West Coast Avengers #3
Matthew David Clarke
Recap
Dawn on the west coast and Tigra welcomes the day by ripping the the roof off of Kate’s bedroom and grabbing Hawkeye. This initiates a giant sized x-men, I mean giant sized battle with B.R.O.D.O.K.’s minions that continues throughout the whole issue.
Clint is initially of the opinion that the gloves are off, he orders Quentin to shut Tigra down. Not one for getting hung up on ethical quandaries Quire, of course, obliges.
Kate recognizes tattoos on one of the giants and realizes that they are B.R.O.D.O.K.’s former patients, they’re innocent civilians. The team modify their tactics and America transports Kate to B.R.O.D.O.K.’s lab, where she is quickly caught, zapped and captured.
Gwenpool reveals to Quire that she doesn’t have any powers. Tigra wakes up, both from being shut down and from B.R.O.D.O.K.’s mind control. She assists in beating the snot out of the other giants.
America and Gentleman-Hawkeye travel to the lab to find…
Review
To be honest, when I read the recap page I was expecting more of the same, I’m not a fan of the quirky tone.
But Kate’s shorts in the first panel, made me smile and the issue starts strong with drama right off the bat, which is an important improvement on the previous issues. It is a shame they missed an obvious opportunity for an Ozymandias reference though.
It seems like the characters and the team as a whole are getting fleshed out. I really like what Kelly Thompson is doing with Quire-Pool.
On the one hand it makes Quentin suddenly sympathetic while with Gwen you’re not sure whether to be impressed by her or fear for her.
America Chavez remains an absolute badass and is rapidly becoming one of my favourite characters (though Laura Kinney’s spot at the top is unassailable – noticing a pattern there are you?)
Johnny’s powers have gotten a boost from some vibranium piercings, it’s unclear if he had these in previous issues… I’m not going to say retcon, but I’m thinking it REALLY loudly. On top of that he’s funnier and relatable to boot.
It’s also nice to see Clint getting to be himself, taking charge and kicking ass.
There’s finally a sense that the action in the series has consequences, which is a massive improvement. I also counted three laughs, which granted isn’t a ton but it’s enough and that’s three more than the last two issues combined.
So that’s all of my reservations about this series resolved and if that wasn’t enough there’s suddenly some thematic depth with the revelation that B.R.O.D.O.K. is basically just a pissed off incel. The fact that he refers to Kate as Lady-Hawkeye is a nice touch too.
Final Thoughts
It’s difficult to overstate the improvement in this series, it’s funny and charming but more than that there’s heft to the plot and the relationship between these characters.
West Coast Avengers #3: A New Day
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 8/108/10
- Art - 8.75/108.8/10
- Color - 8.5/108.5/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10