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A review by emeelee
America, Vol. 1: The Life and Times of America Chavez by Gabby Rivera, Joe Quiñones
4.0
Vol. 1: The Life and Times of America Chavez ★★★★☆
Vol. 2: Fast and Fuertona ★★★★★ (4.5)
I've been so looking forward to America Chavez's solo series, since I loved Young Avengers and America was one of my favorites from that group. One of the best things about America (and this whole generational line-up of heroes) is the diversity! America Chavez is a queer, brown, Latina, star-portal-punching, kickass alien superhero, who's trying to serve justice and also finish her college degree.
Now, one of the reasons I loved YA so much was because of the artist Jamie McKelvie (who also illustrates The Wicked + The Divine, another of my favorite comics), who is one of my favorite illustrators. In comics/graphic novels the art style really does matter as much or more than the story. The art style in America was good, although I didn't love the artist change for #5, especially since that was the majority of Kate Bishop's inclusion, but ah well I guess I can't have everything. I love that America has so much style, the way so much attention is paid to all of the characters' personal fashion really made this visual story a treat to read.
I really enjoyed the various cameos: Kate of course, Loki, T'Challa, Carol Danvers, Moon Girl, Prodigy, Peggy Carter, Storm, and even Sonia Sotomayor. I loved seeing the friendship between Kate and America take a front seat, because that was one of the best things about YA, and it's so important to see superwomen supporting and loving each other.
The storyline is fine, though I did have some trouble following it through the first couple issues. America's emotional journey is more intriguing than the action so far-- I'm excited to see that America will be discovering more about herself-- her powers, her ancestors, who she is and where she comes from.
Vol. 2: Fast and Fuertona ★★★★★ (4.5)
I've been so looking forward to America Chavez's solo series, since I loved Young Avengers and America was one of my favorites from that group. One of the best things about America (and this whole generational line-up of heroes) is the diversity! America Chavez is a queer, brown, Latina, star-portal-punching, kickass alien superhero, who's trying to serve justice and also finish her college degree.
Now, one of the reasons I loved YA so much was because of the artist Jamie McKelvie (who also illustrates The Wicked + The Divine, another of my favorite comics), who is one of my favorite illustrators. In comics/graphic novels the art style really does matter as much or more than the story. The art style in America was good, although I didn't love the artist change for #5, especially since that was the majority of Kate Bishop's inclusion, but ah well I guess I can't have everything. I love that America has so much style, the way so much attention is paid to all of the characters' personal fashion really made this visual story a treat to read.
I really enjoyed the various cameos: Kate of course, Loki, T'Challa, Carol Danvers, Moon Girl, Prodigy, Peggy Carter, Storm, and even Sonia Sotomayor. I loved seeing the friendship between Kate and America take a front seat, because that was one of the best things about YA, and it's so important to see superwomen supporting and loving each other.
The storyline is fine, though I did have some trouble following it through the first couple issues. America's emotional journey is more intriguing than the action so far-- I'm excited to see that America will be discovering more about herself-- her powers, her ancestors, who she is and where she comes from.