There’s a second within the newest Marvel crossover comedian that hits like a repulsor blast to the chest, a remaining stand, a determined mission, and a message that feels ripped straight from the Avengers: Endgame finale. Marvel simply stated goodbye to Tony Stark yet again, however this time it’s not in a serious superhero film launch however in a comic book the place the billionaire playboy philanthropist goes up in opposition to one thing darker, stranger, and dripping with acid blood. And, whereas the setting could also be cosmic horror as a substitute of cinematic spectacle, the emotional weight? Yeah, it nonetheless lands like a Stark Industries bomb.
The fourth and remaining subject of the Aliens vs. Avengers miniseries, written by Jonathan Hickman with jaw-dropping artwork by Esad Ribić, wraps with a sacrifice straight out of an MCU fever dream. However this isn’t the youthful genius from the Iron Man MCU flicks we’re used to. That is an older, grayer Stark. A person who’s seen all of it, misplaced much more, and chooses to exit on his personal phrases. What does he go away behind? Not only a path of alien our bodies, however a recorded message that hits like a vibranium punch to the intestine:
Avenge all of our fallen brothers and sisters. Avenge all our fallen worlds. And if you happen to don’t thoughts it an excessive amount of… avenge me.
Full physique chills, proper? “Avenge me.” Yeah, that’s a line that may follow you for awhile.
So right here’s the short recap for many who don’t sustain with all issues comedian guide associated. A corrupted Mr. Sinister decides to weaponize the Alien franchise’s deadliest beasties, and issues get ugly. Earth’s Mightiest Heroes gear up for an intergalactic showdown that makes the Battle of New York appear to be a mosh pit. And, by the point the mud settles, Tony’s gone, however the job’s removed from over.
As an alternative of wrapping issues up with a neat little “we saved the galaxy” bow, Stark’s message mainly offers the Avengers a brand new mission: maintain preventing. Not simply of their universe. In each universe. Yep, this factor simply went full MCU Multiverse.
And if that sounds just like the setup for a sequel? It completely is.
Let’s get actual, when Marvel first introduced Aliens vs. Avengers, loads of of us (together with this author) assumed it was simply one other model mash-up designed to promote variant covers and motion figures. However then Jonathan Hickman walked in like, “What if we really made it good?” And yeah, they did.
The consequence? A bloody, daring, surprisingly emotional crossover that manages to honor each franchises. You’ve obtained Venom screaming at a Xenomorph queen. You’ve obtained Mr. Sinister being his regular high-camp nightmare. You’ve obtained Stark being classic Stark, sensible, self-destructive, and able to take one remaining swing for the workforce.
Right here’s the twist: this Tony could also be gone, however the multiverse means Iron Man by no means actually dies. If Aliens vs. Avengers does get a spherical two, and after that remaining web page, I’m betting it can, don’t be shocked if one other model of Stark exhibits as much as keep it up the mission. Perhaps one with a beard from a unique timeline. Perhaps one who’s a Xenomorph. Or, if we need to get actual “pie within the sky,” maybe a crossover with the likes of Stark/Doom that’s presumably set to look within the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. (Okay, most likely not that final one… however one can dream.)
Within the meantime, Tony Stark’s newest dying would possibly simply be one in every of his most potent demises. The story’s obtained coronary heart and horror, but it surely’s obtained one remaining mic-drop that deserves a gradual, Robert Downey Jr.-esque clap.
Aliens vs. Avengers #4 is now out there wherever you buy your comics. Simply be sure you carry a flamethrower. As for the subsequent MCU flick on the 2025 film schedule, the upcoming Unbelievable 4: First Steps is scheduled to land in theaters on July 25.