy Civil War II, but for those who have stuck with the book, it’s a winning, entertaining conclusion.
January 1, 2020
This was a good volume and I did like all the story progression. The Wiccan and Hulkling moments are obviously my favourite and those boys will always make me smile. I was totally reading this series for them and where it was left at the end was just beautiful.
January 11, 2018
so bad....Reed as a super villain? really? wtf.
October 18, 2019
this was really boring but at least there were lesbians
February 26, 2019
Ewing's newest Avengers comic continues to be entirely delightful and that's in large part because of his Spy vs. Spy zaniness, as the comic offers up twists, turns, and swerves as we learn about secret plot after secret plot. It's nicely done, and it's a wonderful new character trait for Bobby. There's also clever humor, great characters, and some nice development for the majority of the cast. And I love the continued use of the New Mutants.
And if you're worried that this volume might unintelligible due to Civil War II, don't be; it's a very small part of the storyline.
On the downside, the six-issue AIM vs SHIELD is an issue or two too long, then the final issue afterward is a bit of an anti-climax, both for its off-handed resolution of Ulysses' vision and for its focus on moving everyone off-stage, so a new cast can join us for USAvengers.
Still, this volume is closer to a 4.5, and I'm excited to see Ewing's next efforts.
And if you're worried that this volume might unintelligible due to Civil War II, don't be; it's a very small part of the storyline.
On the downside, the six-issue AIM vs SHIELD is an issue or two too long, then the final issue afterward is a bit of an anti-climax, both for its off-handed resolution of Ulysses' vision and for its focus on moving everyone off-stage, so a new cast can join us for USAvengers.
Still, this volume is closer to a 4.5, and I'm excited to see Ewing's next efforts.
February 7, 2017
The central story is just a touch too long, but otherwise this has been a fun title to read, with a cast that I really liked.
August 13, 2022
Best thing about this book is that it is only really connected to Civil War II in passing. They have their own battles to fight and worrying about a potential precog isn't one of them.
Holy acronyms! Maria Hill hates Roberto Dacosta who is also hated by Ultimate Reed Richards. Each group is pulling out all the stops to take out their rivals. Dum Dum Dugan is used as a pawn. (That poor LMD). Dacosta relies on old friends to help him out in a clutch battle. Ultimate Reed digs deep in the multiverse for his New Revengers. We even get an Ultimate Reed origin of sorts. You can only say, 'he comes in slices' so many times without a payoff.
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Fun little end to a book that I didn't expect to do so well. Sets things up for U.S.Avengers and more Dacosta shenanigans. Nice to see a series that isn't beholden to the company's big mega crossover.
Bonus: Selffriends are the best! Keep on blastin'!
Bonus bonus: Don't forget the triple and quadruple cross in espionage books.!!
Holy acronyms! Maria Hill hates Roberto Dacosta who is also hated by Ultimate Reed Richards. Each group is pulling out all the stops to take out their rivals. Dum Dum Dugan is used as a pawn. (That poor LMD). Dacosta relies on old friends to help him out in a clutch battle. Ultimate Reed digs deep in the multiverse for his New Revengers. We even get an Ultimate Reed origin of sorts. You can only say, 'he comes in slices' so many times without a payoff.
‐----------
Fun little end to a book that I didn't expect to do so well. Sets things up for U.S.Avengers and more Dacosta shenanigans. Nice to see a series that isn't beholden to the company's big mega crossover.
Bonus: Selffriends are the best! Keep on blastin'!
Bonus bonus: Don't forget the triple and quadruple cross in espionage books.!!
May 28, 2022
An amazing finale to an amazing series.
At first I started reading this series only because of Wiccan who is my favorite superhero, but then I fell in love with all of the characters, from hulkling and squirrel girl, to Roberto Da Costa and Tony Ho (and more that will take too much space if I'll write them all down 😅), were all written brilliantly.
The plot twists were coming no stop and I could see non of them coming, and to sum it up, I just recommend this series to all marvel fans!!
