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West Coast Avengers (2018) (Collected Editions)
West Coast Avengers, Vol. 1: Best Coast
The Avengers go West once again - but these ain't your daddy's Whackos! A bold new era begins for the mightiest heroes to ever live on the Pacifi c Coast. That means Hawkeye (your favorite one, Kate Bishop)! Hawkeye (the other one, Clint Barton)! America Chavez! Kid Omega! Gwenpool! And a guy named Fuse! Wait, what? That's right, these are the new West Coast Avengers. And you better hope they can figure out how to save the world, and fast -because big things are headed for their part of the planet! Including the attack of the 50-foot werewoman - better known as original WCA member Tigra! The West Coast Avengers are back, and you're going to love what comes next!
COLLECTING: WEST COAST AVENGERS 1-4, YOUNG AVENGERS PRESENTS #6, THE UNBELIEVABLE GWENPOOL #1
COLLECTING: WEST COAST AVENGERS 1-4, YOUNG AVENGERS PRESENTS #6, THE UNBELIEVABLE GWENPOOL #1
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
20 people are currently reading
647 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Thompson
767 books1,064 followersKELLY THOMPSON has a degree in Sequential Art from The Savannah College of Art & Design. Her love of comics and superheroes have compelled her since she first discovered them as a teenager. Currently living in Portland, Oregon with her boyfriend and the two brilliant cats that run their lives, you can find Kelly all over the Internet where she is generally well liked, except where she's detested.
Kelly has published two novels - THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING (2012) and STORYKILLER (2014) and the graphic novel HEART IN A BOX from Dark Horse Comics (2015). She's currently writing ROGUE & GAMBIT, HAWKEYE, and PHASMA for Marvel Comics and GHOSTBUSTERS for IDW. Other major credits include: A-Force, Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps, Jem and The Holograms, Misfits, Power Rangers Pink, and the creator-owned mini-series Mega Princess.
Kelly's ambitions are eclipsed only by her desire to exist entirely in pajamas. Fortunately pajamas and writers go hand in hand (most of the time). Please buy all her stuff so that she can buy (and wear) more pajamas.
Kelly has published two novels - THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING (2012) and STORYKILLER (2014) and the graphic novel HEART IN A BOX from Dark Horse Comics (2015). She's currently writing ROGUE & GAMBIT, HAWKEYE, and PHASMA for Marvel Comics and GHOSTBUSTERS for IDW. Other major credits include: A-Force, Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps, Jem and The Holograms, Misfits, Power Rangers Pink, and the creator-owned mini-series Mega Princess.
Kelly's ambitions are eclipsed only by her desire to exist entirely in pajamas. Fortunately pajamas and writers go hand in hand (most of the time). Please buy all her stuff so that she can buy (and wear) more pajamas.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
February 6, 2024
This series features an interesting cast of characters centred around Kate Bishop, and includes who I consider an awful character, Gwenpool, as well as the much more pleasing to me - America and Quentin Quire. A thinly disguised MODOK and an attack by 'land sharks' does not a classic make. The ongoing sub-plot of the team being watched by a reality TV crew as a way to have them financed is hot sauce, as is the whole what are Gwenpool's powers. :) 5 out of 12, Two Star read, for me.
2019 read
2019 read
September 17, 2019
I am so sick of Marvel’s tween-aged approach to a number of their books - throw a bunch of yout-ful heroes together; let the humor simmer, but never percolate; write stories that barely engages an older, grizzled comic book reader (I know a few. Heh.) and you have this fresh-faced lump of a book.
So why did you read it, Jeff?
Well, Random Goodreader, I’ve always liked the West Coast Avengers, the kooky mix of heroes, the annual soft ball game that never gets played cuz of villainous goings on…
Was it because there’s a giant, crazed Tigra running around Los Angeles in a bikini?
*sigh*
Okay, in my defense, this book also has Quentin Quire, an omega-level douche bag, in it as well, so the whole ginormous-crazed-bikini-cat-babe-terrorizing-Los-Angeles (it’s about time) was almost offset by Quire’s punk-assed presence.
Throw in a re-formed M.O.D.O.K….
…now the big-headed B.R.O.D.O.K (i.e. Bio-Robotic Organism Designed Overwhelmingly for Kissing) and, you can just punch me in the face at any time.
Bonus points for the Weekend at Bernie’s 2 joke.
That one goes out to someone very “special”…
Anyway, Kate Bishop, seeing as Los Angeles is in need of superheroes, tries to form a team of her pals. Old Man Hawkeye is around for the geriatric yucks.
I love Kate Bishop, but this one is just off-kilter on so many levels.
This volume includes the Young Avenger story where Hawkeye and Hawkeye first meet and issue one of Gwenpool, who, based on her presence here, I’m not entirely sold on.
She’s, um, talking about towels – Javaboy Jeff
Bottom Line - Kids, the promise of T and A (i.e. the giant bikini clad Tigra) does not (usually) make for a grand reading adventure. Just sayin’ and Excelsior!
