MARCO SPEAKS SPIDEY: DARK AGES #2 REVIEW

The first issue of this new series had me completely sold on the concept. I am usually easy to please when it comes to post-apocalyptic stories, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this was a fresh, new twist on the genre. Instead of a dystopia being created after the world was turned off, the new home for the remaining survivors finally became a utopia after some literal blood, sweat and tears. And admittedly, with my personal professional and work experience in the power and electricity industry, this theme of having a Marvel Universe-wide blackout held a special place in my heart. You add the fact that Spider-Man is at the center of it all, and you have a very happy customer in me… and I’m sure this applies for many other Spider-Man fans out there was well.

OFFICIAL MARVEL COMICS DESCRIPTION:

It has been years since the age of technology ended in a single moment, like a switch had been flicked to off for an entire planet. Now Earth’s heroes attempt to bring humanity together in the darkness. X-Men and Avengers, vigilantes and villains all work together to create something better. But something darker than the night is descending on the world. Our postapocalyptic world is about to face Apocalypse.

WE BUILT WEBS.

PROS:

• Peter Parker was able to summarize the Dark Ages in a very entertaining and informative way. He described how after the lights switched off and electricity was basically killed by Doctor Strange’s EMP, the world first took a deep dive into chaos, with wars and bloodshed being the ultimate cost. But afterwards, Spider-Man showcased how eventually, the world came together to unite and create a new kind of utopia for the survivors. In essence, the entire planet built webs that connect and protect each other in the face of this new era and journey they are embarking on… but from darkness to light, it is only a matter of time when the night begins to take over once again. It is a vicious cycle, indeed.
• The initial villains in this story are the creatures and monsters that go lurking in the shadows at night… and this Night Horde poses a great threat to the safety and security of the Earth’s inhabitants. But what this issue does great is an excellent introduction into the true threat that the world will be facing in the next few issues. Apocalypse is able to fool Tony Stark, as Mystique, Dracula and other villains all conspire to kidnap Iron Man using a fake Cap. They bring him to their headquarters, show him the entire workforce supporting his goals, display the poor Magneto literally fueling their plans, and use Killgrave to control his mind for good. Darker days truly lie ahead of this universe, and it is up to heroes like Spider-Man, the Avengers and the X-Men to come together, assemble and take down the big bad guys. These past two issues are a great set-up for an epic clash.
• Wonderful trick by Mystique, posing as Captain America to lure Tony Stark into their trap! I did not see that one coming at all! I thought it was a legitimate and heart-warming reunion. Fool me once!
• May is just so darn cute and actually very impressive with her superhero skills. Peter Parker sure is a proud dad! MJ taught them both well!

CONS:

• Bummed out that this did not make it to the What If? Series on Disney Plus! This would have been an excellent addition to the lore! And can I just say… that finale this week was so epic, I was weeping and crying like a mad lad.

FINAL GRADE: A++

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE NEXT ISSUE:

Marvel’s preview of the next chapter gives us a good glimpse of what to expect: “The Earth has been plunged into darkness, and Avenges and X-Men have begun vanishing in the night. They have been taken and twisted by Apocalypse to serve an evil older than the world. A group of heroes will assemble to cross the dark planet in a desperate attempt to rescue their friends and save a civilization already on its knees.”

Are you guys excited to see how things play out during these dark days…? I sure am!