What do you think?
Rate this book
The Avant-Guards (collected editions) #2
The Avant-Guards, Vol. 2
The Avant-Guards have been on a roll, but when they hit the end of their winning-streak, will these new friendships survive? As The Avant-Guards struggle to move forward, they’ll soon learn just what it means to truly be a team - on the court and, most importantly, off the court. The critically-acclaimed team of writer Carly Usdin (Heavy Vinyl) and artist Noah Hayes (Wet Hot American Summer) deliver the next chapter of the series where every shot counts when you take them with your friends. Collects issues #5-8.
112 pages, Paperback
First published February 18, 2020
11 people are currently reading
519 people want to read
About the author
Carly Usdin
22 books238 followersCarly Usdin is an award-winning filmmaker based in Los Angeles. Her first feature, Suicide Kale, won the Audience Award for Best First Feature at Outfest 2016. After playing over 30 festivals worldwide the film is now available on iTunes and Amazon Prime. In 2017 Carly served as showrunner and director for the scripted series Threads, produced by New Form for Verizon’s go90 platform. The 20-episode horror and comedy anthology series brought to life outrageous stories from internet forums like Reddit.
Carly is also the creator and writer of two comic book series for BOOM! Studios: Heavy Vinyl (in stores now) and The Avant-Guards (out in January 2019). Heavy Vinyl was nominated for a 2018 Prism award, honoring the best in LGBTQAI+ comics.
Carly has spent years making short-form narrative and branded content for clients like Funny or Die, CollegeHumor, Amy Poehler's Smart Girls, World of Wonder, CBS, Fullscreen, Astronauts Wanted, Portal A, TruTV, Viacom and YouTube. Most notably, she directed the third season of Awkwafina’s digital series Tawk. Her promo campaigns for RuPaul’s Drag Race have won One Show Awards and Promax BDA Awards.
Carly has recently completed post-production on her short film Misdirection, created as part of the American Film Institute’s Directing Workshop for Women, class of 2019. Currently she is developing several projects through her production company Scheme Machine Studios, which she owns with her wife, photographer and producer Robin Roemer.
Carly is also the creator and writer of two comic book series for BOOM! Studios: Heavy Vinyl (in stores now) and The Avant-Guards (out in January 2019). Heavy Vinyl was nominated for a 2018 Prism award, honoring the best in LGBTQAI+ comics.
Carly has spent years making short-form narrative and branded content for clients like Funny or Die, CollegeHumor, Amy Poehler's Smart Girls, World of Wonder, CBS, Fullscreen, Astronauts Wanted, Portal A, TruTV, Viacom and YouTube. Most notably, she directed the third season of Awkwafina’s digital series Tawk. Her promo campaigns for RuPaul’s Drag Race have won One Show Awards and Promax BDA Awards.
Carly has recently completed post-production on her short film Misdirection, created as part of the American Film Institute’s Directing Workshop for Women, class of 2019. Currently she is developing several projects through her production company Scheme Machine Studios, which she owns with her wife, photographer and producer Robin Roemer.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
July 5, 2020
This volume picks up right where the first volume left off in terms of plot, but what Usdin does in this trade that I loved more than the first trade was the incorporation of character exploration. The reader literally gets the opportunity to "meet" and learn more about each of the members of the team. As a result, they feel more like central characters to the plot as opposed to by-standers to the story. There were aspects/characteristics of characters that surprised me and others that made sense. The only issue with setting up a comic book to do more character exploration is the possible loss of plot. And we honestly feel it a little bit in this trade. Each of the characters has their own personal issues, so the plot that was so strongly established prior to this fades to the background. That doesn't mean that the story isn't good or that Usdin shouldn't have focused on character exploration, it just means that, as a reader, you shouldn't necessarily expect to get both. The artwork was still so amazing and the unique friendships, love, and support that each character receives still resonated with me as a reader. The representation is still beautifully woven into the story. I cannot wait to see what Usdin plans to do with the third trade. This ended in a way that I didn't necessarily expect.
June 2, 2020
While there is a little less snap than in the first volume, this title remains a pleasant read with its diverse cast, LGBTQ storylines, attractive art, and unique women's college basketball setting.
