(oversized pb; 2005: graphic novel, collecting issues #7-12 of the original series, as well as Young Avengers Special #1. Second entry in the original Young Avengers graphic novel series.)
From the back cover:
"The newly formed Young Avengers take on super-powered sadist Mister Hyde, the extraterrestrial Super-Skrull and a full-scale alien invasion, juggling their parents and their private lives at the same time. Meanwhile, some of the super-teens discover they have unexpected family ties to the original Avengers."
Review:
Immediately after the events of Young Avengers: Sidekicks, the adolescent superheroes wrestle not only with whether or not to continue with their group activities, knowing that the Avengers -- namely Captain America and Iron Man -- don't approve of their activities (and are willing to "out" them to their disapproving guardians), but how to deal with all the baggage of being in such a high-powered and volatile collective. Things get even more intense and violent when the Super-Skrull (Kl'rt) shows up to kidnap the Hulkling (a.k.a. Teddy Altman), and, in doing so, starts killing those close to Teddy. Not long after that, the enemies of the Skrulls, the Kree (from whom Captain Marvel originates), also show up with similar designs.
Of course, with a Kree-Skrull war exploding in their city, the Avengers -- Captain America, Iron Man, Spiderman, Wolverine and Spider-Woman -- also find themselves in the thick of intergalactic combat, with the young superheroes caught in the middle. Even as these battles rage, so does confusion among the Young Avengers. Will Patriot, grandson of the original Captain America (Isaiah Bradley), forgive himself for deceiving his former teammates, and rejoin them? Why are the Skrulls and the Kree so keen on taking Teddy? Why does their most recent recruit, Thomas Shepherd, a speedster who can "destabilize atomic matter" by running, so strongly resemble Asgardian (now called Wiccan)?
All of these matters and questions are resolved in a climax that feels familiar and fresh. This is a great set-up for future Young Avengers works -- of which there are a couple, penned by Heinberg and Cheung: worth owning, this.
(oversized pb; 2005: graphic novel, collecting issues #1- 6 of the original series. First entry in the original Young Avengers graphic novel series.)
From the inside flap:
"In the wake of Avengers Disassembled, a mysterious new group of teen super heroes appears with powers and names resembling classic Avengers Captain America, Iron Man, Thor and the Hulk. But who are they? Where did they came from? And what right do they have to call themselves the Young Avengers?
"When the Young Avengers' public actions draw the attention of Captain America and Iron Man, the old Avengers set out to learn the truth about their teenaged namesakes. Caught between a maniacal super-villain and their heroic idols, will the Young Avengers' first fight be their last stand?"
Review:
Sidekicks is a tightly plotted, tale-twisty series that recalls the past glories and characters of the Avengers-related Marvel Universe and promises to be an exciting update of familiar characters. When an "Avengers Failsafe Program" (set up by the now-dead Vision) inspires a new generation of superheroes who are somehow related to past Avengers -- the Ant-Man, Captain Marvel and others -- this fledgling group, grappling with their heroic identities (which are largely hidden from their families), must not only face down Captain America and Iron Man, but the villainous, time-traveling Kang the Conqueror, who has a personal interest in how the Young Avengers drama plays out.
In this first volume, the Young Avengers are: Hulkling, a.k.a. Teddy Altman, a shape-shifter whose Hulk-like powers hint at so much more; Patriot, a.k.a. Eli Bradley, whose domino mask and military suit recalls that of Bucky, one-time (and long-dead) sidekick to Captain America; Asgardian, a.k.a. Billy Caplan, whose resemblance to Thor and use of a lightning-blast staff often prove effective in battle; Iron Lad, whose Iron Man-ish, neuro-kinetic suit covers a deeper, tale-trenchant mystery; Cassie Lang, size-shifting daughter of the most recent (and recently killed) Ant-Man, Scott Lang; and Kate Bishop, whose physical prowess and abilities with a bow and arrow echoes those of a former Avenger, Hawkeye.
This is a fun, action-explosive and blast-through read, one worth owning. The ending, which closes out the first story arc of their origin storyline, is a not-quite-a-cliff-hanger one, so make sure you have the follow-up volume, Young Avengers: Family Matters, on hand while reading Sidekicks.
