Comic Review: West Coast Avengers #3

West Coast Avengers #3

Marvel Comics

Writer: Kelly Thompson

Artist: Stefano Caselli

New York has all the superheroes, so Kate Bishop takes it upon herself to defend the West Coast. Two issues in, and we have the West Coast Avengers already assembled and with a villain. Now, in the third issue, B.R.O.D.O.K. is setting siege to the city, and the West Coast Avengers are on the frontlines.

Waking up to their roof being torn off, the West Coast Avengers have to defend Los Angeles from B.R.O.D.O.K. and his monsters. Included in them is brainwashed classic Avengers member, Tigra. Recognizing them as innocent patients of B.R.O.D.O.K., the team has to find a way to defeat them without seriously hurting them.

Right off the bat, this is another outstanding issue. Kelly Thompson tells a good story, and this one is moving at a good pace, with no filler so far. I like the members of this team, and they are dynamic with each other. There’s not really “teamwork” just yet, but they’re figuring it out. Gwenpool is one of my favorite characters, and she has a nice fourth wall break in here. There’s some subtle-ish setup for what I’m sure will be future plot points. I do think the motivation behind B.R.O.D.O.K. is a little weak, though. And I think it could’ve gone longer before he turns on the group, but that’s just minor nitpicks from me.

I like the art by Stefano Caselli a lot. Along with the colors by Triona Farrell, it captures the tone of the story well. The characters look good, and the backgrounds have good detail. The action as well looks great, and the powers the characters use are presented nicely. The designs of the giant, monster people as well are great. They are kind of the standard, generic, monster looking types. But each one has a unique look compared to the rest.

So far, this has been a good series, and this is another good issue. The story is moving at a nice pace. The characters don’t feel too different from their other appearances in other comics. Gwenpool has a great fourth wall break that also sets up what could be a future story, without feeling forced. The art is excellent and captures the feeling of the series well. I have my nitpicks, but they’re minor. This is just a solid series and a solid issue.