February 24, 2020
Loved it as usual!! The art is gorgeous and the characters are amazing (Liv and Tiffany are my favorites so far!). I loved that it shows POVs of different characters so we really get to know each of them more. So far Nicole’s POV still hasn’t been featured but I feel like it’s coming soon after what Tiffany discovered about her!
The plot isn’t too spectacular but I love the characters and getting to know them individually so I still think it’s worth reading. The friendship between the MCs is also really great, I love how supportive they are of each ther. And there’s so much representation here - the characters (both main characters and love interests) are mostly queer people of color!!
The plot isn’t too spectacular but I love the characters and getting to know them individually so I still think it’s worth reading. The friendship between the MCs is also really great, I love how supportive they are of each ther. And there’s so much representation here - the characters (both main characters and love interests) are mostly queer people of color!!
September 24, 2020
Another lovely volume for this adorable, empowering and enjoyable read!
I missed this basketball team and I was so happy to get back to this world of theirs. I believe their bonds as a team have only strengthened in this volume and it was pretty believable to see everyone's reaction after their first proper loss. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next installment!
I missed this basketball team and I was so happy to get back to this world of theirs. I believe their bonds as a team have only strengthened in this volume and it was pretty believable to see everyone's reaction after their first proper loss. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next installment!
June 27, 2021
➵ i loved reading the first volume so much, i was pretty confident about enjoying this one and it certainly didn't disappoint. although this volume focused more on characterisation and wasn't too big on the plot, the characters do manage to make a place in your heart —so much that you want these characters to simply be themselves, tell more of their stories, live their relationships. the friendships continue to be explored and the court remains a significant place.
↣ read the comic on scribd ↢
December 30, 2020
#1) The Avant-Guards, Vol. 1 ★★★★★
#3) The Avant-Guards, Vol. 3: Down to the Wire ★★★★☆
▷ Representation: Charlie (mc) sapphic & anxiety; Liv (li) Black & sapphic; Nicole (sc) Asian, trans & sapphic; Jay (sc) Black & non-binary; Ashley (sc) Black; Tyler (sc) nonbinary.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • Twitter • Instagram
December 27, 2020
although i think plotwise, i'm a little bit disappointed. i love these characters so much and the art is so gorgeous, so i need more asap!
January 27, 2021
Hi I'd die for Nicole without hesitation
December 4, 2020
SO. MUCH. FUN. The teamwork, the competition, THE ART STYLE (which I'm very much in love with), the wonderfully diverse and lovable cast of characters, the friendships, the romance.
It's all just SO GREAT.
I love how Usdin balances team life and competition, whilst not losing sight of the characters. Each character is full explored, with their own unique personalities, backstories, relationships and goals and they're all wonderful.
If you're looking for a graphic novel full of charisma, charm, and sport, with an art style that brings the story and characters to life in a way that's impossible to put down, this is the series for you.
It's all just SO GREAT.
I love how Usdin balances team life and competition, whilst not losing sight of the characters. Each character is full explored, with their own unique personalities, backstories, relationships and goals and they're all wonderful.
If you're looking for a graphic novel full of charisma, charm, and sport, with an art style that brings the story and characters to life in a way that's impossible to put down, this is the series for you.
March 15, 2020
so wholesome, so great. love the diversity and subtle non-binary representation!!
November 24, 2020
☆ 4 / 5 ☆
The Avant-Guards, Vol. 1: 4/5
“Existing in the margins, feeling adrift in a world that sees things in such concrete terms… sometimes you start to believe good things won’t happen to you.”
This volume of the Avant-Guards was once again heartwarming, fun and a pleasure to read. This time around while we still get to see the team’s ups and downs in matches and training, we focus more on individual snippets and storylines.
Throughout this volume the overarching conflict is the financial situation of the league and whether or not they’ll be able to go on. Liv is obviously very invested in that future and determined to come up with solutions at every turn.
I love Liv but I also really enjoyed seeing the different perspectives in this volume. We first get to see Jay put on their first solo art exhibitions and meet their partner, Tyler, and it made me all mushy and happy.
Ash on the other hand has to come to terms with her feelings about being relegated as a coach due to her knee injury, bring the team together in more ways than one, and maybe finally ask out her physical therapist.
