Avengers #1 (Marvel, 11/4/26): Writer Chip Zdarsky and artist March Checchetto unleash a reckoning on the Big Apple when the fallout from Mephisto’s ousting unleashes a swarm of repossessing angels (maybe). Chip Zdarsky’s script builds plenty of momentum to justify a new team, but will it stick when the setup is so scattered? Verdict: A good start with potential.
Credits:
- Writer: Chip Zdarsky
- Artist: Marco Checchetto
- Colorist: Matthew Wilson
- Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
- Cover Artist: Marco Checchetto, Matt Milla (cover A)
- Publisher: Marvel Comics
- Release Date: November 4, 2026
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $5.99
- Page Count: 38
- Format: Oversized Issue
Covers:
Analysis of Avengers #1:
First Impressions:
Not bad. I was skeptical going into this reboot of the Avengers title because the event that led up to it – Avengers: Armageddon – ended so poorly. Thankfully, I enjoyed Avengers #1 more than I didn’t.
Recap:
The series begins after the finale of Avengers: Armageddon #5. Following Red Hulk’s nuclear explosion in Russia, world leaders scrambled to respond as Peter Parker questioned the consequences of law enforcement and collateral damage during a condolence visit, while Tony Stark refused to rebuild America’s bomb supply and instead investigated Dr. Doom’s probability machine. Meanwhile, the United Nations voted on restrictions for superpowered individuals, Nick Fury agreed to a secret plan to prevent or win the coming war, and Tony and Reed Richards uncovered evidence that the original Miracleman was somewhere on Earth. The issue ended with Dave Colton begging Wolverine for death, Carol Danvers discovering her powers had been reduced by 90%, Tony catching a glimpse of Mephisto in one possible future, and Bucky Barnes regenerating in the Russian wreckage just as Nick Fury Sr. found him.
Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):
The story begins on election day in NYC. Luke Cage campaigns for re-election as mayor against an anti-superhero candidate, Amanda Spring. During the busy day of campaigning, one of Luke’s biggest donors is killed by Mephisto. Luke takes a break from campaigning to look into the murder. While there, Spidey drops by to offer his aid and to relay a warning – his Spider-sense is low-key jangling everywhere he goes in the city.
Meanwhile, Carol Danvers sullenly sits in a bar when Daredevil shows up to check in on her. After the events of Armageddon, Danvers is down to 10% power and can no longer fly, so she grapples with her semi-loss of identity. Daredevil talks her through her malaise by offering details about his past struggles. The sharing signals a hint at a romantic connection.
Later, Logan arrives in NYC on a lead about Dave Colton, the new Miracleman (sort of). Colton visits Stark’s high-rise offices and is attacked by automated defenses. Spidey swings into action because Colton bears the public blame for Red Hulk’s nuclear detonation in Russia, resulting in thousands of deaths. After a brief fight, Logan intervenes because he knows Colton wasn’t responsible for Red Hulk’s explosion.
Suddenly, Spidey’s senses kick into overdrive as an army of masked, angelic beings swoop down from the heavens. They speak of reclaiming the spoils of contracts, presumably the result of Mephisto’s nullification as the ruler of Hell. The assorted heroes converge on the invading army of angels to stop them from attacking citizens who’ve made deals with Mephisto at one time or another.
Finally, we see a man named John Howley grab a mystical book called Grimsby from his bookshelf and bequeath it to his adult daughter, Paige. The “angels” have come to reclaim whatever was created by Mephisto’s deals, and Paige is one of those creations. John forms a sword out of the ether and uses some kind of supernatural powers to fend off the angels, while Paige is sent by Grimsby to seek out the only person who can save her and the world: Spider-Man.
How is the story in Avengers #1?
Whew! That’s a lot to pack into a single issue, so give credit to Chip Zdarsky for (almost) making that volume of storytelling clear and concise. The reason for the new Avengers team coming together (almost) makes sense. The threat they’re assembled to face is (almost) indomitable, and the mystical mission at the heart of the story is (almost) compelling.
To be clear, the story moves at a good clip, the scenes transition well, and the overall vibe builds in intensity as the issue progresses. Some of the dialog is rough, but that’s to be expected from a Zdarsky-written comic.
Where does the issue fall short? First, Zdarsky gives almost no reason for half the Avengers (Colton, Logan, Danvers) to show up in NYC. At best, Colton says he’s looking for Tony Stark, but there are dozens of places to look for Tony. Also, why not Reed Richards? Second, no explanation is given as to who the “angels” are, who they’re attacking on behalf of, and why they’re only attacking NYC. Third, little time is given to flesh out the Howley family, when it appears to be the motivator for everything that’s to come in this first arc. If Zdarsky had spent less time on (clunky) dialog, the Howleys wouldn’t have been shortchanged.
In short, Zdarsky gets the energy and the broad strokes right, but his script needed to be tighter and more efficient.
How is the art in Avengers #1?
It’s Marco Checchetto, so you know you’re going to be in for a visual feast. Checchetto’s style is an excellent choice for portraying the existential dread of the scenario, equally through the characters’ actions and the large-scale action. His visual style rivals Alex Ross’s in terms of cinematic camera angles and whimsically-inspired realism. The art is gorgeous, made even more so by Matthew Wilson’s excellent coloring.
Characters
Despite the flurry of familiar characters and a handful of new ones, Spider-Man appears to be the important hero at the heart of this story. He senses trouble brewing before it hits. He offers to aid and defend on multiple fronts. And when the angels attack, he soon learns that he’s somehow the key to salvation for Paige Howley and, possibly, the world. Thankfully, Zdarsky doesn’t overdo Spidey’s trademark quippiness and keeps the hero focused on being a hero with his trademark personality intact.
Originality & Concept Execution
An invasion landing in the Big Apple is nothing new, especially in Marvel, but the team composition is where this issue shows potential and creates interest. Except for Dave Colton, none of the heroes present are complete strangers to the Avengers, but the combination of powers and personalities, so far, feels fresh.
Pros and Cons
Art Samples:
The Scorecard:
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 4/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1/2
Final Thoughts:
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Avengers #1 assembles a new team (almost) when a host of angels attack NYC to reclaim the spoils of Mephisto’s nullified contracts. Chip Zdarsky’s script moves with intensity and urgency, even if there are a few problems with the setup. But Marco Checchetto’s art is a gorgeous fit for a story that mixes personal drama and large-scale chaos.
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