Abrams ComicArts, in collaboration with MarvelArts, has a released an all-new graphic novel by Chip Kidd and Michael Cho entitled The Avengers in The Veracity Trap. This is a fully contained, one-off story set during the Silver Age years of the Avengers, when Stan Lee and Jack Kirby were the creative team on the series.

This doesn’t mean you need to have a PhD in Avengers continuity to enjoy and follow this story. Kidd’s script is entirely new-reader friendly and chock-full of nostalgia for older readers, especially those who have read the Lee/Kirby era of Marvel comics. To inhabit his story, Kidd chose a classic lineup of Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, Wasp, and Giant Man, all in their 1960s costumes. What transpires is a fourth-wall-bursting adventure in which the Avengers are confronted with ultimate truth about their origins. And yes, Kidd and Cho are well aware that this is well-trodden territory in comics, and that self-awareness is part of the story’s charm.

I want to start with Cho’s art because without his ability to capture the frenetic energy of Kirby’s style, the “Veracity Trap!” wouldn’t feel as grounded in the Silver Age. The character designs, from the heroes to Loki’s minions, all echo that early era. The titular trap also gives off the traditional “Kirby dots” to indicate its massive power. Not to spoil too much of the story, but the action does venture from Asgard into more pedestrian, everyday settings. Here, too, that 1960s vibe shines through in the choices of furniture and clothing. Cho’s ink and color work over his own pencils amplifies the Silver Age feel, and I particularly enjoyed the use of color to express the powers of the veracity trap.

Kidd’s story really brings out the old-school personalities of his characters. This feels like a Silver Age comic I happened to discover in my local comic shop. The old-school quips (I loved hearing Captain America refer to Iron-Man as shellhead.) really bring that feeling home. The adventure may be draped in Silver Age wrapping, but current aspects of the Marvel universe do seep in. For one, the Loki of this story is the God of Stories, just like his current modern incarnation. He may look like the old Loki, but this is not the God of Mischief. Although the change goes against the setting a bit, it is necessitated by the story and a good choice by Kidd and Cho.

Loki’s plotting aside, at its heart, this is a story about why these characters have resonated with the readers for all these years. In many ways it explores why we became fans in the first place and why the Avengers have become so important to us as our modern-day myths. These stories have shaped our lives. For me they have been a comfort in the difficult times I faced as a kid. They also taught us about selflessness and standing up for those in need. Myths have power because they inspire us to be better people and to fight for a better society. The Avengers are real because they have real impact.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its tender message to readers – a funny and poignant read that reminded me why I love this hobby in the first place. That’s a real gift. And yes, this premise may have been done before, but rarely in such an uplifting manner. All fans should pick this up – a real treat.

Creative Team: Chip Kidd (Story and Script), Michael Cho (Script, Art and Color)
Publisher: Abrams ComicArts / MarvelArts
Click here to purchase.