At first I started reading this series only because of Wiccan who is my favorite superhero, but then I fell in love with all of the characters, from hulkling and squirrel girl, to Roberto Da Costa and Tony Ho (and more that will take too much space if I'll write them all down 😅), were all written brilliantly.
The plot twists were coming no stop and I could see non of them coming, and to sum it up, I just recommend this series to all marvel fans!!
June 28, 2017
Man, this book was damn fun! Roberto DaCosta as a super spy/spymaster is the best thing. I'm also loving how un-Civil War II these Civil War II-named storyarcs are.
June 27, 2019
I finished all three volumes (love the Toronto Public Library) and I really enjoyed them.
I'm a fan of Al Ewing's writing and he created a fun, self-contained story with the New Avengers. With so many Marvel books starting and ending after a few issues, it makes it hard to follow my faves, but I try. This was me catching up on Wiccan and Hulkling.
Both my Young Avenger gaybies were in fine form, with their relationship only strengthening and both of them dealing with the post-adolescent growing pains. Billy's lack of certainty about his powers and his path, essentially who he is, is clarified, with Billy making choices more like an adult. Likewise, I loved how matter-of-fact Teddy was about discovering he is basically the heir apparent to all of space and getting a gigantic magical sword. His purity and certainty plays as a lovely counterpart to Billy's anxiety.
I didn't know much at all about Roberto Da Costa or Songbird before but I liked them a lot here. Da Costa was fun, a more devious Tony Stark, with the same flair for the dramatic. I really enjoyed the White Tiger subplot was a little darker, but I really liked the dynamic between both Tigers.
I also really liked that there was a surprise romantic subplot between POD/Aikku Jokinen and AIM engineer Toni Ho. Oh, and I found it fun to read a story with Max Brashear because I'm also a fan of the Ultimates, where his father is a team member.
Anyway, 18 self-contained issues with Civil War II being only a minor point made it a quick, easy, fun read.
I'm a fan of Al Ewing's writing and he created a fun, self-contained story with the New Avengers. With so many Marvel books starting and ending after a few issues, it makes it hard to follow my faves, but I try. This was me catching up on Wiccan and Hulkling.
Both my Young Avenger gaybies were in fine form, with their relationship only strengthening and both of them dealing with the post-adolescent growing pains. Billy's lack of certainty about his powers and his path, essentially who he is, is clarified, with Billy making choices more like an adult. Likewise, I loved how matter-of-fact Teddy was about discovering he is basically the heir apparent to all of space and getting a gigantic magical sword. His purity and certainty plays as a lovely counterpart to Billy's anxiety.
I didn't know much at all about Roberto Da Costa or Songbird before but I liked them a lot here. Da Costa was fun, a more devious Tony Stark, with the same flair for the dramatic. I really enjoyed the White Tiger subplot was a little darker, but I really liked the dynamic between both Tigers.
I also really liked that there was a surprise romantic subplot between POD/Aikku Jokinen and AIM engineer Toni Ho. Oh, and I found it fun to read a story with Max Brashear because I'm also a fan of the Ultimates, where his father is a team member.
Anyway, 18 self-contained issues with Civil War II being only a minor point made it a quick, easy, fun read.
June 19, 2017
Considering how I felt about the last two volumes, I had low expectations for this one. Thus, I ended up pleasantly surprised!
1) The art is better. Turns out the artist I really didn't like did not contribute to this volume, so I guess this explains that. Suddenly I'm much happier with Squirrel Girl's design!
2) I loved where the plot went. It was fun, with a good pace, and quite well built up.
3) New Mutants!!!!!!!! Seriously this was one of the highlights for me, maybe even more so than Teddy and Billy.
4) Billy and Teddy. Enough said.
5) Also Toni and Pod and Aikku <3
Now, the series still has some flaws. Some of the characters are pretty forgettable - so much so that I actually forgot about them between issues. If only they'd been given a proper arc of their own, or something interesting to do! Power Man, for instance, has a lot of potential, and yet is barely touched, and that's quite annoying.
