Young Avengers, Vol. 2: Alternative Culture by Kieron Gillen

Young Avengers, Vol. 2: Alternative Culture Reviews

• 
  Jesse (JesseTheReader)

  (3.5)
  I enjoyed this, but I didn't love it as much as the first volume. The beginning portion dragged a bit, but it does get super exciting towards the middle. I think what makes this series so great is the characters. I've never felt strongly about any comic book character, but then the young avengers came into my life and changed that. THEY GIVE ME LOTS OF FEELINGS. I also really appreciated the unique panels throughout this trade. I like seeing people play with formats that have stayed the same for ages and make them interesting.
• 
  Anne

  3.5 stars
  
  Pretty cool, especially considering I walked into volume 2 without getting to read the first one.
  Big Thank You! to whoever orders comics for my library...
  
  So, somebody (something) named Mother has nefarious plans for this group of teenagers, and ends up leading them on a long wild goose chase throughout parallel universes. Wiccan and Hulkling were an interesting couple, as were Kate Bishop and Noh-Varr. I actually found Kate and Noh-Varr to be a bit cuter, since there didn't seem to be as much drama surrounding their relationship.
  Lots of angst, lots of action, and lots of selfies.
  
  
  
  It was cute, and there was a nice bouncy feel to it, but somewhere along the line I just felt like some of it was trying a bit too hard to be young and hip.
  Then again, what do I know?
  I'm not exactly the target audience here, you know?
  In fact, I'm not sure whether or not I'm even allowed to use the word hip anymore.
  So.
  
  I'm definitely not as blown away as everyone else was, but that might be because I don't have the whole story...yet.
  But with the glowing reviews my friends
  Sesana &
  Sam gave this one, I'm more than willing to try to find out what the fuss is all about.
  
  
  Get this review and more at:
  
  
  
  
• 
  Sam Quixote

  Young Avengers Volume 2 is more of the same from the first volume, which is a great thing as the first volume (album?) was so good. The YA have been chased away from Earth by Mother, and are pursuing Patriot (who’s not really Patriot) who’s leading them on a merry chase between dimensions after taking their friend. I pointed it out in my review of the first volume but I love that the story of this series is basically teens fighting with parents and then running away from home, a fairly universal and humdrum story, but blown up – or Marvel-ised – here because the teens are superheroes.
  
  The art team of Jamie McKelvie, Mike Norton and Matthew Wilson, the band to Kieron Gillen’s vocals, continue their amazing work in this book and even step aside for the one issue drawn by Kate Brown. Multiverse travel is represented as characters crashing through one panel, cascading down like shards of glass featuring the characters, before re-emerging whole in the panel at the bottom of the page. This sequence continues the way they treated panels in the first volume where they were literally cages for the characters. Things get even more meta when Mother begins eating the dialogue boxes during her sections of the comic! And the title cards are awesome, alternately presented as report cards, menus, passports, and whatever’s relevant to that issue.
  
  Gillen represents young people perfectly in this comic, superpowers or no. Prodigy (the mutant who absorbed everyone’s powers, then in the fallout of AVX, lost that power but retained all the knowledge) is working in a call centre, the quintessential 21st century young person’s job, while Gillen uses social media formats like Tumblr to represent and summarise the YA’s escapades. Then there’s all that relationship drama about whether Hulking really loves Wiccan and Noh-Varr’s evil exes show up to fight (yup, there’s a Scott Pilgrim-esque flavour to this volume)! There’s also a lot of communal eating like you would see in a dorm – notice how nearly every issue features the YA’s sat down in some awesome restaurant chowing down, whether it’s Korean bbq, or noodles, or a fried breakfast (how I wish I had some Korean bbq right now!), this series celebrates excellent cuisine like no other. Most importantly though is the way he’s written the characters whose interactions make this series such a joy to read and which almost make plot seem a secondary consideration in comparison.
  
