This would be considered the countdown to next year's Avengers vs. X-Men event. X-Sanction has been getting a considerable amount of hype over the past couple of months, but no over-hype like with Fear Itself. This event marks Cable's return to the Marvel world. (Remember when this event was code-named Cable Reborn?) The premise seemed interesting, and after the failure that was Fear Itself, I was eager for something new. Rather than being a world-changer, this event seems to more quiet, focusing on Cable's mission to eliminate the Avengers. I haven't been too fond of the current Avengers series, so I went into this event very skeptical. All my skepticism was washed away after reading the first couple of pages. If you've been waiting to jump into the Marvel universe, now is the time.
This issue is basically proof that Bendis shouldn't be writing
Avengers. Jeph Loeb should write the
Avengers from now on. There was no "street humor" in this issue, it feels like an Avengers tale from the mid-2000's. It packs humor with the heroes' quotes, but it's all good. (At least Spider-Man isn't a wisecracking fool, whereas in the current Avengers series.....) The issue does a perfect job of bringing new readers up to speed with it's simple dialogue, this is how you get new readers with events, not like Final Crisis where you're lost in the opening issue.
I haven't been following
X-Force, so all this Hope and Cable stuff is new to me. The issue does a good job of bringing the reader up to speed, but it's still a bit confusing. It doesn't get in the way of the story, but it probably would have made more sense with prior knowledge. Cable comes off as rather 'insane.' Now, I don't mean Joker insane, just not thinking straight. Wiping out the Avengers? It just doesn't seem right. The two main stars in this issue are Cable, (of course) and Cap. Gotta say, it's great to have Cap back in the uniform. He's looking great with his scripting, being the best in the issue.
The art is great. See, another thing the current Avengers series fails in is the art department. It just isn't good. This is how the book should be drawn. Cable especially looks good, the art succeeds in giving him a menacing look. The fight between him and Cap is both satisfying and greatly drawn. (Love the scene where Cable punches and Cap blocks with his shield.) It's truly a sight when Cable is seen with Cap's shield, then Cap picks up Cable's gun, I love these moments.
Overall, I was genuinely surprised by this issue. The story is great, interesting, and succeeds in captivating the reader. The art is great, (the cover is awesome, but Cap's face looks a bit off) and the action is fast-paced. The cliffhanger ending is pretty ambitious, I'm curious how the writer will get himself out of this one without it being too cheesy. You'll definitely want to pick up
Avengers: X-Sanction #1.
9/10.