Tiffany’s perspective was even more interesting because her character gives the opportunity for some more whimsical panels. We also get to learn more about her father and her relationship with him which was very sweet.
Charlie and Live are still figuring it out between the two of them and in this volume we see Charlie helping Liv find her confidence back after a mistake on the court.
The team’s friendships are still at the forefront of the story and I just love these characters and their dynamics a whole lot. I can’t wait for more!
Youtube ☆ Twitter
The Avant-Guards, Vol. 1: 4/5
“Existing in the margins, feeling adrift in a world that sees things in such concrete terms… sometimes you start to believe good things won’t happen to you.”
This volume of the Avant-Guards was once again heartwarming, fun and a pleasure to read. This time around while we still get to see the team’s ups and downs in matches and training, we focus more on individual snippets and storylines.
Throughout this volume the overarching conflict is the financial situation of the league and whether or not they’ll be able to go on. Liv is obviously very invested in that future and determined to come up with solutions at every turn.
I love Liv but I also really enjoyed seeing the different perspectives in this volume. We first get to see Jay put on their first solo art exhibitions and meet their partner, Tyler, and it made me all mushy and happy.
Ash on the other hand has to come to terms with her feelings about being relegated as a coach due to her knee injury, bring the team together in more ways than one, and maybe finally ask out her physical therapist.
Tiffany’s perspective was even more interesting because her character gives the opportunity for some more whimsical panels. We also get to learn more about her father and her relationship with him which was very sweet.
Charlie and Live are still figuring it out between the two of them and in this volume we see Charlie helping Liv find her confidence back after a mistake on the court.
The team’s friendships are still at the forefront of the story and I just love these characters and their dynamics a whole lot. I can’t wait for more!
Youtube ☆ Twitter
January 5, 2020
I love the different character perspectives and found especially Jay and Tiffany's issues very interesting. I'm not that into the love story of the main couple (to insta-lovey for my taste) but it's refreshingly not the main focus.
April 12, 2020
This series has my heart. If I was in any way sports inclined I'd be looking to sign up for a team immediately because the feels in this one were intense. I loved the mini movie marathon of sports movies with strong female bonds - all amazing movies and now my plan for the rest of the day is to go watch them all to try and replicate the emotions this gave me. Easily an all time favourite graphic novel series!
January 25, 2021
Loved this one! I'm the opposite of a sports person but make it queer and I'm here for it.
December 8, 2022
Another cute volume. The back and forth between Charlie and Liv was really confusing though? I don’t understand the purpose of it and it reads like the author intended to drag out their decision to tell people about their relationship and then backtracked suddenly.
I liked getting to know more about the other players, especially Nicole. I think she’s my favorite character in this.
I liked getting to know more about the other players, especially Nicole. I think she’s my favorite character in this.
April 19, 2020
This is the perfect slice of life series and the characters just warm my heart so much. I enjoyed the first volume a little more, but I still adore this series with my whole heart. Definitely looking forward to the next volume!
May 19, 2025
Pt. 2 electric boogaloo!
Absolutely loving that we’re getting to see the povs of every member of the team, and that they all have storylines outside of the team. Cute!
Absolutely loving that we’re getting to see the povs of every member of the team, and that they all have storylines outside of the team. Cute!
February 23, 2021
actual rating: 3.5
I liked this volume a little bit better than the first, probably because all the set up had been done and we could spend a little more time on the 'action' such that is is. Overall when I read cutesy titles like this I much prefer for them to have magic [like Lumberjanes] or more of an action movie element [like this author's other title Heavy Vinyl] but this is still a pretty cute series with a lot of great character designs, and I can use it for the U spot in my author alphabet ;)
I liked this volume a little bit better than the first, probably because all the set up had been done and we could spend a little more time on the 'action' such that is is. Overall when I read cutesy titles like this I much prefer for them to have magic [like Lumberjanes] or more of an action movie element [like this author's other title Heavy Vinyl] but this is still a pretty cute series with a lot of great character designs, and I can use it for the U spot in my author alphabet ;)
March 15, 2022
This series just makes me smile
July 3, 2020
Rating: 4.5 Stars: ★★★★ 1/2
The Avant-Guards is a fantastic graphic novel series about sports, teamwork, a bit of romance but above all FRIENDSHIP! Volume 2 delves more into the lives of the other teammates like Jay, Ashley, Tiffany, and Nicole! The art is bright colorful, and the story is fantastic, this continues to be one of my FAVORITE graphic novel sports series!
