Series Review - Avengers: War Across Time Series

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Back in January I reviewed Avengers: War Across Time #1. I praised it for its high action, classic style and its control of storyline. I had high hopes that the five issues would deliver something huge. 

What we got was something undoubtedly huge, but didn't quite deliver on its promises. Avengers: War Across Time showcases Iron-Man, Thor, Captain America, Ant-Man and the Wasp as they hope to overtake Kang. Or at least, that's what the initial issue led us to believe.

But things quickly changed as Thor's hammer is abducted by Sindri, King of the Dwarves. What we get over the course of two more issues is a side quest revolving around Sindri and the thievery of the hammer. Like issue #1, the issues that follow are high on action. But as I read, I wondered what happened to Kang? From the onset, War Across Time was built around Kang obtaining a wide range of the Avenger's personal artifacts. But that entire thread is removed in favor of chasing Sindri. It's odd to say the least.

In fact, it's really not until issue #5 that Kang returns in any substantial form. And when he does return, you expect high thrilling action. The promise is there. The set up is there. It builds in a way that feels like it's going to go be exciting. And then... whiff. It certainly is climactic, but it doesn't all necessarily even make sense.

It's a shame. The thread of Kang is left unresolved. So we're left hoping for a pseudo-sequel of some sort. 

This isn't to say Avengers: War Across Time is boring or even bad. It's just a bit odd. The action is high, and there are so many moments that stand out as exciting. The artwork and the coloring are all top notch. But as a complete story arc, the whole series feels unbalanced. A promising start that never quite sticks the landing.

Avengers: War Across Time
Release date: May 3, 2023
MSRP: $5.99 per issue

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