Kelly Thompson prepares to assemble another group of earth’s mightiest superheroes with not one but two Hawkeyes’s…
The series will be written by Thompson who has enjoyed success recently with Hawkeye as well as Rogue & Gambit and will be drawn by artist Stefano Caselli who’s work includes Champions as well as Invincible Iron Man: Iron Heart Riri Williams.
The original 4 part 80’s limited series saw the team assembled by the original Hawkeye Clint Barton at the suggestion of The Vision to expand the Avengers influence. This time Clint is joined by the newest Hawkeye Kate Bishop and what looks to be a fun and wacky lineup that joins them.
In an interview with Marvel.com Thompson had this to say about the team:
“They all need and want something from being on that team together. Kate needs to help save LA, and she needs help to do that because villains have taken notice that there are no Super Heroes out there. I think there’s part of her that misses [being on a team] too. She’s been doing her own thing, on her own, and that’s cool. But she was the one, who, with no powers, was like ‘I’m leading the Young Avengers, I’m the boss.’”
As far as the original Hawkeye goes, Thompson says Clint is “trying to help Kate” but “doesn’t want to admit how much it’s fun for him to mentor.”
Other characters joining the West Coast fun are Gwenpool, whom Thompson describes as “a really weird X-factor” who will be going through some “really interesting” relationship developments; Quentin Quire, who is “always trouble,” but “clearly wants a family”; and Kate’s boyfriend Johnny, who is in “way over his head,” a situation that Thompson is very eager to explore.
But with every super group is a wild card, and according to Thompson, that wildcard is America Chavez:
“I think America is the biggest question mark, and I think that’s something we’re excited to explore: Why does she come back to LA? Why does she come back to be with Kate? Does she miss [the group dynamic] too? Because America, she likes to play things a little close to the vest.”
Like the original West Coast Avengers, the team will be living together—but it’s not quite the same Tony Stark-funded flat that we saw in the ‘80s. Instead, to get funding, the team will be part of a reality show while living together under the same roof.
Will things stop being polite and start getting real? WEST COAST AVENGERS #1 hits stores on Wednesday, August 22so you can find out then! Make sure to visit your local comic book store and pre-order today!
Check out the solicit info of the first issue:
HAWKEYE (KATE BISHOP). HAWKEYE (CLINT BARTON). A guy named FUSE. Never have they ever been called “the big three” of…anything. And now here they are, reunited for, okay, well, it’s only the second time ever. Thank god they also brought AMERICA CHAVEZ, GWENPOOL and KID OMEGA. Wait. What? That’s right, it’s the new West Coast Avengers, son. And you better hope they can figure out how to save the world because BIG things are headed for the West Coast.
Thompson who has recently signed an exclusive deal with Marvel has proved she is very much adept at getting into the headspace of the characters she writes. It will be interesting to see what direction she take this group in.
As always we will be watching