August 27, 2019
3.5 stars
"I need help! Send all the help! Avengers Assemble or whatever! WHERE IS EVERYBODY?! DOES NOBODY CARE IF THE ENTIRE WEST COAST IS EATEN BY GIANT LAND SHARKS?! HELP ME!!!" -- Kate 'Hawkeye' Bishop, with the genesis for the new West Coast Avengers
Sublime ridiculousness wrapped up in a sunny So-Cal package. In an opening scene straight out of a classic Saturday Night Live sketch - "Candygram," anyone? - from the 70's, our plucky Kate Bishop gathers a few super-heroic friends to battle a sudden land shark invasion on the beaches of Santa Monica. (Don't ask.) Realizing that New York City isn't the only vulnerable spot in the U.S., she puts out a casting call and amusingly assembles a motley young team - featuring newcomers America Chavez, Fuse, Kid Omega, and Gwenpool - to protect L.A. Oh, and this whole ragtag operation is funded by a reality TV show. (!) It can't be taken too seriously, but that's part of this volume's charm.
"I need help! Send all the help! Avengers Assemble or whatever! WHERE IS EVERYBODY?! DOES NOBODY CARE IF THE ENTIRE WEST COAST IS EATEN BY GIANT LAND SHARKS?! HELP ME!!!" -- Kate 'Hawkeye' Bishop, with the genesis for the new West Coast Avengers
Sublime ridiculousness wrapped up in a sunny So-Cal package. In an opening scene straight out of a classic Saturday Night Live sketch - "Candygram," anyone? - from the 70's, our plucky Kate Bishop gathers a few super-heroic friends to battle a sudden land shark invasion on the beaches of Santa Monica. (Don't ask.) Realizing that New York City isn't the only vulnerable spot in the U.S., she puts out a casting call and amusingly assembles a motley young team - featuring newcomers America Chavez, Fuse, Kid Omega, and Gwenpool - to protect L.A. Oh, and this whole ragtag operation is funded by a reality TV show. (!) It can't be taken too seriously, but that's part of this volume's charm.
December 4, 2019
Started off very strong with lots of action and irreverence having land sharks attack L.A. Kate Bishop patches together a team when she realizes the West Coast is unprotected. B.R.O.D.O.K. should be funny but he just sucks the air out of the room when he shows up. I have no problems with a fun, silly Avengers title, but this often never reaches fun. The quips need work, characters like Fuse have all the personality of a cardboard box.
Stefano Caselli's art is great. He seems to be steering more into Marvel's house style though instead of sticking with his own style he had in book like Avengers: The Initiative. Gone are his heavy outlines and animated faces that I enjoyed so much.
Marvel pads this out with 2 reprint issues to make you pay for a 6 issue book with 4 issues of new content so I'd personally read this in single issues or off Marvel Unlimited just on general principle.
Stefano Caselli's art is great. He seems to be steering more into Marvel's house style though instead of sticking with his own style he had in book like Avengers: The Initiative. Gone are his heavy outlines and animated faces that I enjoyed so much.
Marvel pads this out with 2 reprint issues to make you pay for a 6 issue book with 4 issues of new content so I'd personally read this in single issues or off Marvel Unlimited just on general principle.
June 24, 2019
As my all-time personal hero would say, that was fun on a bun, baby! >flaming belch<
January 10, 2019
3.5! Really solid first arc!
World: The art is fantastic, the splash pages and the panels are fun and really sets the tone for the book and compliments Thompson's writing very well. I also love how expressive and full of character the characters are making this book just fun to look at. The world building is pretty solid and quirky. I really liked Thompson's Hawkeye series and was fairly annoyed when it was cancelled but now that we have this new book and this group of heroes I am more okay with it. I like the team that Thompson has put together, they are not who I was expecting and is weird and a bit absurd but it makes it even more ripe for drama, comedy and fun and I enjoy that. I also really like that Thompson gets to continue with the West Coast that she did with Kate and pulling pieces that she's been using for her Hawkeye story. I also really enjoyed the easter eggs and the call backs to the West Coast Avengers. Very solid!
Story: Thompson is really wordy, there is a lot of read and a lot of dialog but it's fun, it is full of great banter and character moments that I love the dense word count. I liked the pacing of the story and the tone of the world he's created for this new group. The story is fairly typical for a first arc where the new members are introduced and their dynamic is a main thing to play with. This group of characters makes for great banter. The first villain is hilarous and sets the tone for the series and though it makes little sense and the book knows it, it's still pretty fun. There was some slighty janky scene transitions and story lags but the fun I was having made it not that big a deal. A really strong first arc and I look forward to reading this monthly!
Characters: Kate is awesome, Thompson has given her such a strong character voice. Clint and her bantering is always great and I love that he's back in her life. The rest of the new team is also interesting, America is great, Gwenpool is hilarious and Omega Boy is an interesting but I feel good choice for this team dynamic. The only character which I kinda feel meh about is Fuse, I liked him more in the Hawkeye series but I don't see his story being all that interesting. Overall this is a fun group of characters that have great chemistry and great banter.
I really enjoyed this first arc, it was fun, it was a bit wordy but I still really liked the banter and I can't wait for more.
Onward to the next book!
