In the last volume, the Avengers led by Captain America were informed that Hope was heading to the moon by Wolverine, Emma Frost also intercepted this information by tapping Cap’s brain and the two fought a battle for Hope as the Phoenix Force came closer to Hope’s location. Iron Man flying out in a new suit blasts the Pheonix Force causing it to split into fragments, what no one could of expected is the fragments would make contact with five of the X-Men: Cyclops, Emma Frost, Prince Namor, Colossus, and Magik.
The five have received the infinite power of the Phoenix and easily beat the Avengers. Ten days after the event, the X-men have created a new Utopia for mutants to live and work, in order to, create an ideal world for humans and mutants alike. All they want is the end to humans creating war, but in exchange they work to create unlimited energy, more drinkable water, and a plentiful source for food. However, a majority of people are still afraid of their altruistic intentions. The Avengers still worry about variables of possible outcomes. Their goal is simple: take Hope away from Utopia in order to protect her, and during this process the Scarlet Witch has yet another premonition about destruction.
In the half way point of the Avengers vs X-Men series, Professor Xavier makes a return and talks to Scott who appears in a new outfit but chooses to keep his visor in memory of his mentor and his goals. Iron First gets some comic screen time and now it seems he will be involved deeper in the story as it continues, but the X-Men are still the main focus, which is mostly on Scott who is changing. Jonathan Hickman is doing a great job writing the story developing it into what will possibly be a few volumes of intense battles, which currently look one sided for the X-Men. So, it is up to the fans on determining how the Avengers will be able to deal with them. Since, it seems not even a god, a hero, or a genius with the ability to create almost anything can stand against them together.
Olivier Coipel does a great job especially focusing on Scott’s new clothing, and designing the new Utopia, while each comic in the Avengers vs X-Men has different artists working on each volume they all work to keep it similar while adding their own personal touch which is usually seen by the character animations. Along with Mark Morales inking the comics everything works together.
Infinite:
If you redeemed your code on Marvel.com you also get a special digital comic called Avengers vs X-Men Review Vol. 6: Infinite, which tells the story of Scott Summers questioning his humanity as the result of the powers. He returns to a special location on the moon, one very important to him as it was the location where the X-Men fought the Phoenix Force when it went berserk while inhabiting Jean Grey and she was killed. He uses lunar soil and his powers to create a replica of Jean who talks to him. Did the power recreate the real Jean or just create something he wanted to see? The two talk before Jean disappears again giving Scott more conviction about his powers and humanity.
The first digital comic for the Avengers vs. X-Men series does well to create an extra story for Scott dealing with the powers that took away his first love. It’s a nice bonus touch.
For you hardcore Jean Grey fans you get that long nostalgia you have been wanting, which slightly plays off the romance the two had, but for the most part it’s to remind Scott of who he is. Jean may be gone, but she isn’t forgotten.
The heat is on for Avengers, but I can’t help getting drawn into this further.
A