  If you loved the first volume as much as I did, you’ll love the second volume equally – the awkward second album curse certainly doesn’t apply here! And while it’s undeniably one of the coolest Marvel titles, it really is a shame that it’s ending too soon. Burning out rather than fading away was never really cool and I would’ve preferred the series to keep going rather than end after three volumes (or 15 issues), but there we go. The good news is that great bands always reform after they break up so maybe a few years down the line, Gillen and co. will return to resurrect the series once more. For now though we’ve got this awesome book and it’s all killer, no filler.
• 
  oliver

  i've only had the young avengers for a day but if anything happened to them, i would kill everyone in this room and then myself
• 
  Mike

  Not feeling it as strongly with this volume. Maybe I'm just feeling down or bloaty, so it may entirely be on me not on this collection, but all the inventive fresh stuff feels kinda stale to me - maybe because it's stuff I'm not that invested in. Like the arcane music references - just don't really care, tho I'm aware many will think this is the shit.
  
  Or the tumblr ripoff they're using for most of the intro pages - yay, it just feels a bit tedious to wade through all that layout for a few tidbits of info I needed to keep up.
  
  OTOH, some of the artwork is great and keeps pushing boundaries I'm happy to see shoved around.
  
  And a few fun moments scattered. Hilarious, totally appropriate temp jobs for our almost-forgotten heroes. And some great empathy we get to feel for each of them in their circumstance. Totally appropriate scene changes through shattered panels, and lots of weirdness in each scene.
  
  But by near the end it feels like we didn't get any closer to resolution (which the characters actually make a comment about), and we've had some superficially fun misadventures but nothing to remember later (save one or two asides).
  
  But holy shit is Young Loki a badass. That near-end sequence almost makes up for the lacklustre series of issues that came before.
  
  And at least the new villain is suitably inscrutable.
  
  Gimme another issue like the last one in this book and I'll keep reading. Finally see the heat cranked up, and a satisfying amount of squirming ensues. Let's hope the final volume cranks up the pace!
  
  Edit: second time through, feels much the same to me - and what’s noticeable this time around is how much of a She-Hulk cousin America Chavez is, and how much fun issue 6 is. (Was that the first time I’d read someone explain how mind-numbing life as a speedster would be?) and I really like Leah. Wish she appeared in more books. And I wonder how much people later got pissed off at the Kate Bishop re-imagined by Fraction & Thompson. It’s crazy how much of a left-turn her character takes under their hands, and how much more I love her in that guise.
• 
  Sesana

  So, so good. If you haven't already read the previous Young Avengers series or Gillen's Journey into Mystery run, do yourself a favor and pick them up. I don't think you'll get nearly as much out of this Young Avengers series if you haven't. For those of us who come properly versed in the backstories, this is just good stuff. The characters, the story, the art, it all works together. I love how the characters feel like the teens they really are, and how the story works with them at their age. Running away from home because the parents just don't understand? Could there possibly be a more teen storyline? The last issue sets up the coming showdown (showdowns? probably) beautifully. I can't wait to see where this is going. I am sad that Gillen and company have decided to end the series after fifteen issues. But far better to go out with a bang than a whimper, or to leave the book in less capable hands.
• 
  Shan( Shans_Shelves) 💜

  I knew it!!
  
  I'm really enjoying this comic series.
  
  Sad I've only one more to go though.
• 
  James DeSantis

  Loki as a kid is adorbs. Shame he becomes a dick later on, again, though not as evilish. Kind of.
  
  So this is the story of the young avengers going on more adventurousness trips. David, a mutant who lost his powers after House of M, decides to join the gang. Actually, he's kind of forced in to it all after something terrible happens to him and another guy. Then, well then it gets really confusing. Jumping through dimensions, visiting people who are young, but then older in our reality, it's wonky and weird.
  
  Good: I like the characters. I think their interactions with each other are great, interesting, and funny. I think them talking about sexual orientation is smart, and makes sense, seeing as they are at that age of finding out about themselves. I also enjoyed the first issue a lot despite it feeling a bit disconnected from the rest.
  
