Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Jamie McKelvie & Mike Norton
Although this series had a very poor start, last issue was very enjoyable, and shows that the series can become a decent series, and I seriously hope that this promise continues in the next few issues, and hopefully even beyond that.
Plot
With Loki betraying them, the Young Avengers are left to face their parents alone. Meanwhile Loki has a fight with his conscience over whether to return and help the Young Avengers.
Review
Following a very enjoyable last issue, the first story arc in the new Young Avengers series ended on a relative high note, and although the series is still a little of the level of quality that I'd hoped for, this along with the last issue has shown promise for the series. Kieron Gillen has certainly improved the quality of his work on this series, and although his Iron Man series is still slightly poor, he's starting to show that he's still the great writer that brought us the fabulous Journey into Mystery. Gillen did a brilliant job of showing that this series could be fun, and entertaining throughout this issue, and although it's still far from being perfect, it is a vast improvement, on the slow, and dull pacing the first few issues had. Gillen also did a fantastic job with the action in this issue, as it was very exciting, and entertaining, adding more drama, and suspense to the story, which was brilliant. I also liked how Gillen didn't add as much humour to this issue, and the humour that was added was very funny, and appropriate, whereas in the past it has felt slightly forced, and unnecessary. I also loved how despite all the fun, and excitement that went on in this issue, that Gillen still made room to continue developing the character's emotions, and it really added more depth to the issue, whilst also yet again adding more drama.
The art from Jamie McKelvie, and Mike Norton was once again brilliant, and their art on this issue has probably been their best in the series so far. To be honest the art has been what's impressed me the most about this series, as it's so unique, and different that it really grabs my attention, and even when the story's poor, the art always pleases, and just seems to get better, and better. One of the things that I love the most about McKelvie, and Norton's artwork is they layouts, which are spectacular, and really add another level of awesomeness to the series, whilst also making it much more dynamic. Besides that the character's are also drawn perfectly, and the style really suits the series, being very fun, and vibrant. The detail in the artwork was also brilliant, and the character's facial expressions were handled perfectly, with their emotions being easy to understand. The art on the action sequences was also nothing short of phenomenal, as it really made the sequences feel that much more dramatic, adding a lot more impact to them, as well as more excitement.
Now the rest of my review may not be as long as usual, as due to there being less happening in this issue, along with the fact that I don't want to give away any major spoilers makes it hard to write a review at the length I usually write. Anyway lets start with how the Young Avengers dealt with Loki's betrayal, and how Wiccan blamed himself for this. The betrayal by Loki in last issue was a shock, but not a surprsise, as although I knew Loki was up to something I didn't think he'd blatantly betray them, although it is Loki after all. I did enjoy the way the Young Avengers reacted to this, seeing themselves as sitting ducks, but it was the depressing reaction Wiccan had that I enjoyed the most, as it was full of emotion, and made you feel for him, as although you could say that he shouldn't be so emotional, it's understandable considering the circumstances.
As Loki was away he was meditating, and getting bugged by his conscience, which resembled the younger Loki. For people who didn't read Journey into Mystery, the younger Loki swallowed Ikol (which possessed the spirit of the evil Loki) to save Asgard, allowing evil Loki to once again walk among us. I loved how the young Loki still resides in his body featuring as a conscience, as although this feels awful similar to what happened with Peter Parker in Superior Spider-Man, it was nice to see that the younger Loki wasn't forgotten, and that he will still play a role in Loki's life, by making him feel guilty about his actions. I did however also love how unlike with Superior Spider-Man both the conscience of young Loki, and the evil version that's in control of the body got to interact, which made it much more fun, and interesting. This did however beg the question whether this would cause Loki to have a change of heart, and return and help the Young Avengers, but I won't answer that to avoid spoilers.