It should be noted that the story merged pretty well with the Civil War II one, especially in the volume's early issues, which was nice too. It didn't feel too forced. I wish they'd done more with Clint, but that's what Choosing Sides is for... guess what I'm reading next?!
1) The art is better. Turns out the artist I really didn't like did not contribute to this volume, so I guess this explains that. Suddenly I'm much happier with Squirrel Girl's design!
2) I loved where the plot went. It was fun, with a good pace, and quite well built up.
3) New Mutants!!!!!!!! Seriously this was one of the highlights for me, maybe even more so than Teddy and Billy.
4) Billy and Teddy. Enough said.
5) Also Toni and Pod and Aikku <3
Now, the series still has some flaws. Some of the characters are pretty forgettable - so much so that I actually forgot about them between issues. If only they'd been given a proper arc of their own, or something interesting to do! Power Man, for instance, has a lot of potential, and yet is barely touched, and that's quite annoying.
It should be noted that the story merged pretty well with the Civil War II one, especially in the volume's early issues, which was nice too. It didn't feel too forced. I wish they'd done more with Clint, but that's what Choosing Sides is for... guess what I'm reading next?!
June 11, 2021
The final stand of the New Avengers against a group such as WHISPER requires the help of some old teammates from days of old.
This volume had a lot of that "comic book" goodness that you sometimes require. It has massive fights, clever quips, double and triple crosses, and the heroes winning out in the end. This really felt like Al Ewing threw everything at the wall and hoping it sticks. Which it certainly did. The appearance of the old school line up New Mutants and Young Avengers was great and an a fun way to pay homage to the legacy of Robert DaCosta and the rest of the team.
This really felt like a love letter to the series overall and the characters that are used within the group. I really enjoyed how Ewing takes the time to give us a hint at potential futures for some of the team members, while also confirming the next series: USAvengers, which will feature some of the line up.
If you like fun superhero books, this one is for you.
This volume had a lot of that "comic book" goodness that you sometimes require. It has massive fights, clever quips, double and triple crosses, and the heroes winning out in the end. This really felt like Al Ewing threw everything at the wall and hoping it sticks. Which it certainly did. The appearance of the old school line up New Mutants and Young Avengers was great and an a fun way to pay homage to the legacy of Robert DaCosta and the rest of the team.
This really felt like a love letter to the series overall and the characters that are used within the group. I really enjoyed how Ewing takes the time to give us a hint at potential futures for some of the team members, while also confirming the next series: USAvengers, which will feature some of the line up.
If you like fun superhero books, this one is for you.
February 15, 2017
Hooray a Civil War 2 tie in that does not directly spoil Civil War 2 more than has already happened.
This is a super fun volume. It really does a great job setting up Sunspot as a major leader within the Marvel Universe.
This is a super fun volume. It really does a great job setting up Sunspot as a major leader within the Marvel Universe.
July 30, 2021
This was a really satisfying read. It had been quite a while since I read Vol 2, and I was wholly expecting it to be taken over by the Civil War II event. I was delighted to find that the event was only a minor footnote in the whole book. I actually find it kind of hilarious that the Marvel website still explicitly lists these as a tie-in to the crossover. If I was someone who picked it up expecting to learn more about side characters during the event, I’d be sorely disappointed. Luckily, that’s not what i was after, and Al Ewing wrote a really fun and exciting story.
These issues were everything I could’ve wanted from an ending to a story like this. The villains were clever, but in a way that let the heroes shine. The story itself was really tongue in cheek at times and just a lot of fun to read. If I wasn’t a fan of Roberto DaCosta before, I should be now. Even characters I had never read about before made a strong impression, like the new Power Man, Dr. Positron, and Songbird.