As the team continues with their season on the court at away games, this volume also focuses on their lives outside of the team. Jay has their art and relationship, Ashley feels like her injury is keeping her from the game she loves but finds happiness in her budding relationship. We also learn more about Tiffany and Nicole! <3
While I ADORED volume 1, this is a fantastic sequel because there's just a lot of page time that shows an appreciation for the phenomenal cast of characters.
The plot not only focuses on their season, but also an underlying problem financially for the league (its very subtle, but I liked how it was explored throughout this volume). There's tons of different plot points that really allow the cast to shine: Jay's art exhibit, Ashley's birthday, the "film fest" night for Liv, delving more into Tiffany's witchy stuff and her family, even Nicole with a secret of her own! I also loved that Charlie and Liv had a bit of page time for their relationship too
As with the first volume, the paneling and art are another highlight of this series and DO NOT disappoint: the colors continue to be bright and overall the color palette for Avant-Guards is top notch! The paneling is metaphorical when it needs to be (art exhibit panel), there's also a bigger emphasis on smaller panels that utilize all the space leaving bigger panels for more impactful, beautifully designed or action-packed moments in games! The paneling also emphasizes lots of action, movement, and expressiveness not only in the characters but the scene as well.
Other panel examples that I really enjoyed/were very cleverly drawn: the campus art flyers page, the full page spread of Jay and their partner Tyler looking at an exhibit, even in Ch.6 there as Liv was about to make a basket there's a brilliant panel designed almost like a basket to emphasize the action. Overall the paneling in this series is phenomenal!!
Friendship continues to be a hallmark of the series and no matter what obstacles they face, the team always comes together and their support for each other is explored in different ways.
The cast is all so fantastic and I can honestly never pick a favorite Avant-Guard, they are all my favorites!! <3
The Avant-Guards highlights a cast of women, Queer women, women of color, and is overall such an inclusive series!!
My only minor issue is that its difficult to explain, but I just wanted MORE idk if its about the plot, characters or what? I just adore this series a lot and felt there just needed to be more pages with these awesome characters, thrilled to see what happens in Vol. 3!
The Avant-Guards Vol. 2 is a fantastic sequel to a phenomenal graphic novel series that can only continue to get better and better! Avant-Guards is a series that's dedicated to its characters and focuses on friendship! The colorful artwork, wonderfully diverse cast and page-turning story make The Avant-Guards one of the best sports series out there!
The Avant-Guards is a fantastic graphic novel series about sports, teamwork, a bit of romance but above all FRIENDSHIP! Volume 2 delves more into the lives of the other teammates like Jay, Ashley, Tiffany, and Nicole! The art is bright colorful, and the story is fantastic, this continues to be one of my FAVORITE graphic novel sports series!
As the team continues with their season on the court at away games, this volume also focuses on their lives outside of the team. Jay has their art and relationship, Ashley feels like her injury is keeping her from the game she loves but finds happiness in her budding relationship. We also learn more about Tiffany and Nicole! <3
While I ADORED volume 1, this is a fantastic sequel because there's just a lot of page time that shows an appreciation for the phenomenal cast of characters.
The plot not only focuses on their season, but also an underlying problem financially for the league (its very subtle, but I liked how it was explored throughout this volume). There's tons of different plot points that really allow the cast to shine: Jay's art exhibit, Ashley's birthday, the "film fest" night for Liv, delving more into Tiffany's witchy stuff and her family, even Nicole with a secret of her own! I also loved that Charlie and Liv had a bit of page time for their relationship too
As with the first volume, the paneling and art are another highlight of this series and DO NOT disappoint: the colors continue to be bright and overall the color palette for Avant-Guards is top notch! The paneling is metaphorical when it needs to be (art exhibit panel), there's also a bigger emphasis on smaller panels that utilize all the space leaving bigger panels for more impactful, beautifully designed or action-packed moments in games! The paneling also emphasizes lots of action, movement, and expressiveness not only in the characters but the scene as well.