*read individual issues*
World: The art is fantastic, the splash pages and the panels are fun and really sets the tone for the book and compliments Thompson's writing very well. I also love how expressive and full of character the characters are making this book just fun to look at. The world building is pretty solid and quirky. I really liked Thompson's Hawkeye series and was fairly annoyed when it was cancelled but now that we have this new book and this group of heroes I am more okay with it. I like the team that Thompson has put together, they are not who I was expecting and is weird and a bit absurd but it makes it even more ripe for drama, comedy and fun and I enjoy that. I also really like that Thompson gets to continue with the West Coast that she did with Kate and pulling pieces that she's been using for her Hawkeye story. I also really enjoyed the easter eggs and the call backs to the West Coast Avengers. Very solid!
Story: Thompson is really wordy, there is a lot of read and a lot of dialog but it's fun, it is full of great banter and character moments that I love the dense word count. I liked the pacing of the story and the tone of the world he's created for this new group. The story is fairly typical for a first arc where the new members are introduced and their dynamic is a main thing to play with. This group of characters makes for great banter. The first villain is hilarous and sets the tone for the series and though it makes little sense and the book knows it, it's still pretty fun. There was some slighty janky scene transitions and story lags but the fun I was having made it not that big a deal. A really strong first arc and I look forward to reading this monthly!
Characters: Kate is awesome, Thompson has given her such a strong character voice. Clint and her bantering is always great and I love that he's back in her life. The rest of the new team is also interesting, America is great, Gwenpool is hilarious and Omega Boy is an interesting but I feel good choice for this team dynamic. The only character which I kinda feel meh about is Fuse, I liked him more in the Hawkeye series but I don't see his story being all that interesting. Overall this is a fun group of characters that have great chemistry and great banter.
I really enjoyed this first arc, it was fun, it was a bit wordy but I still really liked the banter and I can't wait for more.
Onward to the next book!
*read individual issues*
January 30, 2021
Silly Avengers, Vol. 1: What if... Marvel was an adultswim show?
December 21, 2024
West Coast Avengers’ first volume is a whole lot of fun. After moving out west to Los Angeles, Kate Bishop realizes that an entire coast is pretty much defenseless, so she less assembles, more cobbles together a superhero team that, like her, is a mess that somehow makes it through.
Kelly Thompson and her team accomplish several things at once in this debut team book. The Hawkeyes stay together, always a good thing for the Marvel Universe (and she has their witty banter down). And even though it's a team book, Thompson continues major threads left hanging from Kate's solo series, which she also authored. (You might want to at least catch up on Kate Bishop Hawkeye’s series, though everyone’s got great solo titles.)
The original West Coast Avengers team dates back in the 80's, also founded by Hawkeye (Clint, not Kate). In a nice callback, Tigra, an original member, also makes an appearance in this volume. But it still feels like a fresh concept because of the characters themselves and the bittersweet timing that brought them all together. Bittersweet, because not only was Kate's series cancelled, but Thompson also brings in Gwenpool and America Chavez, whose respective titles were also recently canned, and they fit in the group dynamic seamlessly. If these great (female, queer, hmmmm) heroes lost their solo runs, at least they can have a second chance together.
The result is a team that has a “stars aligned” feeling even as Kate holds hilarious auditions for team members. Once the six are formed, they have to learn to work together even when their personalities clash and there's great character development to be had here. Clint and Kate are forced to grow up a little bit; Clint in a mentor/big brother role is really fantastic, along with Kate learning to be a team leader. America, also Kate’s bestie, is the only person on the team with their shit together; Gwenpool is a reckless wildcard. That leaves Kid Omega, the tank with lots of obnoxious snark, and Fuse, who still has very little personality, and at some point I would like to know how he’s good enough for MY KATE.
You might be wondering how a team headquartered in LA pays rent without any income or a billionaire member. In a unique, silly yet realistic twist, the team gets their funding by filming a reality show documentary (without the permission of Captain America), and the “talking heads” style to invisible crewmen, like The Office or Parks & Rec, seamlessly adds to the humor and narrative.
The plot, similar to the tone of Thompson's Hawkeye, was ridiculous and ultimately forgettable, but still a fun ride. This arc's villain is MODOK, who built himself a blond six-pack bod and accurately named himself BRODOK. I was expecting bit more snark from Gwenpool with MODOK as the villain from her first volume, which seemed like a pretty obvious oversight.
Casselli and Farrell's art also feels West Coast inspired, with a warm color tone and clear "on location" scenes. There's also a roughness evoking Hawkeye artists David Aja (Clint) and Leonardo Romero (Kate), but still with their own spin, are some nice visual callbacks too. I hope we’ll see the Avengers visit other big cities, like Portland, San Francisco and Seattle. (update: we won't, huge missed opportunity. Sob!)
West Coast Avengers’ biggest challenge moving forward is to grow each team member’s relationship with each other, while also evolving the overall team dynamic. It’s not easy to accomplish, but in a team comic like Runaways, characters have distinct relationships with every other team member. Here we have a few dynamics, the strongest of which carry over from previous series, especially Kate with Clint and America. But I’d love to see what kind of relationships, say, Kate and Gwen have together, or America and Fuse (though I think we’ll be getting more America with someone *else*).