Portions of it definitely did read like a “deus ex machina,” but it never detracted from the book for me. Instead, it more felt like each new revelation was exciting and enjoyable. At some points I even laughed out loud at how ludicrous it was for the heroes to see that many moves ahead. Some could argue that it undermines The Maker as a villain, but I’ve never been a huge fan of his. He’s intimidating and threatening, no doubt, but I welcomed seeing him out-planned as a way to emphasize the heroes’ abilities. The narration made jokes and referenced itself. It cued up the Mission: Impossible theme. It even said they would wait while you went back to check page one of a certain issue to validate what the narrator was saying. I am genuinely a fan of Al Ewing at this point, almost enough to read the next series (US Avengers) despite not previously having any interest in the title.
Paco Medino is fantastic on art. He gives ample characterization, captures the action perfectly, and generally creates a gorgeous medium to tell this story. I love the character designs, I love the settings. I can’t say enough good things about the art or the book in general. I had my doubts at points of the series, like being really hesitant about Gerardo Sandoval’s art in the early issues, but what a great payoff.
These issues were everything I could’ve wanted from an ending to a story like this. The villains were clever, but in a way that let the heroes shine. The story itself was really tongue in cheek at times and just a lot of fun to read. If I wasn’t a fan of Roberto DaCosta before, I should be now. Even characters I had never read about before made a strong impression, like the new Power Man, Dr. Positron, and Songbird.
Portions of it definitely did read like a “deus ex machina,” but it never detracted from the book for me. Instead, it more felt like each new revelation was exciting and enjoyable. At some points I even laughed out loud at how ludicrous it was for the heroes to see that many moves ahead. Some could argue that it undermines The Maker as a villain, but I’ve never been a huge fan of his. He’s intimidating and threatening, no doubt, but I welcomed seeing him out-planned as a way to emphasize the heroes’ abilities. The narration made jokes and referenced itself. It cued up the Mission: Impossible theme. It even said they would wait while you went back to check page one of a certain issue to validate what the narrator was saying. I am genuinely a fan of Al Ewing at this point, almost enough to read the next series (US Avengers) despite not previously having any interest in the title.
Paco Medino is fantastic on art. He gives ample characterization, captures the action perfectly, and generally creates a gorgeous medium to tell this story. I love the character designs, I love the settings. I can’t say enough good things about the art or the book in general. I had my doubts at points of the series, like being really hesitant about Gerardo Sandoval’s art in the early issues, but what a great payoff.
March 5, 2023
Pues mucho mejor que la colección principal del momento, estos Nuevos Vengadores de Al Ewing se han convertido para mí en la mejor de las colecciones de All New All Different. Como ya vimos, el equipo iba a hacer frente desde el principio al Creador, la versión perturbada y malvada del Reed Richards del Universo Ultimate, y después de los acontecimientos de Stand Off, había quedado más o menos disuelto. En este tercer volumen, se va a continuar con el argumento principal que había surgido tras Stand Off: el enfrentamiento entre SHIELD y estos Nuevos Vengadores debido a su asociación con IMA, así que la verdad es que más que implicarse en los acontecimientos de la Civil War de Bendis, Al Ewing seguiría con sus líneas propias, haciendo alguna referencia tangencial a lo que está ocurriendo alrededor de Ulysses, pero poco más... y es que los Nuevos Vengadores van a tener sus propios problemas. John Garrett (el agente robótico de SHIELD que fuera hace muchas décadas uno de los protagonistas de la célebre Elektra Asesina) se ha obsesionado con la misión de capturar a Mancha Solar y desmantelar a IMA, mientras que el Creador decide lo mismo, para lo cual reúne a su propio equipo, los New Revengers (reconozco mi ignorancia, solo conocía a Angar el Aullador y a Paibok el skrull). Así que tanto el Creador como SHIELD van a perseguir a Mancha Solar y sus aliados, mientras Pájaro Cantor y Ojo de Halcón deben aclarar su relación con SHIELD e IMA (Ojo de Halcón poco, ya que es uno de los actores principales del arco principal de Civil War II), y Wiccan, Hulkling y Chica Ardilla van a tener que buscar su posición en todo lo que está ocurriendo.
