Remender really embraces the Mojo concept in this issue, turning the annual into a fun critique of modern comics. Mojo meets with a bunch of network executives who inform him that "structured character arcs, foundation, stories with 'something to say'" take longer and cost more to produce. They encourage him instead to create a story "to confound the masses, spinning an endless web of strange mysteries that keep...feeble-minded viewers lost and guessing." The executives posit that no one will admit that they're confused and will therefore embrace the story.
To my mind, it's basically Remender's lament over the type of stories that Hickman tells, with each month only adding to the confusion of the previous issue, rather than the ones that Remender tells, with each month adding to the intricacy of the overall plot. Compare and contrast "Avengers World" #5 and "Uncanny Avengers" #21 to see my point.
Mojo follows the executive's advice, creating the "Avengers of the Supernatural" and using them to kidnap the Uncanny Avengers. "Act Two" of this play involves Mojo throwing both teams of Avengers into high school, the ultimate audience draw. It's honestly worth the price of admission to see Alex's "elitist outsider," complete with sexy tank-top, fighting with Thor's aggressive jock. Combined with Remender's spot-on critique of the modern comic-book story, Renaud's solid art, and Adams' gorgeous cover, this hilarious framing device makes this issue a gem of meta proportions.
*** (three of five stars)
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