REVIEW: ‘West Coast Avengers’ Issue #1

West Coast Avengers #1 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Gerry Duggan, art by Danny Kim, colors by Arthur Hesli, and letters by Joe Caramagna. Iron Man and War Machine set up a new Avengers team in California, crafted from reformed villains and genocidal robots.

The plot is chaotic and exciting, if slightly clunky. West Coast Avengers #1 is more comedic and absurd than other titles, which is surprising. The team is built gradually, and the members latch on to a squad that is more of an experiment by the writer and those creating it. The pacing is action-packed and exciting, always looking for the next punchline or ridiculous action. The story sticks close to Iron Man following him as he tries to gather the squad and turn it into something functional.

The tone resembles Mark Russell’s X-Factor more than Jed MacKay’s Avengers. It’s a quirky book with personality and a snarky sense of humor. The team was established just before West Coast Avengers #1 began, but they are far from settled and finished. Characters leave and join within the same issue, showcasing the fluctuating lineup. However, that comedy is a red herring, as the story includes some dark moments. Tony Stark has an interesting discussion with a dying woman, which has massive ramifications later in the issue.

The characters and the dialogue in West Coast Avengers #1 certainly raise eyebrows. It’s nowhere close to a classic team, although many members have tenure in an Avengers lineup. Iron Man and War Machine are classic figures in the West Coast brand and interesting leaders to head the team. Spider-Woman and Firestar have been both villains and heroes, tapping into the theme of what Stark and Rhodes are trying to achieve. Blue Bolt is a brand-new character trying to stand alongside experienced heroes.

Blue Bolt is brand new, a reformed villain with some zany dialogue, but it may take more issues to grow and establish himself. The biggest surprise of the whole book is Ultron. Arguably the Avengers’ greatest-ever foe, the robot has changed its tune and now fights for the side of good. It is bizarre and intriguing to see dialogue around saving lives and battling against villains coming from a character that was once so sinister. Ultron will be one of the most influential figures in the series going forward.

West Coast Avengers #1 allows Duggan to keep writing Iron Man. He adores the character, migrating from his ongoing series into this team book when he is at the helm. Duggan writes both Tony Stark’s comical and sensitive side. Experiencing armor troubles, Iron Man resorts to classic suits that haven’t entirely stood the test of time.

These are the jokes that land, brilliantly bizarre and delivered in West Coast Avengers #1. Duggan follows up on events at the end of his Iron Man run, especially his relationship with Emma Frost. His conversation with the dying woman displays some delicate sincerity, demonstrating Duggan’s range as a writer.

The art is crucial to the storytelling. Many of the jokes are told best purely by the art—most successful gags center around the Siver Centurion armor, one of Iron Man’s old suits. Stark trying to fit into it, patch it up, and make it work is a hilarious opening sequence, resulting in a ridiculous alternative transport mode. That silliness travels across much of the book, especially when the heroes are lined up with one another. Their designs are all great, but they don’t look right together.

Ultron looks perfect in West Coast Avengers #1. That iconic design of his face, emotionless and sinister, is now trying to be a beacon of hope. The action is fast-paced and explosive, delivering on high stakes when needed. The end of the book gets creepier and more nefarious, and Kim makes slight alterations to fit the change of tone.

The colors create a sense of location, highlighting that this story takes place on the other side of America. California is bright and sunny, with a warm yellow sky that slowly becomes purple as the sun goes down. The shades change multiple times in the issue, getting darker or lighter to represent the characters’ moods. The letters are comfortable and easy to read, coming from one of the most consistent letterers in the industry.

West Coast Avengers #1 is a fantastic farce. Duggan’s sense of humor in the comic can make for a shaky start and not all jokes land. But the slapdash team has enough personality and intrigue to generate enough energy to captivate the reader. There is a depth to the storytelling that only makes itself known later in the book, with a twist that grounds it. The team does not look ready for what is about to hit them.

West Coast Avengers #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.