And finally, we still need MORE Lucky, who makes an all too brief appearance at WCA’s under-construction headquarters (who’s walking my good boy?) – I think the time is right for another Lucky focused issue like the all around perfect Hawkeye #11 – Thompson and Casselli could have some real fun with it especially with the larger cast. And also, Lucky.
Kelly Thompson and her team accomplish several things at once in this debut team book. The Hawkeyes stay together, always a good thing for the Marvel Universe (and she has their witty banter down). And even though it's a team book, Thompson continues major threads left hanging from Kate's solo series, which she also authored. (You might want to at least catch up on Kate Bishop Hawkeye’s series, though everyone’s got great solo titles.)
The original West Coast Avengers team dates back in the 80's, also founded by Hawkeye (Clint, not Kate). In a nice callback, Tigra, an original member, also makes an appearance in this volume. But it still feels like a fresh concept because of the characters themselves and the bittersweet timing that brought them all together. Bittersweet, because not only was Kate's series cancelled, but Thompson also brings in Gwenpool and America Chavez, whose respective titles were also recently canned, and they fit in the group dynamic seamlessly. If these great (female, queer, hmmmm) heroes lost their solo runs, at least they can have a second chance together.
The result is a team that has a “stars aligned” feeling even as Kate holds hilarious auditions for team members. Once the six are formed, they have to learn to work together even when their personalities clash and there's great character development to be had here. Clint and Kate are forced to grow up a little bit; Clint in a mentor/big brother role is really fantastic, along with Kate learning to be a team leader. America, also Kate’s bestie, is the only person on the team with their shit together; Gwenpool is a reckless wildcard. That leaves Kid Omega, the tank with lots of obnoxious snark, and Fuse, who still has very little personality, and at some point I would like to know how he’s good enough for MY KATE.
You might be wondering how a team headquartered in LA pays rent without any income or a billionaire member. In a unique, silly yet realistic twist, the team gets their funding by filming a reality show documentary (without the permission of Captain America), and the “talking heads” style to invisible crewmen, like The Office or Parks & Rec, seamlessly adds to the humor and narrative.
The plot, similar to the tone of Thompson's Hawkeye, was ridiculous and ultimately forgettable, but still a fun ride. This arc's villain is MODOK, who built himself a blond six-pack bod and accurately named himself BRODOK. I was expecting bit more snark from Gwenpool with MODOK as the villain from her first volume, which seemed like a pretty obvious oversight.
Casselli and Farrell's art also feels West Coast inspired, with a warm color tone and clear "on location" scenes. There's also a roughness evoking Hawkeye artists David Aja (Clint) and Leonardo Romero (Kate), but still with their own spin, are some nice visual callbacks too. I hope we’ll see the Avengers visit other big cities, like Portland, San Francisco and Seattle. (update: we won't, huge missed opportunity. Sob!)
West Coast Avengers’ biggest challenge moving forward is to grow each team member’s relationship with each other, while also evolving the overall team dynamic. It’s not easy to accomplish, but in a team comic like Runaways, characters have distinct relationships with every other team member. Here we have a few dynamics, the strongest of which carry over from previous series, especially Kate with Clint and America. But I’d love to see what kind of relationships, say, Kate and Gwen have together, or America and Fuse (though I think we’ll be getting more America with someone *else*).
And finally, we still need MORE Lucky, who makes an all too brief appearance at WCA’s under-construction headquarters (who’s walking my good boy?) – I think the time is right for another Lucky focused issue like the all around perfect Hawkeye #11 – Thompson and Casselli could have some real fun with it especially with the larger cast. And also, Lucky.
September 18, 2020
I seem to have a knack for falling for Avengers runs that are way underappreciated. I first found Kate Bishop in Young Avengers. A book that really doesn't get the credit it deserves. I blame the name, sounds like it's for babies when they actually mean 18-22 year olds.
I adore Kate Bishop. I also loved her solo run, that also got ended too soon. Kate Bishop Hawkeye is where I really solidified by adoration of author Kelly Thompson. She has a real talent for dialogue and for making each character shine with their own personality. She's also just simply more in touch with today's audiences. She's younger and knows what those of us who haven't been around since the silver age are looking for today.
So I followed both Kate Bishop and Kelly Thompson over here to West Coast Avengers knowing full well it was ended prematurely. I do not regret this decision. But it does fill me with longing. Everything I love gets taken away so soon!
As with Young Avengers and Kate Bishop Hawkeye, Bishop is the snarky, thirsty, always in just over her head, leader of a group of fresh and inexperienced heroes.
They are a diverse group featuring various races and sexual orientations. I love the ongoing joke of Bishop always being the token straight person in her groups. Especially since she never even seems to realize it.
Through two volumes The West Coast Avengers battle a line up of impressive bad guys featuring Madam Masque. She's one of my favorite underused Marvel Villains. She's so creepy and mysterious and I always get excited seeing her.
We are also graced by the presence of America Chavez, who is way too cool and powerful for this group but she finds a new girlfriend here so she's probably sticking around.
As a bonus we are introduced to Fuse and Alloy, a brother sister team descended from Wakanda. They're both infused with the power of Vibranium and they're honestly both kinda hot. So win win. Did I mention that author Thompson always seems to make her comics sexy? In totally non degrading ways! Seriously, check out Mr. and Mrs X.
