Review # 117: "Avengers: Absolute Vision Book 2"

At its heart, "Absolute Vision" is a pretty darn good - if basic - story. It has a slow burn that keeps you guessing, and paints Vision - a major character - in a way that makes him difficult to figure out. One moment he's stoic and robotic, the next he's smiling and speaking like a first-class politician. The synthezoid is clearly up to something, and while it's pretty easy to figure out on your own, reading as the Avengers clue in is entertaining.

However, this stage of Roger Stern's run has a big problem. While the Vision story is well done, it's worked in as a subplot over a long, long stretch of mediocre-to-poor issues. Dull stories involving the Dire Wraiths, the Eternals (who form into a giant brain for some reason) and more.

After the Avengers deal with these distractions, they return to Avengers mansion to find Vision has taken over every computer in the world in a bid for peace. Instead of a climactic fight, though, this turns to a philosophical discussion about freedom. Vision appears to all of his teammates in different garb, each suited to who he's addressing. It's almost chilling in a way. The ending isn't much of a surprise, particularly to anyone who's watched a handful of episodes of Star Trek. I will say that the Avengers have nothing on Captain Kirk, as they're unable to make Vision explode by talking him into a logic error.

I can't help but leave this book, though, feeling confused over the high praise Roger Stern commonly receives for his time writing the title. This is pedestrian stuff, including the overall arc. With a few more volumes ahead (including a second look for me at "Under Siege,") I hope that changes.

Rating: 6/10