Con esta carrera entre agencias, Ewing preparó una historia divertida, dinámica, llena de sorpresas, con grandes momentos e invitados (amigomí), giros argumentales y revelaciones que llevaban en el aire desde el primer capítulo...
Muy divertido.
Con esta carrera entre agencias, Ewing preparó una historia divertida, dinámica, llena de sorpresas, con grandes momentos e invitados (amigomí), giros argumentales y revelaciones que llevaban en el aire desde el primer capítulo...
Muy divertido.
June 14, 2021
This is officially an underrated series. Ewing continues and (sort of) caps this ludicrous, fun series. There is a lead-in to USAvengers, but it more or less has the team go there separate ways. This story improved every issue from the first, and not even event tie-ins could get in the way. Ewing successfully incorporated and used it to his advantage. The Maker’s involvement is explained in a way I wasn’t expecting, along with a few more surprises. The seemingly random assortment of a team actually develops real connection and it’s sad to see them split up. The resolution to the conflict felt a bit hacky, and the wrap-up too apparent, but the tone of the series makes up for it. As with so many stories, it’s not about the destination, but the journey.
A wild, fun ride, Ewing is at his most whimsical here. Though not the most substantive book, it’s not all flash, and Ewing’s writing feels so natural it makes for a very fluid read. You actually care about the characters and what’s going to happen next, if not just to see what ridiculous trick he’ll pull out next. The art is quite good (especially Paco Medina, and the covers), and if you’re looking for something that’s just straight up fun, I freely recommend this.
A wild, fun ride, Ewing is at his most whimsical here. Though not the most substantive book, it’s not all flash, and Ewing’s writing feels so natural it makes for a very fluid read. You actually care about the characters and what’s going to happen next, if not just to see what ridiculous trick he’ll pull out next. The art is quite good (especially Paco Medina, and the covers), and if you’re looking for something that’s just straight up fun, I freely recommend this.
June 19, 2017
New Avengers: A.I.M., Volume 3: Civil War II (say that five times fast) is, I guess, supposed to be the story of how the New Avengers are involved in the Civil War II. Instead, it’s almost entirely about a feud between A.I.M. and S.H.I.E.L.D. and also some other acronym-based completely incomprehensible groups of nobodies.
This story is just way too ridiculous for me. Are the acronyms supposed to be funny? Is the ridiculous plot supposed to be funny? I don’t understand if this book is so cheesy it’s bad, or so not funny it’s bad. Either way, it doesn’t work for me.
Also, it makes me sad that some of my favorite characters, Squirrel Girl, Hulkling and Wiccan, have this title book (they are The New Avengers, after all) but then are barely in it at all. I don’t understand how The New Avengers books suddenly became A.I.M. books, and I don’t like it.
I have high hopes for the new run. I still love The New Avengers – but I want to read about The New Avengers, not Random Acronym Dudes.
Read more of my reviews (plus cat pics!) on Her Little Book Review.
This story is just way too ridiculous for me. Are the acronyms supposed to be funny? Is the ridiculous plot supposed to be funny? I don’t understand if this book is so cheesy it’s bad, or so not funny it’s bad. Either way, it doesn’t work for me.
Also, it makes me sad that some of my favorite characters, Squirrel Girl, Hulkling and Wiccan, have this title book (they are The New Avengers, after all) but then are barely in it at all. I don’t understand how The New Avengers books suddenly became A.I.M. books, and I don’t like it.
I have high hopes for the new run. I still love The New Avengers – but I want to read about The New Avengers, not Random Acronym Dudes.
Read more of my reviews (plus cat pics!) on Her Little Book Review.
February 3, 2017
This was a stellar continuation of a fantastic run. Al Ewing and Paco Medina tell an outlandish story of superheroics and espionage that revels in the larger-than-life universe these characters live in. Super-science is abundant. Complicated plots and double/triple/quadruple-crosses are everywhere. Everything explodes.
