Finally, a breath of fresh air. It has been a very dark past few weeks for the Spider-Man and Venom cast of characters, given the crossover event King in Black. But with this special treat, we finally get a light-hearted, romantic and sweet story about the newlyweds, Wiccan and Hulkling… one of my favorite comic book couples of all time. But in true Marvel fashion, weddings and honeymoons never go right, and never go peaceful. Unfortunately for our lovebirds, their little escape to the Shi’ar beach resort was rudely interrupted by Knull’s space-dragons and alien symbiote invasion. Good vibes!
OFFICIAL MARVEL COMICS DESCRIPTION:
King in Black: Wiccan and Hulkling #1
STORY BY: Tini Howard
ART BY: Luciano Vecchio
COVER BY: Jim Cheung, Peach Momoko, Russell Dauterman
NO TIME TO CELEBRATE!
Wiccan and Hulkling are freshly off the marriage altar and overdue for a proper celebration. So when the Shi’ar invite them for an all-expenses paid vacation at their glitziest beach resort, you know Wiccan’s already got their bags packed. But they’ll have to hold the champagne — because Knull and his symbiote army are expanding across the galaxy! Tini Howard and Luciano Vecchio give everyone’s favorite Young Avengers a honeymoon to die for!
LOVE WINS!
PROS:
- As hinted earlier in my introduction, I am just so glad we are given a less serious chapter or tie-in for King in Black. We really needed this kind of love story, and it was a pleasant surprise to me, personally, that this important stage in their relationship would be tackled in a Venom mega-event. Wiccan and Hulkling are a power-couple, and they rightfully deserve this spotlight given to them this week.
- It is exciting to see Hulkling growing into his role as an emperor. And similar to previous clashes with Black Panther, Namor, and Deadpool (King of Monsters, don’t you forget)… there is just so much added gravitas when the King in Black Knull goes up against royalty. It is also a worthy initiation for Hulkling, a true test of his leadership and exercise of power. Wiccan also has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, perhaps even more so because he is Hulkling’s support system now. At the same time, Hulkling has to come to terms with the fact that he married a wizard, which he specifically brought up. Being the lifelong romantic partner of a wizard, a sorcerer, or any kind of magic-practitioner also has its own difficulties, as exhibited with other relationships and romances. Honestly, it doesn’t seem very convenient or easy to be in love with Scarlet Witch, for example. But ultimately, love is stronger than any kind of threat, inside or out, and I have a good feeling these two are going in for the long haul.
- You can’t help but feel for Wiccan, as it seems all he wants is a nice, relaxing vacation, with some champagne, solo quiet time with Hulkling, and perhaps some time away from all the glitz, glamour and burden of being royalty. It will be interesting to see how Wiccan deals with the role of Hulkling as Emperor, and how the couple will balance out their personal life with the challenges of being king and superhero.
- Wiccan using his powers to ignite the light against the symbiotes was a delight to watch. These two young heroes have come a long way. This is truly the future of the Marvel Universe.
CONS:
- Is doing a legit, peaceful wedding or honeymoon that impossible in real life??? Married readers out there, let me know!
FINAL GRADE: A++
I have been following these characters from the first time they were introduced to the Marvel Universe. This is definitely a major milestone in their lives, and this issue was a perfect opportunity to set them on their new path in life. Being a superhero, king, and wizard, they have to know in the back of their heads that life is not going to get any easier, especially now that they are ruling over an empire. But now that they have each other, forever, their bond and union means they will not be facing any dangers or threats alone. There is a bright future for these two. I wonder who the next couple getting married will be…
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