West Coast Avengers popped off its first issue with a clever take on a dysfunctional team, and the dysfunction only gets worse in issue #2 this week. A team with a new good Ultron is already a red flag, but add in Firestar, who is reeling from her maltreatment during Fall of X, Blue Bolt being an ex-villain, and Tony Stark in a bad way, and you have yourself a team that may be better off disbanding asap. In issue #2, Firestar joins the team, a mission goes sideways, and a Secret Empire villain returns.
This issue reads like writer Gerry Duggan is having a ton of fun writing the series. The dialogue really pops, with an eclectic mix of jerks, punchy characters like Spider-Woman, and heroes like Tony Stark trying to keep it together, gritting his teeth.
The issue opens in the middle of a mission as Spider-Woman hides on the side of a helicopter, flying weapons to a boat off the coast. Given the powers of this team, you’d think they’d easily take out some criminals with guns, but we soon learn Stevil, aka Captain America of Secret Empire, who now goes by Grant Rogers, is the leader of the villainous group. While he does have powers, it’s rather embarrassing this crew couldn’t beat him, though Grant does require some misdirection to get away.
Nice kick!
Credit: Marvel
From there, and in between barbs further showing the dysfunction of the team, Firestar joins the crew, and she immediately causes trouble. The issue establishes her past trauma is still fresh, but also how she won’t play nice like some of the other members. This immediately leads to the cliffhanger, which was set up nicely in the last issue.
As far as art, Danny Kim and color artist Arthur Hesli keep the action fresh, especially in the Spider-Woman opening. Facial expressions like Spider-Woman gagging over Blue Bolt are effective in adding the comedic offbeat feel of the series. The art can look a little unfinished at times, though, with Iron Man rubbing his face, particularly looking off. For the most part, the art works well but can look unrefined here and there.
West Coast Avengers #2 builds on the chaotic energy of its debut, delivering sharp dialogue, entertaining character dynamics, and a fun mix of humor and action. While the art occasionally falters and the team struggles against Stevil strain believability, the issue sets up compelling conflicts and embraces its offbeat charm. Fans of unconventional team-ups and witty banter will find plenty to enjoy as the dysfunction ramps up.
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