The issue would however see the Young Avengers have it all out against the group of parents, and although I won't reveal as to the outcome of the fight, or any details, I will say what I though of it, and whether it was a worthy fight to end the first story arc. Now the fight was epic, and very exciting. I really enjoyed how each member managed to bring their all, and along with the amazing art, it was truly amazing. I did however find the ending to be a bit abrupt, as although I won't say any details as to avoid spoilers, it was a bit unexpected, and kind of ruined the rest of the fight, which was a shame.
Final Verdict
This series is still far from being at the level I hoped it'd be, but it deviantly's showing improvement, and this was a very exciting, and entertaining issue. It was also very emotional at times, and had brilliant action, and although there were a couple of disappointing factors involved in this issue, in general it was very good, and I hope this is a sign of things to come. I would highly recommend this issue as although not perfect it was still very good, but if you've not been following the series it may be better to wait until the next issue, as this was the end of a story, and may be confusing without the other issues.
Rating: 4/5
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artists: Jamie McKelvie & Mike Norton
Before this series started I was really looking forward to it as the teaser in the Marvel NOW! Point One issue was brilliant, but unfortunately it's been disappointing. I do however have faith that this series will become good, but if it's not consistently good, or at least interesting in the next story I may be dropping it.
Plot
Kate Bishop, and Noh-Varr return to help the rest of these Young Avengers, and after a visit from Noh-Varr's parents the question remains, can the Young Avengers trust Loki?
Review
This was surprisingly a very enjoyable issue, and if it continues like this there may be a lot of hope for the future of this series. To be fair this story has been very dull, and although this issue has been much better than the previous issues in the story I doubt I will have fond memories of it. Kieron Gillen hasn't really been doing well in Marvel NOW! so far, as both this series and Iron Man (which I dropped after the first story) have not really appealed to me, so it was nice to see him do good on this issue. Now this issue wasn't without it's flaws, and there were moments were it could have easily have been as poor as the last couple of issues, but Gillen did manage to give the fun vibe that I hope for in this type of series, as well as shock, and interest. I still think the whole foundations of this story with the weird parents isn't good, and can't wait for it too finish, but I am glad that it's at least exciting, and fun, with some humour, and amazing action. Gillen also surprising gave some brilliant emotion, as although he's shown that he can do this in previous series like Journey into Mystery he hasn't really done it that much in this series.
The art from Jamie McKelvie, and Mike Norton was once again amazing, and although I'm still not 100% sure on how the art's split between the two it doesn't stop it from being amazing. The detail in the artwork is brilliant, as everything looks perfect, whether small, or large details. The style of artwork that McKelvie, and Norton use on this series suits it brilliantly, as the cartoonish style helps to give more of a fun atmosphere to the series, which it needs. I also love the way it's laid out, and especially in the double page that shows Noh-Varr's actions in M.J's Nightclub. I also love how the characters themselves are drawn, as they look brilliant, and the facial expressions are handled brilliantly, adding more drama, and suspense to the issue. The action was also fabulously handled, being very dynamic, and entertaining, and overall McKelvie, and Norton did an amazing job. Matthew Wilson also did a brilliant job with the colouring, and they really suit the tone of the series, making McKelvie, and Norton's art look even more fun.
The main thing I was looking forward to with this issue was the return of Kate, and Noh-Varr to the series having not made an appearance since the first issue. I was a bit disappointed that they hadn't been involved as with Kate being my favourite of the Young Avengers, and also finding Noh-Varr's addition intriguing, it's been a shame that they haven't appeared, and although I've not minded seeing the focus Wiccan, Hulkling, Ms. America, and Loki, I'd have preferred if they'd been included. Anyway, they come back to the series in a big way, bringing ton's of excitement with them, and now that the whole of the Young Avengers are together this series may finally become something brilliant.
