Young Avengers v2 #1 Discussion

[jetdragon]

So I said I wanted a discussion post with comment threads, which I guess means I get to make it, but I'm lazy so I'm just crossposting from my tumblr.

Comments

[traincat]

The STYLE > SUBSTANCE titlepage kind of summed it up for me, and not in a good way. I'm not going to go into excruciating detail because I know a lot of people liked it and I don't want to harsh their squee, but I found the writing blocky and pandering (problematic! terribad! feels and lols!) and I agree with ardatli's comments re: "the static-with-exaggerated-expression look" in the art and having trouble relating this Billy to the one who held Teddy and cried with him at the end of the original twelve issues. I hated their conversation about Teddy's superheroing, even if the kiss afterwards was cute. Also -- BILLY KAPLAN STOP HELPING

[redshirtdiary]

I kind of hope in a future issue they all take Kid Loki to get his ears done at the Piercing Pagoda at the Garden State Plaza.

I never realized how much I needed this in my life.

[traincat]

it could be a real team bonding experience.

My brother and I were talking about Tommy's departure and decided that the real reason he stormed off was because he and Billy got their ears pierced together and Billy neglected to tell Tommy until afterwards that his was the gay ear.

Basically I just find the earrings hilarious.

[jetdragon]

My sister also mentioned being irritated by Gillen's tumblr-speak, but I was expecting it as part of his shtick. I think it's probable that it's going to get old really quickly for me though.

BILLY KAPLAN STOP HELPING
Motto.

I hope it'll get better as it goes on as well. I'm still looking forward to reading it, but my enthusiasm is a little dampened.

[traincat]

Billy's HAIR, though. Someone tell this kid to go easy on the hair gel.

Quitting superheroing left him with a lot of free time. Hairstyle experimentation seemed the right way to go! Next issue he spikes himself a mohawk.

[jetdragon]

...I really want to see this now.

[lanavis]

I actually liked this issue even with all its faults. I was expecting it to be a complete flop tho so...

[rukia]

Can the letterer mess things up? I'm not even trying to assign blame I'm just really curious now.

Most likely it is a writer's mistake that the editor overlooked. I've worked on a professional book before and I find, as a letterer, you don't question the script because it's definitely not your job to correct the script. Letterer's are also very careful about transferring the script to comic page - details are key. (If you want to see if lettering is professional or poorly done, just see how the cross-bar I's are used - such a small detail says a lot.) I especially doubt it is the letterer's fault in this case because this is one of the more exceptional letterers in VC's roster

[ardatli]

I just saw a really interesting speculation on Tumblr that the misspelling was deliberate, and a clue that we may not be on Earth 616. I don't buy it, quite, but it certainly would put a different spin on a lot of things (Chelsea, "foster" parents AUGH, the OOCness of some of the dialogue.)

It's so nice to see the fandom back and running full-steam again! XD

[luna_ashes]

Oh wow, the "different Universe" theory is actually really cool? Like, yeah, I can see that. (Billy even says that he'll be the best boyfriend in "every reality," so maybe that's another hint?)

[ardatli]

Here's that post: Is this the real life, is it just fantasy...

[pinkelephant42]

Pacing, panel flow and composition feel really off and there are weird style choices.

I want to love the new characters but we see them for like three pages each and I'm left underwhelmed. I want more of Miss America. My favorite part of the whole issue is her threatening Loki.

When did Loki start saying things like "terribad?"

Teddy-as-Spider-Man is such a geeky thing and I laughed. :)

Billy's terribly exaggerated facial expressions and new hair style bother me. Billy, you're cute, but CALM DOWN and lay off the hair gel! The whole Billy/Teddy scene was a bit overdramatic and felt like three conversations smushed into one. But Teddy is so adorable and perfect omg. Stay perfect forever, Teddy!

I was not expecting that ending AT ALL WTF KAPLANS. BILLY, STOP TRYING TO FIX THINGS.

[jetdragon]

I think Loki talked like that in JiM, from what I remember.

I vote for Teddy taking over as the new Spider-Man!

Billy really needs a common-sense checker. He should run all of his bright ideas by Kate first, and if she says no they're out.

[ardatli]

So you're saying that Billy needs a beta-reader for his life? I think that's a Very Good Plan. XD

[jetdragon]

Heck, *I* could use a life beta. Kate can be his Sassy Straight Friend.