This felt like a lot of what I like from a team X-book (and not just because of the New Mutants alumni). Bombastic action, a plot that twists and turns in unexpected directions, despicable villains, unusual but charismatic and competent heroes, all wrapped up in a sense of adventure and borderline-wacky set-pieces. I'm looking forward to watching this continue in U.S.Avengers (and picking up even more of Al Ewing's work).
This felt like a lot of what I like from a team X-book (and not just because of the New Mutants alumni). Bombastic action, a plot that twists and turns in unexpected directions, despicable villains, unusual but charismatic and competent heroes, all wrapped up in a sense of adventure and borderline-wacky set-pieces. I'm looking forward to watching this continue in U.S.Avengers (and picking up even more of Al Ewing's work).
June 4, 2017
I've loved what Ewing and co. have done throughout this series--short-lived though it turned out to be. Here's hoping the future for these characters remains as entertaining. Of course for anyone buying/reading actual comic books on a monthly basis as opposed to waiting for these collected volumes, this isn't the future at all....
This volume ties up all the outstanding plots in a neat bow and sets up an entirely new direction and, it would seem, an entirely new lineup for the forth coming (for me, at least see acknowledgement above) U.S. Avengers. A.I.M vs. S.H.I.E.L.D., A.I.M. vs. W.H.I.S.P.E.R., and A.I.M. vs. other A.I.M.'s are all resolved before this book is over, and each resolved in a way that points toward new events for the key characters involved.
This volume ties up all the outstanding plots in a neat bow and sets up an entirely new direction and, it would seem, an entirely new lineup for the forth coming (for me, at least see acknowledgement above) U.S. Avengers. A.I.M vs. S.H.I.E.L.D., A.I.M. vs. W.H.I.S.P.E.R., and A.I.M. vs. other A.I.M.'s are all resolved before this book is over, and each resolved in a way that points toward new events for the key characters involved.
September 23, 2018
So much more fun than the average Marvel book these days. Ugh, turns out I’m getting on board with the “Marvel is sucking hard” bandwagon eh? Yup, and I just read that a bunch of my favourite Marvel writers are going over to DC to join up with Bendis (may his talents rest in peace) to maybe possibly sort of make their universe a little less terrible?
Fucking ridiculous - as whacko as Aaron’s run on Wolverine and the X-Men, a little less angry than Ellis’ NEXTWAVE Agents of Hate.
Loving the manoeuvring and out-manoeuvring between The Maker and Bobby DaCosta - always satisfying when you don’t expect the twist-upon-twist. Plus the Maker is just one of the better Reed Richards incarnations to come along in a long while - gimme angry, sociopathic Reed any day over distant, autistic Reed.
Fucking ridiculous - as whacko as Aaron’s run on Wolverine and the X-Men, a little less angry than Ellis’ NEXTWAVE Agents of Hate.
Loving the manoeuvring and out-manoeuvring between The Maker and Bobby DaCosta - always satisfying when you don’t expect the twist-upon-twist. Plus the Maker is just one of the better Reed Richards incarnations to come along in a long while - gimme angry, sociopathic Reed any day over distant, autistic Reed.
May 10, 2021
It's got a secondary title of Civil War II but honestly I've not read CW2 and apart from a few references to things that were happening off page I didn't feel the need to read it.
I actually really liked Sunspot in this run, the bad guys were clearly defined, and the whole team gets back together before the final battle.
Shame it's ended.
I feel the need to follow up on Sunspot to see what happened to him (I doubt it was good) as the Sunspot in Hickman's New Mutants is much younger, so presumably a resurrected mutant.
Some lovely Billy and Teddy scenes, especially the end and Teddy as a centaur.
I actually really liked Sunspot in this run, the bad guys were clearly defined, and the whole team gets back together before the final battle.
Shame it's ended.
I feel the need to follow up on Sunspot to see what happened to him (I doubt it was good) as the Sunspot in Hickman's New Mutants is much younger, so presumably a resurrected mutant.