When Kate, and Noh-Varr reach the Young Avengers at M.J.'s Nightclub, Noh-Varr makes a brilliant entrance, crashing through the window, and attacking the weird creatures that appear to be the Young Avengers parents. Now there'll be a lot of people that will find this sequence a little too cheesy, but I enjoyed it, and the way the double page was laid out with the whole event laid out on a small scale, with a number key describing what's happening, as well as five side panels that zoom into the action was brilliant, and very unique. It was also visually very dynamic, and added another level of fun to a series that needs to be as fun as it can be.
Now this doesn't really affect the story, but there was a nice page showing Captain America, and Thor sitting in Avengers Mansion whilst the Young Avengers try and escape from their false parents. This was a really fun sequence, and although I questioned how Cap, and Thor missed the action outside, it did add some light humour to the issue. It was also nice that Cap, and Thor made another appearance (having appeared with the rest of the Avengers Unity Squad in the second issue), and although it could have been better it was still fun.
Can the Young Avengers trust Loki? Wait a minute didn't I ask this question last review? I did, but the question continues into this issue, as Loki persists in trying to persuade Wiccan to give him his powers for ten minutes. Now in a way this is a bit dull, as it's repeating something from the previous issue, but I liked how it continued as it showed the mentality of Loki, as well as continuing to ask the question whether Loki is trustworthy. Obviously the answer's no, but until the Young Avengers trust him they won't find out. I won't go right out and reveal whether they trust Loki in this issue or not, but the fact that they were considering it's interesting enough, and the build-up to making the decision was very suspenseful, and dramatic. The decision itself was also very interesting, and without spoiling, or revealing I'm looking forward to seeing how it develops in next issues conclusion.
Final Verdict
This was a surprisingly brilliant issue, and probably equal to best along with the first issue. It showed that the series could still be fun, and although it's still far from perfect, with the base of this story still being terrible, it shows hope for the future of this series, and that the next story might actually be good. I would recommend this issue, but not the series as a whole so far, as with only two good issues, as well as two poor it's probably better to either get this issue for the fun it holds, or wait for the next story to start (issue 5).
Rating: 4/5
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artists: Jamie McKelvie & Mike Norton
I was really looking forward to this series before it came out, hoping for a fun series, but to be honest it hasn't been as good as I'd hoped for, and just keeps getting worse. Hopefully it turns round though, as I'd still like this to be a good series.
Plot
Wiccan and Hulkling are stopped by Laufey when taking Loki to Asgard, getting attacked by the Frost Giant, and when Ms. America comes to help she is followed by her parents.
Review
This was another disappointing issue, and both this issue, and the entire series has been a bit slow so far. Kieron Gillen hasn't done a terrible job of this series, but he hasn't half gave us a slow story, that doesn't really show much of the characters characteristics, and that's overall a bit dull. I really didn't like Gillen's Iron Man series, as it was overall poor, and I was seriously hoping that he didn't continue that quality into this series, but somehow he has, and I don't know why, as his previous work on Loki during his Journey into Mystery run was brilliant, and one of the main reasons that I decided to get this series. I do however commend him for coming up with a fairly unique storyline, it's just a shame that it's poor, but hopefully it picks up soon. Gillen did however do a decent job with the dialogue, and although the storyline itself is dull, the dialogue between characters has been fun, and shows that with the right storyline that this series could be brilliant.
Jamie McKelvie, and Mike Norton continue to produce some brilliant artwork, and it's been one of the best things about this series so far. I'm still not 100% sure how the art is split up between the two artists, as all the art looks very similar, and without seeing either artist's previous work I can't make comparisons from that. I did however get a comment on my previous review, with the theory that McKelvie does the character art, and Norton does the background art, which kind of makes sense. Either way the characters in this series are drawn brilliantly, and although the art overall isn't the best I've ever seen, the cartoon style of it suits the fun nature that this book should have, and overall makes the series more fun. The background art is also brilliant, and has ton's of detail, but the art in general is very well detailed. The colours from Matthew Wilson are also brilliant, and they really help set the tone of the series, making the art look more fun, even if the story isn't.