Other panel examples that I really enjoyed/were very cleverly drawn: the campus art flyers page, the full page spread of Jay and their partner Tyler looking at an exhibit, even in Ch.6 there as Liv was about to make a basket there's a brilliant panel designed almost like a basket to emphasize the action. Overall the paneling in this series is phenomenal!!
Friendship continues to be a hallmark of the series and no matter what obstacles they face, the team always comes together and their support for each other is explored in different ways.
The cast is all so fantastic and I can honestly never pick a favorite Avant-Guard, they are all my favorites!! <3
The Avant-Guards highlights a cast of women, Queer women, women of color, and is overall such an inclusive series!!
My only minor issue is that its difficult to explain, but I just wanted MORE idk if its about the plot, characters or what? I just adore this series a lot and felt there just needed to be more pages with these awesome characters, thrilled to see what happens in Vol. 3!
The Avant-Guards Vol. 2 is a fantastic sequel to a phenomenal graphic novel series that can only continue to get better and better! Avant-Guards is a series that's dedicated to its characters and focuses on friendship! The colorful artwork, wonderfully diverse cast and page-turning story make The Avant-Guards one of the best sports series out there!
March 6, 2020
This continues to be a gay delight
August 7, 2022
8/7/22: Did a reread so I could refresh myself before reading the next installment, and I just have to lower my rating to 4 stars. I think my original rating was based on the emotions of not knowing what to expect next and knowing what would happen just took away from that. It's still a beautiful story of friendship and I'm excited to read the last one.
7/30/20: 5 stars again because i love these characters so much and this one made me emotional. it's such a good story about friendship and supporting your friends' dreams and being there when they need you!!! ahhh who would've thought i'd get so attached to a bunch of basketball players.
7/30/20: 5 stars again because i love these characters so much and this one made me emotional. it's such a good story about friendship and supporting your friends' dreams and being there when they need you!!! ahhh who would've thought i'd get so attached to a bunch of basketball players.
June 8, 2020
Representation 🌷 Sapphic MC who has panic attacks, Black Sapphic LI, Trans & Nonbinary SC's
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
➽ I actually liked this volume more than the first one! While the previous book was set on establishing the Avant Guards (especially Liv and Charlie) coming together as a team to play basketball, this one dug a lot deeper into the secondary characters. I really appreciated this, because I felt like I barely knew Liv's friends in volume 1 - they didn't get that much page time and the focus was clearly on establishing Charlie and Liv's characters. However, the second volume includes the perspective of Ashley, Jay, and Tiffany finally making me understand them better as characters. The only person I would have liked to see even more is Nicole, though we did see more of her as well. I loved that this volume focused so much on the other members of the Avant-Guards, especially as I came to really love them! My favorite by far is Jay who's very introverted, shy and doesn't like being in the spotlight, something that I relate to a lot. Meanwhile their roommate Ashley is very extroverted, social, and loves the spotlight. I also loved learning more about Tiffany, who is the resident witch of the college and was really endearing. I also enjoyed the pacing here a lot more as things finally get going and we see a lot of the games the Avant-Guards do, as well as the struggles to stay sponsored. Though I liked this more than volume 1, there is still something missing for me to fall in love with the story completely.
You can find me here 💖 Book Blog | Twitter | Be my friend on GR!
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
1.) The Avant-Guards Vol. 1 ⭐⭐⭐
➽ I actually liked this volume more than the first one! While the previous book was set on establishing the Avant Guards (especially Liv and Charlie) coming together as a team to play basketball, this one dug a lot deeper into the secondary characters. I really appreciated this, because I felt like I barely knew Liv's friends in volume 1 - they didn't get that much page time and the focus was clearly on establishing Charlie and Liv's characters. However, the second volume includes the perspective of Ashley, Jay, and Tiffany finally making me understand them better as characters. The only person I would have liked to see even more is Nicole, though we did see more of her as well. I loved that this volume focused so much on the other members of the Avant-Guards, especially as I came to really love them! My favorite by far is Jay who's very introverted, shy and doesn't like being in the spotlight, something that I relate to a lot. Meanwhile their roommate Ashley is very extroverted, social, and loves the spotlight. I also loved learning more about Tiffany, who is the resident witch of the college and was really endearing. I also enjoyed the pacing here a lot more as things finally get going and we see a lot of the games the Avant-Guards do, as well as the struggles to stay sponsored. Though I liked this more than volume 1, there is still something missing for me to fall in love with the story completely.