Some lovely Billy and Teddy scenes, especially the end and Teddy as a centaur.
June 23, 2024
With only a few pages in the beginning dealing with some incident prevention mission stemming from Civil War II, for 6 extra issues there is absolutely no mention of CWII, which is actually a good thing. The only thing CW related is that it is Shield vs this New Avengers team, with some New Revengers backed by the Maker... Making things worse. I have to say Vermin and his rats vs Squirrel girl and her legion is a battle for the ages.
Ewing is doing great things in Ultimates and over here he is doing a completely different thing that is just as great.
Civil war II essential: 0 out of 10 slices.
New Avengers series progression: 10 out of 10 Songbirds.
Ewing is doing great things in Ultimates and over here he is doing a completely different thing that is just as great.
Civil war II essential: 0 out of 10 slices.
New Avengers series progression: 10 out of 10 Songbirds.
May 15, 2024
"CAN YOU GO TO YOUR GRAVE NEVER KNOWING ABOUT THE CAVIAR-VOMITING ROBOT EAGLE HOVERCRAFT OF A.I.M. MOUNTAIN? BECAUSE I CAN'T DO THAT, BILLY. I CAN'T. I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF STRENGTH. PLEEEEASE..."
- Hulkling being extra to get Wiccan to agree to a mission.
A fairly serious plot peppered with one-liners and an undertone of the slightly ridiculous. Excellent art. Well executed. Aside from Squirrel Girl, not a lot of characters I care about. Some were unfamiliar to me, while others were totally unknown.
Entertaining, silly, not-to-be-taken-seriously: three stars.
- Hulkling being extra to get Wiccan to agree to a mission.
A fairly serious plot peppered with one-liners and an undertone of the slightly ridiculous. Excellent art. Well executed. Aside from Squirrel Girl, not a lot of characters I care about. Some were unfamiliar to me, while others were totally unknown.
Entertaining, silly, not-to-be-taken-seriously: three stars.
June 17, 2017
Al Ewing is currently Marvel's most interesting scribe. A very fine collection and a terrific finale to the series. Really loved this one. Great art too, from Medina. Hope we get a Young Avengers reunion that is hinted at, at the end of the book. Very sweet and clever ending for all involved. Had serious doubts about this series at the first, but this final volume has washed all that away. This one brought it all together and it was a really tight, gripping wonderful Avengers story.
July 7, 2017
Only linked to Civil War is the most nominal of ways, this volume’s art is better than its story. A three-way secret organisation tussle gets under way, and it was refreshingly nice to not have any grand concept (real or hyped) or unsuccessful attempt at deep character emotions at play. It wasn’t a terrible volume, but it sat firmly only at the surface level of interest– entertaining enough while reading, while largely passing from memory once the last page was turned.
December 16, 2025
*2.5 stars
A bit of an underwhelming and messy ending. For starters, the title of this volume is misleading, as it has almost nothing to do with Civil War II. The main focus of this volume is actually the war between SHIELD and AIM, which I honestly just wasn't very invested in. Once again, the Maker and WHISPER were also there, but they didn't do much. There was just far too much going on at once in this series, and therefore none of it was as fleshed out as it needed to be.
A bit of an underwhelming and messy ending. For starters, the title of this volume is misleading, as it has almost nothing to do with Civil War II. The main focus of this volume is actually the war between SHIELD and AIM, which I honestly just wasn't very invested in. Once again, the Maker and WHISPER were also there, but they didn't do much. There was just far too much going on at once in this series, and therefore none of it was as fleshed out as it needed to be.
April 21, 2021
You could like. Tell they got cancelled. da Costa pulled so many "aha I was always 3 steps ahead" moments out of his ass and The Maker ended up being... not needed? Replaceable? We got lesbians in the last few pages and the apartment (trademarked) for billy & teddy, but overall this barely tied into civil war ii and we lost clint so like. what was the point
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