There was a small battle between Wiccan, and Hulkling against Laufey at the start of this issue, and this part was actually very fun, and exciting, unlike most of the issue, but it still had it's bad points. it was really the layout, and artwork that made this sequence fun, and to be honest the dialogue was a little boring. I also felt that the fight was unrealistic, as either Laufey would kill them easily, or Wiccan would use his magic to make Laufey disappear a lot sooner than he did. Id did however like that we saw a small sequence before this were Volstagg, and Heimdall talk about them fighting, as although pointless, and unnecessary it was fun.
The fight also gets a bit poor near the end when Ms. America arrives. Don't get me wrong I was happy to see the arrival of Ms. America, as this hasn't really felt like a team book so far, and needs more characters working together, but it was the fact that she was followed by her parents that let it down. I know that this is needed to develop the story, but it didn't half take the buzz, and excitement out of the issue, making the ending of the fight a bit anticlimactic. The dialogue between Ms. America, and her parents was also a bit awkward, and although I liked how we get to see the feistiness of her, it did feel a bit unnatural, and overall made the issue even slower than it already was.
Where have Kate Bishop and Noh-Varr been? They both made an appearance in the first issue, but haven't made even small appearances since. I know that they're both meant to be making more of an appearance in the next issue, but it's still annoying that they haven't featured in the series as much so far, as Kate is my favourite character from the Young Avengers, and although I've enjoyed seeing her in Hawkeye I was hoping to see more of her in this series. Although not a huge fan I've also enjoyed seeing Noh-Varr in the Marvel Universe since he appeared in Dark Avengers, and was looking forward to seeing more of him in this series also. I also feel that their absence makes for a less team like feel to the series, and although I can see that Gillen is gradually building up the team, I'd have hoped that it'd have happened by now, but hopefully the wait till next issue pays off (but I won't hold my breath).
Can the Young Avengers trust Loki? I won't go into too much detail on this as to avoid spoilers, but basically Loki offers a solution, but needs the Young Avengers (what's there is of them so far) to do something for him. This bodes the question, can the Young Avengers trust Loki?, and the natural answer is no. No matter how hard Loki tries to be good he should never be trusted, as he's nearly always scheming, and although some may think he deserves a break once in a while, I say at the characters own peril. I do however seeing the need for the young Avengers to trust Loki to a certain point eventually, even if not completely, as for him to become a valid part of the team he'll need it, but I do look forward to the day Loki betrays them (it's bound to happen sooner or later), assuming he stays with the team long enough.
There was also a nice reference to HBO series Game of Thrones in this issue, and although it does nothing to the overall rating of this issue I felt that it was worth the mention, as being a fan of the show I found the comments quite amusing.
Final Verdict
This series has been very poor, and I desperately hope that it get's better soon. I would recommend this at your own peril, as to be honest this issue, along with the series has been poor, and I wouldn't recommend it so far, but I hope the series picks up, as it has ton's of potential. Basically I'd recommend leaving this story and seeing what the feedback is on the next one.
Rating: 3/5
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artists: Jamie McKelvie & Mike Norton
I really enjoyed the first issue of this series, and have been looking forward to this issue since. It looks like it's going to be a very fun series, and I hope that it continues to be as good, if not better than the first issue.
Plot
Wiccan notices that his spell to bring Hulkling's mother hasn't went as good as he'd hoped when she starts controlling what they do. They need help... from Loki.
Review
I have to be honest I was quite disappointed in this issue. After a decent start I was expecting the series to get better, not worse, but unfortunately it has. The reason I think that caused this issue to be poor was that it only really centred around two of the Young Avengers, three if you count Loki. I've really been looking forward to seeing them as a team, and unfortunately it hasn't happened yet. I do however have to be fair to Kieron Gillen as he's still done a decent job, and it still had some fun moments. I also think that the only real way to progress this type of story is by having a slower paced issue. I do however hope that this isn't a sign of things to come as Gillen's Iron Man series was both very poor, and very inconsistent, hence why I dropped it, and I don't want that happening to this series.