The best part of West Coast Avengers is that it is simply fun. It doesn't take itself too seriously. It enjoys the action without getting bogged down on trying to be edgy or deep. It just takes you on a roller-coaster ride.
I fully enjoyed the ride and will continue to seek out more from both Kate Bishop and Kelly Thompson. I've yet to regret it from either of these starring ladies.
for more reviews and content please visit my blog amanjareads.com
I adore Kate Bishop. I also loved her solo run, that also got ended too soon. Kate Bishop Hawkeye is where I really solidified by adoration of author Kelly Thompson. She has a real talent for dialogue and for making each character shine with their own personality. She's also just simply more in touch with today's audiences. She's younger and knows what those of us who haven't been around since the silver age are looking for today.
So I followed both Kate Bishop and Kelly Thompson over here to West Coast Avengers knowing full well it was ended prematurely. I do not regret this decision. But it does fill me with longing. Everything I love gets taken away so soon!
As with Young Avengers and Kate Bishop Hawkeye, Bishop is the snarky, thirsty, always in just over her head, leader of a group of fresh and inexperienced heroes.
They are a diverse group featuring various races and sexual orientations. I love the ongoing joke of Bishop always being the token straight person in her groups. Especially since she never even seems to realize it.
Through two volumes The West Coast Avengers battle a line up of impressive bad guys featuring Madam Masque. She's one of my favorite underused Marvel Villains. She's so creepy and mysterious and I always get excited seeing her.
We are also graced by the presence of America Chavez, who is way too cool and powerful for this group but she finds a new girlfriend here so she's probably sticking around.
As a bonus we are introduced to Fuse and Alloy, a brother sister team descended from Wakanda. They're both infused with the power of Vibranium and they're honestly both kinda hot. So win win. Did I mention that author Thompson always seems to make her comics sexy? In totally non degrading ways! Seriously, check out Mr. and Mrs X.
The best part of West Coast Avengers is that it is simply fun. It doesn't take itself too seriously. It enjoys the action without getting bogged down on trying to be edgy or deep. It just takes you on a roller-coaster ride.
I fully enjoyed the ride and will continue to seek out more from both Kate Bishop and Kelly Thompson. I've yet to regret it from either of these starring ladies.
for more reviews and content please visit my blog amanjareads.com
September 21, 2021
This was pretty fun, nothing too special about it I was kinda expecting more but I still enjoyed it. I love America and Kate’s relationship (seriously marvel let them date).
July 29, 2019
Kate Bishop (Hawkeye) tries to reboot the West Coast Avengers after a horde of landsharks(?!) rampages through Los Angeles. Fortunately, Clint Barton (also Hawkeye) tags along. The other heroes she recruits...not so exciting. And the framing device of a reality show is used too sparingly or too much, I can't decide which. This first series is only four issues and it feels about three issues too long. You will hate BRODOK immediately and there's a lot of him.
The pair of back-up issues in this volume are a moderate improvement. Gwenpool's introductory issue is fine - I don't need any more of her weirdness, though. The self-contained Young Avengers issue is probably the best thing here (Kate and Clint match wits in some Civil War-era past). I guess the West Coast Avengers are a fine addition to the Marvel universe if the only things you're looking for are decent art and way too much mediocre humor. Kind of a low bar if that's all you want.
The pair of back-up issues in this volume are a moderate improvement. Gwenpool's introductory issue is fine - I don't need any more of her weirdness, though. The self-contained Young Avengers issue is probably the best thing here (Kate and Clint match wits in some Civil War-era past). I guess the West Coast Avengers are a fine addition to the Marvel universe if the only things you're looking for are decent art and way too much mediocre humor. Kind of a low bar if that's all you want.
February 24, 2019
I thought I'd give a comedy action style comic again. What I've realised is that its just not for me. I'm not sure if its Thompsons style, the characters or thw actual story. I guess this style isnt for me. It will 100% be up certain readers alleys, just not a fit for me.
December 13, 2021
The first issue starts out with some promise as Kate Bishop fights some land sharks, but once the team is assembled, there is no chemistry between the characters, just bickering. Chatty doesn't equal funny. There is a lot of banter between characters, but it doesn't amount to much.
October 9, 2019
The West Coast needs a team and Kate Bishop steps up founding her own little group of young superheroes!
This is the problem when I read stuff on digital, I always forget how Marvel loves to add one or two issues of 'filler'. In this case, the one issue where Kate meets Hawkeye (which is one that's collected in many other books), and Gwenpool #1. So, what it looked like a full story was actually a four issue mini arc that was just not enough.
Plus, it was dumb. Or silly, or trying to be so quirky, or too cool and juvenile and maybe I'm too old for this shit? But I really liked issue one, and I actually laughed in many parts it's just that B.R.O.D.O.K. was a joke that lasted waaaaaay too long. It was the main conflict of this volume, when I think initially I liked more the idea of a struggling, fledgling team of unlikely superheroes, with Kate having a tough time owning her new position and Clint trying to 'guide' her Hawkeye style. You know, what issue number one actually was.
