War of the Realms | New Agents of Atlas #1

05.11.2019 – The War of the Realms saga rages on as Marvel goes global in introducing already established characters in the main universe. With The New Agents of Atlas #1, the brand takes it further in cementing their interest that Marvel is invested in Asia with most of the characters from China, Korea, and the Philippines. This is not the first time a secret society founded by the Atlas Foundation known as “Agents of Atlas” was introduced, but a new roster representing a brand new team led by one of its founding members named Jimmy Woo formerly known as Yellow Klaw is now the new leader of the group that featured Amadeus Cho (Brawn), Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel), Cindy Moon (Silk), and Shang-Chi, the Master of Kung-Fu. There’s a promise that Marvel plans to expand internationally and introduces new characters and the creative team between Greg Pak and Gang Hyuk Lim delivered what Asian fans hoped for with the appearance of Aero and Sword Master are two original Chinese characters appearing online at NetEase Comics. Then you got Korean characters like the first K-Pop crime fighter, Luna Snow, and the duo of Crescent and Lo. But local fans in the Philippines are pumped up for The Newest Filipino Superhero, Wave from the concept design of Leinil Yu.

Although the cover doesn’t depict most of the new characters it clearly establishes that Marvel is clearly all-in tapping not only talent but original concept characters that you’ll be looking forward to in the next few months.

This is the first of four issue limited series that ties up to the major War of the Realms that Greg Pak has been tasked to write the arc with the new characters. The synopsis gives you the idea where this is set in the greater arc for War of the Realms…

A WAR OF THE REALMS TIE-IN! As Sindr, Immortal Queen of Muspelheim, and her legions of Fire Demons march on Asia, it’s time for a new band of heroes to unite to protect the Pacific Rim. Having brought together a ragtag team of heroes to defend the Earth from an alien invasion in the past, can Amadeus Cho reassemble his “protectors” -- Shang-Chi, Silk and Jimmy Woo to save the world from incineration? And where is Kamala Khan? And just who are Crescent, Io and Luna Snow??? Featuring Marvel’s newest heroes from China, AERO, and SWORDMASTER, and a mysterious new Filipino heroine named WAVE!

Scattered all over Asia you get introduced to Wave and Aero with a little bit of political that mirrors reality with the South China Sea and Scarborough Shoal. The attack opens the introduction of Sindr, the Immortal Queen of Muspelheim. Some scenes in Korea bring you also the introduction of Crescent, Io and Luna Snow. While the established new team that comprised of Amadeus Cho (Brawn), Shang-Chi, Silk and founding member Jimmy Woo.

There’s plenty of visual action but the constant verbal battle is between Amadeus and Kamala as members of Champions butting heads while things go gloriously terrible. Greg Pak and Gang Hyuk Lim gives you what heroes you’ll see on this of the world with Filipinos as passionate they are excited to Wave’s introduction and first appearance even though just about less than five pages it is a big deal that Marvel has already have plans for the character in the future with this first issue an interesting jumping point to new readers too.

Overall amidst the chaos of Sindr there was already hype surrounding this title. But the take away is there will be new readers who will definitely pick up this issue despite some have no idea what’s really happening with War of the Realms.

RATING: 7.5