Jamie McKelvie, and Mike Norton's art was once again very good. To be honest unless it said in the credits I wouldn't notice that there was more than one artist on this series, as the artwork looks very consistent. I really think that the cartoon feel really suits this series, as it gives the fun atmosphere that the series needs. The art is also very detailed throughout, and although it's not mind-blowing, it's still very good, and very consistent. I also like the way that the emotion is shown in the artwork, as with the type of story you really need it. The colours from Matthew Wilson were also brilliant, and really helped set the tone, and mood of the series.
The story itself wasn't terrible, it just wasn't that good. I have to be honest it was the three characters featured in this that I wanted to see the most throughout the series, as although Kate Bishop is my favourite character out of the Young Avengers, she's also featured in Hawkeye. Also Wiccan, and Hulkling are the characters I want to know the best, as although I know some things I don't know everything, whereas I know more about Kate. I've also been looking forward to seeing how Loki is involved in all this, so was happy to see him involved. The lack of the other characters didn't help though, as it was really noticeable that Kate,Noh-Varr, and Miss America were missing.
I do however think that having Hulkling's "mother" as the bad guy is very interesting, as after being without her for so long to have her supposedly brought back, and find out that it's not really her, and that she's evil has to be hard to handle. I do however have some concerns about her presence though, as she's a bit creepy, and confusing at times. I do however look forward to seeing more of this.
The Uncanny Avengers also appear in this issue. Although it's been a disappointing series I have enjoyed the Uncanny Avengers as a team, and look forward to seeing more of them, so when I noticed that they would be in this issue I was very happy. It was also nice as due to Scarlet Witch being on that team it gives chance for Wiccan and her to interact, as it was revealed that she's his mother. I did however fins their appearance a bit weird, and necessary. I do however hope that Scarlet Witch is featured in the series in the future, and that it's in a longer sequence.
The boxes that Wiccan and Hulkling were put in were a bit random. As I don't know much about their past I don't exactly know what the boxes are. I can assume that they are in another dimension, and kind of like a prison, but besides that I don't know. I also found the addition of them a bit weird, and unnecessary, but if anyone understands it better than me, and in a way that makes more sense then let me know in the comments section. The only good thing about that sequence was that it was a perfect place to introduce Loki,
Seems I was talking about Loki, I might as well finish by talking more about his appearance. I won't say to much as to avoid spoilers, but as I said earlier I'm very interested to see what Loki's role in this series is. It was the addition of Loki that made me decide to get this series in the first place, as although I was interested in the team before that I was more interested after hearing that he'd be a member. Anyway his role is still a bit mysterious, but it was interesting to see him interact with Wiccan, and Hulking, and I'm looking forward to learn more about his appearance in this series down the line. Sorry if I was brief on that subject, just wanted to avoid spoilers.
Final Verdict
Although not as good as the previous issue, and slightly disappointing this was still a decent issue. I'm in two minds whether to recommend this issue or not. In hindsight I would recommend this series, as I expect it to be good in the next few issues, and it'd be a shame to miss one issue in the story. Also I felt that the story needed this slow period to help progress the story. On the other hand it'd probably be better to wait till another couple of issues are out, and see what kind of reception they get, but for anyone that bought issue 1 I'd recommend getting this.
Rating: 3.5/5
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artists: Jamie McKelvie & Mike Norton
I've never really been a fan of Young Avengers having never really read them, but after hearing that Loki would be joining them, as well as Kieron Gillen writing I thought I'd give it a try, and have been looking forward to reading it.
Plot
This issue is split into separate stories that introduce the characters, which includes former Young Avengers Wiccan, Hulkling, and Kate Bishop, and the new additions of Noh-Varr, Miss America, and Loki.