Now, I like Thompson's writing, and I like this group of characters, so if I get the chance I'd like to read volume 2 and finish this short story, but I won't be in a rush to buy it.
This is the problem when I read stuff on digital, I always forget how Marvel loves to add one or two issues of 'filler'. In this case, the one issue where Kate meets Hawkeye (which is one that's collected in many other books), and Gwenpool #1. So, what it looked like a full story was actually a four issue mini arc that was just not enough.
Plus, it was dumb. Or silly, or trying to be so quirky, or too cool and juvenile and maybe I'm too old for this shit? But I really liked issue one, and I actually laughed in many parts it's just that B.R.O.D.O.K. was a joke that lasted waaaaaay too long. It was the main conflict of this volume, when I think initially I liked more the idea of a struggling, fledgling team of unlikely superheroes, with Kate having a tough time owning her new position and Clint trying to 'guide' her Hawkeye style. You know, what issue number one actually was.
Now, I like Thompson's writing, and I like this group of characters, so if I get the chance I'd like to read volume 2 and finish this short story, but I won't be in a rush to buy it.
March 20, 2019
Thompson expands on her strong work with Hawkeye by producing a new West Coast Avengers comic with Hawkeye at the center. The rest of the cast is also quite delightful, with America Chavez, Quentin Quire, and Gwenpoole all deserving the attention. In fact, the best part of the comic is these characters and their interactions.
As for the plot: it's OK. Too much fighting big, mindless monsters.
(And dammit, Marvel, stop padding out your collections with reprints that we don't want: this one has two wasted issues' worth of space for just four issues of the actual WCA comic.)
As for the plot: it's OK. Too much fighting big, mindless monsters.
(And dammit, Marvel, stop padding out your collections with reprints that we don't want: this one has two wasted issues' worth of space for just four issues of the actual WCA comic.)
March 30, 2019
lived up to ALL my hype. this series has the perfect author, artists, and team up (QUENTIN! BOYOOO). modok is a fun villain, and i am so very excited for the rest of this series.
September 15, 2019
Super fucking fun. So happy for more excuses to read Kate and her friends and Gwenpool and the multi-Hawkeye repartee and holy shit Quentin Quire?
February 24, 2019
Somehow, kind of without meaning to, Kate Bishop has started her own Avengers team. With her bestie America Chavez, her boyfriend Fuse, her mentor Clint Barton, and newcomers Quentin Quire and Gwenpool, the West Coast Avengers are back! But a reality show crew, a giant Tigra, and the arrival of BRODOK threaten their new team almost as soon as it begins - Kate's gunna need more frozen peas. So many frozen peas.
West Coast Avengers is basically Kelly Thompson continuing her fantastic Hawkeye run and bringing some friends along for the ride. Her character choices are off-kilter, but they work amazingly well; Gwenpool and Quire are perfect for this book, and the evolution of Fuse from supporting character to hero is fun to watch, while Kate herself remains a firm anchor for the book.
The plotline is just ridiculous enough without going too far, with both obvious twists playing out hilariously and more unexpected revelations taking place that drive the plot forward too. Add in beautiful artwork from the ever-reliable Stefano Caselli and West Coast Avengers is a recipe for brilliance.
The only complaint I have about this trade is that it's short. Clocking in at only four issues, the volume is then padded out with Young Avengers Presents #6 (which is reprinted so many times across my collection that I could make an omnibus just for it at this point) and Unbelievable Gwenpool #1 which is just a strange choice. Marvel could have either chucked some classic issues of WCA in, or, oh, I dunno, collected some more of the actual series? Marvel's trade department baffle me almost as much as this series impresses.
West Coast Avengers is basically Kelly Thompson continuing her fantastic Hawkeye run and bringing some friends along for the ride. Her character choices are off-kilter, but they work amazingly well; Gwenpool and Quire are perfect for this book, and the evolution of Fuse from supporting character to hero is fun to watch, while Kate herself remains a firm anchor for the book.
The plotline is just ridiculous enough without going too far, with both obvious twists playing out hilariously and more unexpected revelations taking place that drive the plot forward too. Add in beautiful artwork from the ever-reliable Stefano Caselli and West Coast Avengers is a recipe for brilliance.
The only complaint I have about this trade is that it's short. Clocking in at only four issues, the volume is then padded out with Young Avengers Presents #6 (which is reprinted so many times across my collection that I could make an omnibus just for it at this point) and Unbelievable Gwenpool #1 which is just a strange choice. Marvel could have either chucked some classic issues of WCA in, or, oh, I dunno, collected some more of the actual series? Marvel's trade department baffle me almost as much as this series impresses.
August 11, 2021
3.5 stars. This was pretty solid. After dealing with the threat that opens the book, people are telling Kate that she needs to start a team of heroes out here as there is none. Someone needs to protect the west coast. The interview process for potential members was fun. Plus the villain was a cool spin as well. This book has similar vibes of Kate Bishop’s Hawkeye series with it being a bit silly and goofy but action packed and a lot of fun. The book also contains Young Avengers presents #6, which I’ve read before, and Unbelievable Gwenpool #1. Never read that and I can say I was pleasantly surprised. Now I want to read more of her series.
