New Marvel series excels

Marvel launched its brand new comic series, Champions, with issue No. 1 dropping Oct. 5.
Champions takes place after the latest major Marvel event, Civil War 2. Tired of the destruction created from that event, Marvel’s youngsters set out to make a change. Ms. Marvel, Miles Morales as Spider-Man, and Nova leave the Avengers. Joining them are Cyclops, Vision’s daughter Viv Vision, and Amadeus Cho as the Totally Awesome Hulk. Combined, they form the Champions.
The main theme of this comic is youth. The behavior of the adults creates discomfort among the younger ones. Civil War 2 was yet another story featuring heroes fighting heroes. Our young heroes decide it’s time to be the heroes the world needs.
Champions never feels like it’s trying too hard to be timely with modern society and politics. There is some social commentary, but at the end of the day this comic book is more concerned with the comic world. Civil War 2 made many readers tired of hero vs hero storylines, and Champions sets to fix this. The Champions were just as tired as we were, and it’s good to know Marvel ultimately cares the most about the comics.
The dialogue is snappy and youthful. Writer Mark Waid keeps the tone lighthearted. There is a moment of pure gold when the Champions drop the Vision’s house to recruit Viv Vision.
Waid’s writing succeeds in telling a story about youth wanting to make positive change without trying too hard to be hip. There is no cringe worthy lingo, soon to become outdated.
The inaugural issue of Champions informs new readers about the current status quo without taking too long to explain. The team’s frustration and desire to be different breeds of heroes is never too preachy.
Humberto Ramos’ pencils are a mixed bag. His hybrid of the cartoon and the realistic is solid for the most part, giving a style that fits the tone well. However, his exaggerated style leaves lots of awkward faces and proportions, being rather off-putting at times. Edgar Delgado’s colors are high quality, with the washed out colors of the destructed environment being a highlight.
Champions #1 gives readers plenty to digest while the leaving the doors open for a promising future.