Marvel Media Mania: Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow

Next Avengers is a direct-to-DVD animated feature released in 2008.

Finally, Avengers with something to avenge!

The beginning of this animated movie does a good job filling in the viewer on the alternate Marvel future that it exists in. The backstory is that the Avengers ushered in world peace after defeating, for good, a number of supervillains (including Kang, Zemo's Masters of Evil, and, strangly, Korg). The Avengers then retire, get married, and have children only to have Ultron strike, seemingly kill them all, and take over half the world. The future children of today's Avengers, cared for by an elderly Tony Stark, are the focus of the film.

The roster is directly inspired by the adult Avengers - Pym is the son of Wasp and Giant Man. Azari is the son of Black Panther and (it is implied) Storm. Torunn is the daughter of Thor. James is the son of Captain America and the Black Widow. They eventually meet Hawkeye, the son of (you guessed it) Hawkeye. The character designs are all pretty unique, updated versions of the old characters' costumes. I liked how Pym looked like a firefly when shrunken down. Azari is probably the best design (I really liked the "electric Panther) but Torunn's chest armor just looks awkwardly drawn.

The movie wastes no time throwing in the action and doesn't have any lack of style. I liked it when the "sky" is suddenly revealed to be a holographic projection onto a dome - what a twist! Ultron's TV room and trophy room were also very cool. The film didn't a great job of building Ultron up as a real threat.

Each character is given a very clearly defined personality. In the great Marvel tradition they don't always get along or agree. Each character is given his or her own issues and character arc through the story. Seeing James and Torunn deal with their abandonment issues probably really resonates with a lot of kids today who don't see their fathers.

All in all, this film is a strong entry in the Marvel animated library that young and old will both enjoy.

1LR Review - 16 out of 20 - It's a Hit!