REVIEW: 'Savage Avengers' #9 by David Pepose, Carlos Magno, and Espen Grundetjern

 

SAVAGE AVENGERS #9

Writer: David Pepose

Artist: Carlos Magno, Espen Grundetjern

Letters: Travis Lanham

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Release Date:  January 11, 2023

Cover Price: $3.99

AVENGERS...ASSIMILATED!

In the year 2099, humanity has fallen against Ultron's Machine Empire-and the Savage Avengers are the latest casualties! Now on the run from an army of super-powered cyborgs, Punisher 2099 and Deathlok must put aside their differences if they hope to stop Ultron from reshaping the future into his own terrifying image. Can the Savage Avengers regain some sliver of humanity before it's too late, or will Marvel's most dangerous heroes become the deadliest predators of tomorrow? Plus: the last stand of Doom 2099!

Parental Advisory

Score:

★★★★☆ (4/5)

QUICK REVIEW: 'Savage Avengers' has been a wild ride as David Pepose, Carlos Magno, Espen Grundetjern have put these unlikely heroes (and readers) through the wringer. After another jaw-dropping issue where most of the Avengers not only fell to Ultron, he transformed them into his minions, issue nine leaves the Punisher and Deathlok on their own for one more stand against Ultron's Machine Empire army. This is another fast-paced and gripping fight for survival that takes some rousing turns. Some of it is a little predictable because there has to be light at the end of the tunnel but it doesn't detract from the awesome roller coaster ride of events. Despite all of the adrenaline-pumping action that takes place in every issue, Pepose finds humanity in these characters. It's demonstrated especially in this issue where Jake Gallows' backstory is explored and Deathlok's appeal to the brainwashed Avengers reminds readers who they are behind all the flying fists and firepower. Magno and Grundetjern have had their work cut out for them as every page is chockful of images, an unyielding array of actions alternating from flashbacks to confrontations, to detailed group shots, to more flashbacks, and one big brawl. It's organized chaos in the best way possible. 

'Savage Avengers' continues to be an ambitious, crowd-pleasing, time-traveling, struggle for survival that reveals the hearts of reluctant heroes willing to do whatever it takes to save the time stream. Underneath all the awe-inspiring action is the core of what makes these Avengers so special and why the best Marvel book doesn't have to have so-called A-listers to be a winner. 'Savage Avengers' proves its worth month after month with another solid issue.