Young Avengers # 12 Review
Author: Allan Heinberg
Penciler: Jimmy Cheung
Inker: Robert Stull
Colors: Justin Ponsor
Better late than never? Although it pains me to say it: yes. But the delays have really hurt this book in sales. For some reason everyone just got to the idea of Ultimates coming out whenever and it still selling strong. That doesn't really hold true for YA. Obviously this book was supposed to be out before Civil War #2, so we already know what happens to Patriot in this book. To top that off this book is on hiatus while Heinburg goes on to concentrate on Wonder Woman and the OC.
So, let's get to the story. There is an agreement reached that Hulkling will spend half a year with the Kree and half with the Skrulls until he chooses who he will ally with. During this time he can make regular visits to Earth and if Teddy is harmed in any way or misses a visit, Iron Man states that the Avengers will end the Kree/Skrull war once and for all. Turns out that it wasn't Teddy at all, but a Super-Skrull. After that mess is all settled Billy takes them to the hospital where Captain America is ready to be a blood donor for Eli when they find his grandfather, Isaiah Bradley (the original Super Soldier), already giving him a blood transfusion which explains his super powers.
There is a really nice speech made by Kate about acceptance and it really makes Cap look like a chump. Cap eventually dubs her the new Hawkeye as she receives his bow and quiver. Next stop: the Avengers mansion to repair the statues of fallen Avengers. It's all about respect for Ant-man, Captain Marvel, and Mockingbird. Finally there is a ceremony for Teddy's mom; they announce their next mission will be to find Billy and Tommy's mom (Scarlet Witch). Tommy decides to stay with the team under the new code name Speed.
A great wrap up for a first year or more like two years. Just a couple of gripes, but really small ones. If Eli got a blood transfusion from his grandpa how did he get super-hearing and bulletproof skin abilities? Neither of those are part of a Super Soldier's powers. Also I was disappointed that Cap let Kate use the Hawkeye code name, since he technically is still around somewhere. Why not Mockingbird or Swordsman? Other than that, a perfect issue, with some beautiful artwork by Cheung. This is probably his strongest issue yet. I will be picking up Young Avengers/Runaways Civil War, but damn I'm going to miss the Heinberg/Cheung team. A solid A from me.
Read it, was a tad confused with one or two pages towards the end but otherwise it was good. I think if somebody was going to read this at all they'd be better off reading the next issue, as I jumped into the series with this issue and was like "Huh?" most of the time. Still this issue was good, even if this was the first time I had read a Young Avengers book.
I really like this issue. I'm glad the series is on hiatus, because otherwise, the characters would have to get all wrapped up in Civil War. Oh, wait...