The Savage Avengers have to give their all to stop Thulsa Doom and Set to save the future in Savage Avengers #5, by writer David Pepose, artist Carlos Magno, colorist Espen Grundetjern, and letterer Travis Lanham. This final part of the story packs action and character development, with a great little twist ending.

This issue really needs to be experienced, so the synopsis is going to be as brief as possible. The Savage Avengers throw themselves into the battle against Thulsa Doom and Set. Each gives it their all, coming through in their unique, but only one of can win the fight, staying behind to close the portal. The rest of Avengers jump forward in time, but land somewhere they weren’t expecting, met by a familiar face… or skull in this case.

Pepose has been killing it every issue so far, and this one is no different. There are few writers in the industry today who can match him when it comes to laying an exciting action scene. Unlike others, he knows how to stretch them out and keep readers engaged. This issue is one long fight scene, but it never feels long. In fact, the battle keeps readers engaged completely throughout the battle. Pepose does this by not only making things exciting, but also by throwing nice little character moments throughout the issue. It’s not only a satisfying battle, but it drops some plot elements for Pepose to pick up later in the book.

Of course, for anyone who knows the Conan ownership drama, it’s easy to figure out who makes the big sacrifice this issue. Since the news broke, readers have been wondering how Conan was going out. Suffice it to say, he comes back in this issue and makes the big sacrifice, staying behind. That Marvel trusts Pepose to tell the last story of a character with a history at the publisher like Conan says a lot about the writer. Conan’s final scenes in a Marvel comic are amazing and a homage to the character’s previous adventures in the classic Conan comics. It’s a wonderful ending to his time at Marvel. The issue’s ending is a great cliffhanger, as well, setting the team on a new path.

Magno and Grundetjern knock it out of the park, but saying that feels almost rote by now. This is an action heavy issue, and Pepose gives them a lot to draw. From Set to Weapon H’s ultimate form to Anti-Venom transforming into a dragon, there are some breathtaking visuals in this issue. The fight scenes are gorgeous, well laid out, and engaging. Conan’s final scenes are wonderful, with Magno and Grundetjern pulling out multiple styles to get across the moments in the character’s history, down to a gorgeous full page spread.

Savage Avengers #5 sticks the landing and there’s no two ways about it. Pepose, Magno, Grundetjern, and Lanham not only close out this story, but Conan’s time in Marvel with style and aplomb. This issue has it all and this book remains at the top of the heap at Marvel.

Grade: A+