  Bad: The plot is all over the place. Honestly, I can't even tell what the heck is happening half the time. Also, the ending was left a kind of meh feeling.
  
  Overall, I want to love this book, but like most of Kieron's titles I just enjoy it. Good on characters, meh on plotting. A 3 out of 5.
  
  
• 
  ♛Vanessa♛ Fangirl Faction

  3.5/5 Stars
  
  I felt that this volume was a little bit better than the first volume. There is still plenty of action and the plot is definitely thickened up. Though I honestly may have more questions now that I did after reading the first volume. Trust was a big theme in this issue. Who can they really trust? Can they even trust each other? I am interested in seeing where this goes so on to the next volume for me.
• 
  Chelsea 🏳️‍🌈

  Re-reading this series and this is even better than the first volume.
  
  This one made me want a live action Netflix show even more! The hints at their adventures in other universes wasn't enough for me. I wanted to see so much more of them interacting with the other versions of themselves. Marvel has never given me enough of the multiverse!
  
  I forgot how much I loved Kid Loki :) Also, it's such a shame America's solo couldn't bring the same magic that made me love this character. I keep wondering when they've going to conclude that Demiurge business but I don't know where Billy Kaplan is at the moment. I doubt it at this point.
  
  Also, I adore Tommy Shepherd and his relationship with David and I'm bummed that he was only in 2 issues of this series. I loved this series but for some reason Tommy was benched for most of it.
  
  I will keep crossing my fingers for a David Alleyne.
• 
  Leo

  3.5/5
  
  So, I was a bit dissapointed with this volume. Don't get me wrong, it's really good but after the strong end of volume one, I expected to like this even more and I liked a little less.
  The main problem is that the book starts with a whole issue that introduces two new (at least new for those of us who only have read the first volume) characters. There's David aka. Prodigy, a mutant who can collect skills and abilities from people and Tommy, who turns out is Billy's brother. And Tommy gets sort of kidnapped by some evil guy. It was a bit anticlimactic to have the book start without the characters I know and I'm eager to continue reading about. But, let's move on.
  
  Meanwhile, the Young Avengers have been running around the Universe because they can't go back home. Prodigy tracks them down to seek their help in finding Tommy. The Avengers them start going from dimension to dimension after the bad guy and things got a lot more interesting. Nothing like some dimension-travelling to make things fun.
  
  So, even though I said I did like this volume less than the previous one, I think it will grow on me and a re-read may change my mind. Gillen is developing a story to play in the long run while keeping us entertained in the meantime. This a fun book to read (mostly due to Loki, yeah). I also really like McKelvie's art, it suits the story really well. Brown art in the first issue was also cool even though its kind of weird to see other than McKelvie drawing.
  Anyway, I need to order volume three ASAP.
  
  P.S.: That page of Loki's Instagram was genius. He is definitely the MVP here and of course, when he is up to something, he's more fun.
  
  Also, this shit is out of stock online but I managed to find a copy in a comic book shop in Dublin. Sometimes life is pretty good.
• 
  Cat

  I still find the story kinda confusing. it's so abstract. but the art is amazing. and the characters. and I'm a sucker for Billy and Teddy, so sue me (don't please)
  
  full review soon
• 
  maddie

  Stan Billy Kaplan and his intergalactic prince fiancé Teddy Altman
• 
  Bárbara

  Reread, March 7th, 2021
  Okay, regardless of what my updates may imply, I actually enjoyed reading this. I guess that knowing what happens makes the blow a little easier to bear. That doesn't mean I'm super happy, though: I still hate that this is the direction things had to take.
  I still enjoyed this considerably, as both writing and art are just superb.
  