Review
Although this issue wasn't quite as good as I expected it to be, it was still a very good issue, and an excellent start to the series, introducing the characters perfectly. I loved Gillen's work on Journey Into Mystery, which also featured Loki, so expected brilliant things from this series, but after seeing his terrible work on the new Iron Man series I was no longer sure how good this series would be. Although like I said earlier this issue wasn't perfect, I still think that this type of series suits Gillen's style of writing much more than Iron Man does. I loved that Gillen took the time to introduce all the characters as for people like me, who only know a little about them, it's a brilliant way to get fully introduced without jumping straight into a story. At the same time it's not quite Young Avengers yet, as not all of the characters are together yet, but I hope that happens next issue, as at the end of the day this needs to feel like a team series.
The art from Jamie McKelvie is amazing, and although I'm not familiar with any of his work, it really suits this series. The art has a cartoon feel towards it, but it's still got ton's of detail, and I feel that the look is perfect for this type of series,giving the fun vibe that's expected in a fun series. McKelvie also does a brilliant job of drawing people, and although it'snot the best art I've ever seen, it is still very good, and consistent, with all the panels having tremendous detail. He also draws the characters emotions, and expressions perfectly, as you can really feel the emotion throughout, and especially in the sequence featuring Wiccan, and Hulkling. Besides great detail McKelvie also draws some amazing action sequences, and I really think that his art will make this series phenomenal, and hope he stays on for a long time.
The story was a little over the place to introduce all the characters, but the issue starts with Kate Bishop wake up in Noh-Varr's house in space. I thought this was a brilliant sequence, as although we get to see Kate get involved in the series we also get to see some development in Noh-Varr's characteristics. I've been enjoying seeing Kate in the current Hawkeye series, and am happy to see her in this series, but it was whilst reading I became more interested in Noh-Varr. Although he's made many appearances over the last few years, mainly in Avengers series he has always been a bit mysterious, so to see some character development was nice. I especially liked how he was staying near earths he could continue listening to music.
The most interesting sequence in this issue however had to be the sequence featuring Wiccan, and Hulkling. As I said earlier I'm not overly familiar with the Young Avengers, or it's characters, and I was surprised to find out Wiccan, and Hulkling were lovers. Don't get me wrong I'm not against same sex relationships, and it wouldn't be the first time I've seen it in comics, but all the same it was still a surprise. Moving that aside, I felt that this was a very moving, and emotional sequence, as Wiccan was upset that Hulkling was out fighting crime, as apparently the former Young Avengers agreed to stop being super heroes. The thing that made this sequence emotional however was how Hulkling went on to talk about him not having parents, and that he fell in love with Wiccan because he was a super hero. It's hard to explain the actual emotion, but this showed that due to having no parents, that the only things Hulking cared about were Wiccan, and being a super hero.
The sequence I expected to be the best in this issue was the meeting between Loki, and Miss America. This was what was featured in Marvel NOW! Point One, and due to loving the mini sequence in that I expected it to be the best in this issue. It was however still a very good sequence, and the only reason it wasn't, was due to the emotion in the Wiccan/Hulkling sequence. As I said earlier, it was Loki's involvement in this series that got me interested in the first place, and after seeing him in this issue I wasn't disappointed. Gillen continued writing Loki as well as he did in JIM, but this time he added a bit of humor to him. I especially liked how how he described his brother Thor as being fond of his hammer. It will be interesting to see how Loki fits into this team, and I'm also interested to see if Thor will ever make an appearance, as Loki caused Thor quite a lot of grief last time we saw him. I'll also be looking forward to seeing some more development into the Miss America character, as besides her being extremely angry with Loki there wasn't much of it in this issue.
Final Verdict
This was a very good issue, and I still have high hopes for this series. The issue itself was far from perfect, but it was a great start, and makes it easy for brand new readers to like this series. I would highly recommend this issue, and am extremely looking forward to the next issue.
Rating: 4/5
