Heroes Reborn #2 Review

Writer: Jason Aaron

Art: Ed McGuinness, Mark Morales, Matthew Wilson, VC’s Cory Petit, Leinil Francis Yu, and Sunny Gho

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Price:$3.99

Release Date: May 12th, 2021

Somehow, in some way, Blade is the only one who remembers what once was. He’s the only AVENGERS that recalls what the world was formerly like. You see, HEROES REBORN commenced with Blade waking up in a world similar to his own yet interestingly different. The SQUADRON SUPREME has taken the place of the AVENGERS and Phil Coulson is President of the United States. In searching for the truth, Blade finds THOR powerless without his hammer and probes the Arctic for the Super Solider CAPTAIN AMERICA. But as HEROES REBORN #1 comes to a close, it appears as though THOR’S powers may have reactivated while Blade opens Cap’s frosty tomb. Let’s jump into HEROES REBORN #2 by Jason Aaron to see what else is wrong with this crazy, mixed-up world while Aaron continues to explore the surroundings of this new reality.

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INVADERS FROM THE NEGATIVE ZONE

The essence of this installment of HEROES REBORN was ultimately to showcase the sheer SUPERMAN-like strength of Hyperion while he commandeers some of the super beings placed in the Negative Zone. In this reality, Hyperion uses Reed Richard’s and Ben Grimm as his lead scientists that control the Negative Zone as a type of prison for all the big bads. Aaron’s idea here is genius. If you were looking for a place to put Reed and Ben, this fits perfectly and makes total sense, as well as the intention of the Negative Zone.

Furthermore, Aaron continues his quick tour by creatively weaving in the side stories and tie-ins for this week as well. THE IMPERIAL GUARD, as well as THE AMAZING SHUTTERBUG, make an appearance in this issue. However, Peter Parker and his relationship with Hyperion seem drastically different from Aaron’s take. Aaron views the relationship as more of a SUPERMAN-Jimmy Olsen set up.

Nevertheless, Marc Bernardin’s tie-in sees their relationship quite differently, which kind of bothered this reviewer. Bernardin perceived Parker as angry and resentful towards Hyperion. Yet, Aaron sees Peter as an “old chum”. I, for one, appreciated Bernardin’s take and think everyone should read THE AMAZING SHUTTERBUG. (check out my review for it HERE) However, will that inevitably change my thoughts on the main title? Not necessarily. Still, it makes me question if Aaron is working in conjunction with the other writers as I thought they were prior.

HOW HYPE IS HYPE-MAN?

Good or bad, I question a few things in this issue. Now, they don’t inescapably make or break HEROES REBORN #2 yet I feel like it puts the event into a sticky situation. Hyperion, or as Ben Grimm calls him Hype-Man, is rather formidable. So formidable in fact, that he can literally fly through Galactus’ head and tear down so many other extremely powerful super beings. Look no further than Jugger-Doom in the last issue. My point: what happens when the AVENGERS return? And they will. Plus, (on a side note) why have writers recently been picking on the Devourer of Worlds?

Moreover, the way Aaron has written Hyperion places him on a level at or beyond SUPERMAN, whom he’s mirrored after. Now, this would be totally ok… if Aaron places in the proper clues along the way to de-power Hyperion. Can I say, as this issue comes to a close, I believe he’s doing just that? Nevertheless, they’re extremely sly, vague, and open-ended hints that “may” not be clues at all. Also, give the concluding pages with Blade another look as you read the issue. There’s something that just doesn’t feel right about Blade’s abilities around a supercharged Hyperion. Wouldn’t Hyperion be a bit more inquisitive about his interactions with the army veteran at the end of the story?

REACTION

Overall, this issue of HEROES REBORN is tons of fun and wildly entertaining. Again, fans can hop right into this story and be at the same level as any other fan would be, even those long invested in MARVEL COMICS. This is the perfect event to get any fan excited about comics again. Plus, Aaron continues to divulge more information about Hyperion, as well as the new reality readers find themselves in. There is relentless action immediately out of the gate continuing through to the suspenseful ending of the issue. And frankly, this story feels like the perfect Summer Blockbuster Movie. It has all the bells and whistles you’d expect. Suspense. Action. Mystery. Intrigue. Character development. What more could you want? Well… some clues as to what’s going on would be nice. Let’s hope we get them next week.

ART

Above, I stated that this comic feels like a Summer Blockbuster. Well, Ed McGuinness and his art team are the real reason why. The action and suspense are directly related to their expertise and illustrations. Look no further than the splash pages involving Hyperion fighting the plethora of escaped villains to see the tremendous detail and explosive color that leaps off each page. Yet, my favorite illustrations throughout HEROES REBORN #2 are McGuinness’s take on the HULK. I absolutely love this HULK. It’s practically perfect with its classic feel and tone. Together with Aaron’s story, I can’t help but find myself drawn to this event looking forward to next week.

FINAL THOUGHTS

HEROES REBORN #2 doesn’t disappoint. It’s mysterious, imaginative, and incredibly easy to read. It’s gripping and oftentimes made me feel a part of the narrative. The illustrations are dramatic and vibrant and help provide a solid balance to the story. Plus, there really is something for everyone in this series. I highly recommend giving HEROES REBORN a chance, as well as the tie-ins. Sure, I wish we had a bit more explanation as to what’s going on. However, Aaron’s past practice shows he will deliver all the answers we need in due time. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy this event while it unfolds. You’ll be glad you did. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God bless!