December 26, 2018
(read as single issues)
This is a lot of fun. I LOVE the reality show premise (I'm predictable trash) and I love Hawkeye(s). And I love America (the character) (the country is OK, needs some work tbh). I love Kelly Thompson's flair for pop culture references. This is a great antidote for some of the Very Serious Superhero comics out there.
This is a lot of fun. I LOVE the reality show premise (I'm predictable trash) and I love Hawkeye(s). And I love America (the character) (the country is OK, needs some work tbh). I love Kelly Thompson's flair for pop culture references. This is a great antidote for some of the Very Serious Superhero comics out there.
September 10, 2022
I don't know why this collection of the West Coast Avengers gets bad reviews. This was great, I read these first issues as singles back in the day. The story is gold, like the good old days of the first West Coast Avengers. I mean everyone is kind of goofy but they are trying to do good and then it just does not work out well for our heroes. I love the characters, even Gwenpoole, but not Kid Omega who I just do not enjoy how is he still alive. The talking to the camera bits are classic. We see a fight with a bunch of actual Land Sharks. We learn about B.R.O.D.O.K. and a giant Tigra. Anyway everything is great.
Oh, it might be this horrible "Young Avengers: Hawkeye" like who wants to read a comic that starts off with a relationship breakup? That was lame and horribly done. Then we get the rest of the story and Hawkeye and Hawkeye don't know each other? Was there another reboot? These comics happened about the time Marvel Rebooted the Universe every six months. Ugh, so bad.
The Gwenpoole story were slightly better but not by much and I like Gwenpoole.
So this is probably 5 star West Coast Avengers and then 1 star each for the backup stories. sigh
Oh, it might be this horrible "Young Avengers: Hawkeye" like who wants to read a comic that starts off with a relationship breakup? That was lame and horribly done. Then we get the rest of the story and Hawkeye and Hawkeye don't know each other? Was there another reboot? These comics happened about the time Marvel Rebooted the Universe every six months. Ugh, so bad.
The Gwenpoole story were slightly better but not by much and I like Gwenpoole.
So this is probably 5 star West Coast Avengers and then 1 star each for the backup stories. sigh
January 17, 2020
This was a nice balance between superhero action and funny. The West Coast gets a brand new super team headed by Kate “Hawkeye” Bishop, with the original Clint “Hawkeye” Barton acting as unofficial supervisor and tie-in to the original Avengers--and the original West Coast Avengers as well. The humor is definitely aimed at comics fans, what with Gwenpool being a member of the team and all. I found it to be an enjoyable romp, and am looking forward to the next volume.
One thing does puzzle me though. The book includes the first four issues of the West Coast Avengers comic book, as expected. But then we get two more stories, reprinted from different books, that tie in only in the sense that they feature members of the team in solo adventures. So does this mean we're going to get stories featuring America Chavez and Kid Omega in volume 2 (I get the sense that Fuse is pretty much brand new with this title)? I mean, it's nice to get a little background on the characters, but shouldn't we reasonably expect all of the comics collected in a volume of West Coast Avengers to be issues of that title? It's not as if this was some multi-title crossover story or anything. It feels, more than anything else, like padding. Instead of reprinting six issues of WCA, let's only do four and then fill it out with other comics. If we do that every volume, it will take 50% more of them to reprint the entire series. More money for us!
Anyway, this was fun. Love to see more. Recommended!
One thing does puzzle me though. The book includes the first four issues of the West Coast Avengers comic book, as expected. But then we get two more stories, reprinted from different books, that tie in only in the sense that they feature members of the team in solo adventures. So does this mean we're going to get stories featuring America Chavez and Kid Omega in volume 2 (I get the sense that Fuse is pretty much brand new with this title)? I mean, it's nice to get a little background on the characters, but shouldn't we reasonably expect all of the comics collected in a volume of West Coast Avengers to be issues of that title? It's not as if this was some multi-title crossover story or anything. It feels, more than anything else, like padding. Instead of reprinting six issues of WCA, let's only do four and then fill it out with other comics. If we do that every volume, it will take 50% more of them to reprint the entire series. More money for us!
Anyway, this was fun. Love to see more. Recommended!
February 27, 2025
Logging comics on Goodreads is such an effort that I don’t usually do so unless I finish a whole collection of some form, so assume correctly this review is for all 10 volumes of the West Coast Avengers. I̶ ̶w̶i̶s̶h̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶y̶’̶d̶ ̶h̶a̶v̶e̶ ̶a̶ ̶c̶o̶n̶v̶e̶n̶i̶e̶n̶t̶ ̶w̶a̶y̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶d̶o̶ ̶s̶o̶ ̶s̶i̶n̶c̶e̶ ̶r̶e̶a̶d̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶c̶o̶m̶i̶c̶s̶ ̶I̶S̶ ̶r̶e̶a̶d̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶b̶u̶t̶ ̶t̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶i̶s̶ ̶m̶y̶ ̶f̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ ̶w̶o̶r̶l̶d̶ ̶p̶r̶o̶b̶l̶e̶m.