  
  
  Original review:
  This one isn't only a dynamic set of issues on its own, it also sets the scene nicely for what's to come in the conclusion (conclusion I don't want to think about- but will face as an adult nonetheless).
  Each issue only manages to cement the notion that Young Avengers (and Kieron Gillen's run specifically) is my favorite comic series.
• 
  Patty

  Source: Library
• 
  Deborah

  A lot of the issues I was having with the previous volume were smoothed over in here! I think this story has found its footing and it's actually pretty dang enjoyable! As ever, the characters continue to be some of my favorite (although I wish a couple, like America and Kate, got a little more attention), plus there were a couple new faces introduced who I reallllly enjoy.
  I feel like the alien Mother character/arc makes WAY more since now; I can't help but wish we had a little more insight into her motivations earlier on, but better late than never I suppose!
• 
  Abi (The Knights Who Say Book)

  Alright, a slightly more comprehensible review now that it is not midnight!
  
  I love things about this comic. I really do. I'm interested in whatever the hell is going on with Loki, even though I still lack all the backstory for why he's a teen now. I love when it does weird, cool panels for different dimensions. And I could not be more thrilled with Prodigy joining the team and coming out as bi!
  
  Some criticisms, though:
  
  The whole mother parasite, proximity to parents makes them evil, must stay away from New York thing? All still seems very contrived. And the plot of this comic also seems a bit flimsy and built entirely on mystery that doesn't get any resolution yet.
  
  As much as I love that we have three out queer characters, they're all guys. Isn’t America supposed to be a lesbian? (That’s not a question, I know from reading her comics that she is. I just don't know where that comes out in Young Avengers.)
  
  Also, where's America's personality? Don't get me wrong, I love that she's always ready to Fight Loki, and I support all her asskicking of him both past and future. But it's clear the personality I fell in love with in
  America, Vol. 1: The Life and Times of America Chavez was mostly Gabby Rivera's work, and is much less present in this series.
  
  On that note, Kate also is RIDICULOUSLY underdeveloped and underused. Noh-varr is a big question mark, which is fitting because he's clueless, and I'm clueless about him. I'm no longer a comics newbie, yet I still have no idea what all this about the Kree is, and that's a problem for understanding where this series comes from.
  
  Only Loki, Teddy and Billy get a lot of depth and focus. And I love Teddy and Billy and the tensions that are arising in their relationship as of the ending, but this volume still suffered a lot from all the things I mentioned.
• 
  Shannon Appelcline

  This comic continues to be crazy, wacky, and totally readable. It's perhaps a bit too decompressed as we get through a whole TPB without much being revealed ... but it's really enjoyable to be strung along as you go. My favorite issue here was the first, dealing with Prodigy and Speed, but I enjoyed the rest as well and desperately want to read the next and (sadly!) last volume.
• 
  Dimitrios

  I start reading and find I've finished before I realize...then need to immediately keep reading more. Fellow comic geeks, drop all your current comparatively crappy books and start this one right now!
• 
  Jaye Berry

  I'm not saying this sucks or that I hate it but 💀
  
  I like the characters and there are fun moments, including the (confusing) introduction of more characters but after all of these issues we are STILL no closer to a resolution so like??? What is the point?
  
  The dimension hopping was cool but not as cool as it could have been and it was just further confusing for me.
  
  I feel like a lot of this is just grown adults trying way too hard to be hip and cool. The tumblr page knock offs were annoying and the dialogue was cringe at times.
  
  But I love this young Loki so much oh my god he carries the entire thing for real. Kate's kree bow is also dope as fuck.
• 
  R

  Where's Vol. 3 when you need it? 😭
• 
  connie

  5/5 stars
  
  This is the second volume of the new Young Avengers series, collecting issues #6 to #10, and I don’t really think I need to say that this is excellent.
  
  This review is going to be quite spoiler-y, because I’m just so… So. So much so. Words.
  
  David Alleyne is introduced in this one, and Tommy makes his triumphant return as Speed- a very brief return, sure, but a return none-the-less. Tommy insults Billy, David and him go out for coffee, shit escalates and suddenly Tommy’s disintegrated by Eli (OR IS IT?!?!?!!?) and David can do nothing but locate the now on-the-run Young Avengers to help him find Tommy.
  