Read for ...
💌 #LibraryLoveChallenge
🌈 #Here&Queerathon // #prideathon2020
You can find me here 💖 Book Blog | Twitter | Be my friend on GR!
July 5, 2020
14+ Still haven't come across anything inappropriate for younger readers, but characters are in college.
Comics, Contemporary, Sports.
BIPOC rep. Queer and trans rep.
This second volume offers a more in depth look at all the other Avant-Guards team mates. Jay is preparing for an art show. It's Ashley's birthday and she's met a cute guy at physical therapy. Olivia misses what would have been a winning shot and Charlie has to figure out how to cheer her up. Tiffany and Nic learn a couple of new things about each other and grow closer as friends. This is such a sweet and encouraging comic that shows what true friendship looks like. The team aren't just team mates; they really care for each other. It's also just nice to see a comic with almost all Black and brown faces. This is one of my new favorite comics. Highly recommended for high school collections. Also appropriate for middle school, so far.
Comics, Contemporary, Sports.
BIPOC rep. Queer and trans rep.
This second volume offers a more in depth look at all the other Avant-Guards team mates. Jay is preparing for an art show. It's Ashley's birthday and she's met a cute guy at physical therapy. Olivia misses what would have been a winning shot and Charlie has to figure out how to cheer her up. Tiffany and Nic learn a couple of new things about each other and grow closer as friends. This is such a sweet and encouraging comic that shows what true friendship looks like. The team aren't just team mates; they really care for each other. It's also just nice to see a comic with almost all Black and brown faces. This is one of my new favorite comics. Highly recommended for high school collections. Also appropriate for middle school, so far.
September 24, 2020
The Avant-Guards are sweet, likable, and diverse as hell, but their antics lack tension in this second volume. The team's season might be canceled! ...but it isn't. Liv misses what would be the winning shot in the game! ...so the team cheers her up. Jay has an art showing! And it goes well! Nicole has a comedy show! And it goes well!
Although the characters are fun to get to know and the dialogue is snappy and clever, it doesn't feel like anything truly bad is going to happen to the Avant-Guards. That's fine for what it is, but it doesn't make for very involving reading.
Although the characters are fun to get to know and the dialogue is snappy and clever, it doesn't feel like anything truly bad is going to happen to the Avant-Guards. That's fine for what it is, but it doesn't make for very involving reading.
May 19, 2021
Another solid installment. Didn't feel as rushed as the last volume did. Liked the new narrative style that was explored in this volume. However, some of the pages felt too full and the font was really small, which made me have to squint. The volume also includes a reference to Elliot Page's dead name. Not taking stars off for this because there is no way the authors would have known about Elliot's transition when this was published. It is just something to note that didn't age well.
Really crushed that this only has three volumes. Eagerly anticipating volume 3 coming out this year.
Really crushed that this only has three volumes. Eagerly anticipating volume 3 coming out this year.
July 4, 2020
This book featured:
- Representation across the lgbtqia+ spectrum including own voices representation for Non-Binary.
- Representation of BIPOC characters, and shows background characters of different religions.
- SPACE! Still a contemporary but with space! I LOVE SPACE!
- Beautiful artwork on every page.
- Sports!
- A lovely friendship group.
- Representation across the lgbtqia+ spectrum including own voices representation for Non-Binary.
- Representation of BIPOC characters, and shows background characters of different religions.
- SPACE! Still a contemporary but with space! I LOVE SPACE!
- Beautiful artwork on every page.
- Sports!
- A lovely friendship group.
August 9, 2021
i liked this volume even more than the 1st one (HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE??). i really loved that fact that in this volume, we get to see events being narrated by different POVs and in this way, we get to know each character in depth :') getting attached to a character can be hard when it comes to graphic novels but the authors proved the general rule to be wrong!
January 22, 2022
OH wow, I loved this one! Team work, building relationships, seeing more of the characters and their complexities, it was a total win-win. And I absolutely loved the . I can't wait to continue the series and see what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews