A slow burner
Story
This issue moves the overall story on a little and Bendis is doing his best to make this look like something other than one almighty slugfest. There is an attempt at meaningful dialogue between Cap and Cyclops while they knock seven bells out of each other, but none of this has the impact or polarising effect of the debate that took place in Civil War. Hope remains the centre of attention for both X-men and Avengers, but neither team is able to prevent the phoenix force possessing her and threatening the end of the world. The Scarlet Witch's role is still unclear and will no doubt come to the fore in future issues.
One other gripe I have with the story - I really think Cyke would have been knocked out when Cap's shield hit him on the head. Oh, and do we really need about 20 names on the credits page?
Art
I do not hate Romita or his artwork. However I am once again very disappointed by it in this issue and cannot understand why Marvel have not assigned their best artists to this alleged greatest ever series. Too many characters again have disproportionate heads or limbs, and in one panel (the jaw dropping) Wolverine looks as if he has been drawn straight out of the Golden Age. Improved art is essential to the overall impact of this series and a change of artist can't come quickly enough for me.
Verdict
While it is difficult for a writer / artist to handle a large cast of characters in any given series, it has been done many times by both Marvel and DC before - and to better effect than it is being done here. I am beginning to wonder whether part of this headline title is to encourage us to go out and buy the spin-off battle books as well. Sorry but that's not what I'm here for. I've been led to believe this is going to be Marvel's greatest cross over and thus far it falls way short. I'm wondering whether to cut this title from my pull list. The only thing that will keep me buying is the thought that Romita will soon be off the book, the art will improve and the story will pick up pace. The jury is still out on this series for me.