Which was tragically cut short. I don’t know if it was just too ahead of its time or what but the concept of desperate superhero group forming but can’t find members willing to join for free so eventually (and reluctantly) agreeing to be a reality show with interview segments is just such a fun ride.
The main team consists of Clint Barton’s Hawkeye as well as Kate Bishop’s, which leads to plenty of funny moments since they both go by just Hawkeye, a “rebooted” Gwenpool, her concerned love interest and omega level mutant (and Kate’s ex) Kid Omega, a kickass Miss America, and the Watts siblings. Johnny Watts going by Fuse as of this comic and his sister who surprise to the characters develops her own superhero powers.
Also, we get the introduction of Jeff the (baby) Land Shark so I don’t know what we were all doing in 2018 to 2019 but we failed this comic.
Which was tragically cut short. I don’t know if it was just too ahead of its time or what but the concept of desperate superhero group forming but can’t find members willing to join for free so eventually (and reluctantly) agreeing to be a reality show with interview segments is just such a fun ride.
The main team consists of Clint Barton’s Hawkeye as well as Kate Bishop’s, which leads to plenty of funny moments since they both go by just Hawkeye, a “rebooted” Gwenpool, her concerned love interest and omega level mutant (and Kate’s ex) Kid Omega, a kickass Miss America, and the Watts siblings. Johnny Watts going by Fuse as of this comic and his sister who surprise to the characters develops her own superhero powers.
Also, we get the introduction of Jeff the (baby) Land Shark so I don’t know what we were all doing in 2018 to 2019 but we failed this comic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2022
4.5 stars
I'm obsessed with this. Why doesn't my library have volume 2? Why was this canceled? Messy goofy teen superheroes forever. I'm not even mad that Kate has a boyfriend instead of dating America (the bf is very cute and I like him). This even made me like Gwenpool, who I was v skeptical about (sorry to her fans).
I'm obsessed with this. Why doesn't my library have volume 2? Why was this canceled? Messy goofy teen superheroes forever. I'm not even mad that Kate has a boyfriend instead of dating America (the bf is very cute and I like him). This even made me like Gwenpool, who I was v skeptical about (sorry to her fans).
March 22, 2019
I'm so glad this continue's the story of Kate Bishop in LA! Her solo title deserved a longer life, but this is a welcome second best solution! And I love team books, and I happen to be a fan of every character added to this team, so this was a nice turnout for me! This could have easily just been a new Young Avengers title (which I'm still waiting for...), but I guess it wasn't because this is mainly Kate's story still? While this is fun and the art is great, and I enjoy Gwenpool and Quentin, I hope this leads to a Young Avengers continuation soon! The fact that Billy, Teddy, and Tommy aren't included in this story is pretty unbelievable! But for what it is... West Coast Avengers is really fun, and I'm glad it continues Kelly Thompson's Kate story. 5/5 stars.
April 13, 2019
3.5 Still kind of wavering between the two. It's hilarious that big Hawkeye is the only adult there... overseeing a bunch of super-powered angsty teens.
Also Fuse has absolutely the best 'I will cut you' face I have ever seen in comics. Better than Wolverine.
Also Fuse has absolutely the best 'I will cut you' face I have ever seen in comics. Better than Wolverine.
January 28, 2019
This. Is. The. Best.
July 22, 2022
It took me forever to read this first because Marvel Unlimited kept wanting to not load the issues??? Second because I wasn't totally feeling it.
There are parts in here that I did like: I love Hawkeye and Hawkeye and giant Tigra attacking LA was great. I loved the whole team vibe but then I hated B.R.O.D.O.K (who is just M.O.D.O.K. but hot guy??) and then I hated half the team anyway. The art was great but then the story was just so immature and sometimes it was funny but otherwise it was just so ridiculous. The only way they were able to start the West Coast Avengers again is because of a reality show and that's just *makes gag sounds*. Then they ended up on a late night talk show and I feel like I was supposed to laugh idk. The whole thing just felt super young basically which is fine !! But I just did not vibe.
There are parts in here that I did like: I love Hawkeye and Hawkeye and giant Tigra attacking LA was great. I loved the whole team vibe but then I hated B.R.O.D.O.K (who is just M.O.D.O.K. but hot guy??) and then I hated half the team anyway. The art was great but then the story was just so immature and sometimes it was funny but otherwise it was just so ridiculous. The only way they were able to start the West Coast Avengers again is because of a reality show and that's just *makes gag sounds*. Then they ended up on a late night talk show and I feel like I was supposed to laugh idk. The whole thing just felt super young basically which is fine !! But I just did not vibe.
March 20, 2019
While this isn't the cast I would have chosen to lead a relaunch (No USAgent? No Living Lightning?), Kelly Thompson and Stefano Caselli tell a fun story with reverence to the past, an eye to the future, and plenty of humor. These are the Wackos you remember... but they are memorable just the same!
April 15, 2019
Um, I loved this?! This was just such a fun, action-packed read, and the characters are absolutely fantastic! I really enjoy the silliness (like land-sharks, giant monster women, etc.) paired with the more serious aspects of building up the new West Coast Avengers team. Kate Bishop is amazing and I'm super eager to read more of her adventures. SO GOOD!
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