Avengers Arena

I wanted to put a spotlight on a comic that originally, I deemed not worth reading. But I can now say that I stand corrected after much convincing from my friends at Undercity.

These two are worth comparing because as you can see, they are very much alike.

Avengers Arena is much like its inspirations, Japanese cult hit Battle Royale (make sure you're of age to watch it!) and now the Hunger Game series, where teens are pitted against each other in a giant arena deathmatch. Although, Avengers Arena lacks the political breakdown as a background for the games, madman Arcade still creates a venue where there's plenty of room for social commentary. Dennis Hopeless weaves the story masterfully as we get to see 16 teen superheroes fight each other while hating every minute of it. But as we see them duke it out, Hopeless flashes back on each teen and their character so you care for each kid and what they are motivated by. It's amazing to see what drives a teen superhero. Just because they have powers, doesn't mean that they're automaically more responsible and mature, Hopeless shows that it just means that when they fight they have super powered conflicts. How far does being a hero take these teenagers some of who have deep relationships with one another? And can these ties be broken within Arcade's sick game? It's like Lord of the Flies with super powers.

Speaking of superheroes, there's a huge smattering of Marvel superhero teens in AA. From Avengers Academy alum and Wolverine clone X-23, to the runaways, to old school favorites like Darkhawk, there is someone for everyone and if not, the backstory will help you find someone to root for!

Pick up the trades for these 18 issues at your comic book store now because it already has a continuation reboot with All New Marvel NOW! in the form of Avengers Undercover and it's once again written by Dennis Hopeless so it promises to be more of the action and suspense we've enjoyed thus far.

Such a tease, but I wanted to wait for the trades...we'll see.

Have you read Avengers Arena? What did you think? Are you excited for Avengers Undercover? Comment below!

Blessings~!