  Also, Loki has instagram. I’m not really surprised, and the pictures he posts are amazing. The art continues to exceed my expectations, although I was surprised when the art style in issue 6 was completely different- still loved it, though. Perfectly captured the amazing face that is Tommy Shepherd’s.
  
  Party Ideas:
  -Take a shot for every insult Tommy aims at Billy, throughout all the Young Avengers comics. You will die of alcohol poisoning before the party is even in full swing
  -Take a shot every time America threatens to hurt someone
  -Double that shot if the person she threatens is Loki
  
  There’s trouble in paradise with Teddy and Billy too. Nothing too serious, just Billy may or may not have completely made up Teddy to fulfill his needs and Teddy is having serious self doubt about whether or not this fact is true. Loki is to blame for all of it. For a guy who may or may not exist, Teddy sure does feel negative and make me cry a lot.
  
  Loki’s a liar and hides things, yet again. David catches him out on it almost immediately. I was quite impressed by his detective skills, actually.
  
  SO YEAH. RANDOM RAMBLINGS ASIDE. I recommend this. A*. Good job. Good work. Amazing, actually.
  
• 
  James Lawner

  *2.5*
  
  WTF is going on?
  
  The only good thing about this series is the art, but the writing just feels disjointed to me; stuff happens, but I don't quite understand what is actually going on (just like Gillen's other series, The Wicked + The Divine) and the characters aren't as likable as they should be. This series should've had some fun, youthful exuberance and camaraderie, but instead the characters just do some stuff, talk boringly and have little dynamic/chemistry with one and other.
  
  Overall, I felt this was less interesting than Vol. 1, even though I wasn't too crazy about it either. This volume felt boring, and even when there was a sort-of twist/reveal, I still didn't understand it all very well, am I missing something?
• 
  Nicky

  Alternative Culture is fun and meta, once again. The only annoying thing was how little was revealed. I mean, where does Leah tie in? Who is the fake Patriot?
  
  But in terms of characters and the art and design of the comic, it was amazing. I like Prodigy as a character -- he can stay in the team -- and I loved some of the throwaway lines like Hulkling finding the little green things really cute, and Kate telling Noh-Varr to shut up and look pretty (and being, at least according to one of Noh-Varr's exes, pretty kinky).
  
  I'm not as fond of McKelvie's art as I was of the original Young Avengers art, but it is pretty good.
• 
  Sana

  'Who are you?'
  'Your ticket to the multiverse, princess.'
  
  Oh man, this is one fast-paced volume! The team traveling to all the dimensions is so great (America getting to use her powers to do so is just badass) and the art is amazing. Especially loved that one page with Kid Loki's Instagram posts.
  
  David is a great addition to the team (and bi at that so bonus points for that). America threatening Loki every chance she gets is so amusing. Trouble in paradise for Billy and Teddy but they remain adorable and the Mother villain gets so much more interesting in this volume.
• 
  Bailey Marissa

  I tried to like it, I really did. But I couldn't.
  
  First, all the parents are still under a certain person's spell (except perhaps Wanda? It's never made clear) so all the kids are still trying to figure that out. And there really wasn't a plot even while trying to save the parents.
  
  Then, we have the gay couple. I wasn't happy, but willing to overlook it. But another character comes out as bi, and then tries to break up the gay characters. *Sigh*
• 
  Cori Reed

  3.5 Stars!
  
  I definitely didn't love this volume as much as the first, but it was still very fun, and the art is just stunning. I am sad that there is only one more volume, and I'm thinking maybe I'm going to have to dive into Marvel a little bit more!
• 
  Valeska

  Después de mucho pude darme el tiempo de terminarlo. Me gustó demasiado (como siempre); apenas pueda seguiré leyendo más!
• 
  Joseph

  4.5?
  Review on my blog!