REVIEW: 'Savage Avengers' #8 by David Pepose, Carlos Magno, and Espen Grundetjern

 

SAVAGE AVENGERS #8 

Writer: David Pepose

Artist: Carlos Magno, Espen Grundetjern

Letterer: VC's Travis Lanham

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Release Date: December 14, 2022

Cover Price: $3.99

THE IRON FRONT!

In the year 2099, Ultron has subjugated the future with Deathlok technology. Yet nowhere is resistance fiercer than the shattered kingdom of Latveria, as DOOM 2099 and his ramshackle army of Doombots wage endless war against the Machine Empire! With 2099's most powerful champion on their side, can Jake Gallows and the Savage Avengers find salvation within the rubble of Tiger Wylde's fortress? Or will our heroes finally fall before Ultron's irresistible might? Don't miss the shocking twist that will leave Marvel fans on the edge of their seats!

Parental Advisory

Score:

★★★★★ (5/5)

If you've been following this series you already know each issue is jam-packed with brutal mind-blowing battles between these Savage Avengers and the latest supervillain the timeline has to offer. If you haven't been following the series this is not the issue to be introduced to it. You'll have to go back to two issues at least but I highly recommend getting the volume one collection to get the full impact of this amazing series from David Pepose, Carlos Magno, and Espen Grundetjern. But honestly, even fans who've read from issue one will not be prepared for what happens in issue eight. 

And because what happens changes the course of the series, there isn't a lot I can say without spoiling the issue. I will say it's an all-out war between the Avengers, Doom, and Doombots against Ultron and his Deathlock army. The series has always had a ton of action but Magno is unleashed to fill every panel with bone-crunching warfare and choreographed with ingenuity and clarity. With so many combatants and weaponry at play, it would be easy to get lost in all chaos, and who could blame Magno if things did get convoluted. Instead, Magno carefully choreographs a stunning battle royale that will both take your breath away and crush your heart at the same time. Grundetjern conducts a symphony of color to break up the constant swings of destruction from one side to the other. Explosions that alternate between different colors provide a nice dynamic while emphasizing the damage taking place. It's a feast for the eyes in movement and color. 

Pepose writes like a man possessed like every issue is his last. Sure, the narration he provides is calm and eloquent while simultaneously directing a cataclysmic ballet of violent horror right before the reader's eyes. It's a juxtaposition that toys with your heartstrings and quickens your pulse. By the end of the issue, the reader should be exhausted and crestfallen left to wallow in what just took place wondering where the story goes next. As a fan, you couldn't ask for more of a creative team than what this team has done. 'Savage Avengers' is the best Marvel book published this year.