West Coast Avengers #1
Illustrated by: Danny Kim
Written by: Gerry Duggan
Cover art: Ben Harvey
Release date: November 27th, 2024
Marvel Comics
*Minor Spoilers Ahead
ULTRON RETURNS… REDEEMED? Iron Man and War Machine have put together a new team of Avengers — one that includes villains seeking a path to redemption. Their case study? Ultron — who, against all odds, seems to be walking the straight and narrow… for now. But does the success of one guarantee the success of all? Spider-Woman and Firestar have their doubts. And can any amount of heroics really absolve Ultron of his past?
If you’re looking for something fun and refreshing to add to your pull list, West Coast Avengers #1 is waiting on the new comic book wall, and I highly recommend giving it a shot. Gerry Duggan crafts a unique Avengers lineup with Iron Man and War Machine at the helm, tossing in a fascinating redemption angle by including some villains—Ultron being the standout.
Ultron “playing nice” threw me off at first. He’s written as almost too likable, which feels strange considering his history. Spider-Woman and Firestar are just as skeptical, so it’s a vibe that seems intentionally baked into the story. Still, I’m curious to see how this plot thread develops over time.
Speaking of Firestar, can we please go back to her classic look? Every time they give her a redesign, it feels like a step down from the iconic version we all know.
Danny Kim’s art really stole the show for me. It has this warm and approachable charm that fits perfectly with the tone of the story. There are also plenty of clever little jokes, especially involving Tony Stark’s clunky Silver Centurion armor. As someone who loved Duggan’s Iron Man run, I enjoyed the throwbacks, but it was a bit odd seeing Tony in that suit considering the current events in his solo book. Still, the nostalgia hit just right.
And here’s a cool bonus: we get a brand-new character introduced in this issue—Blue Bolt. It’s his first appearance, so if you’re into collecting key issues, keep an eye out for him.
The pacing leans toward lightheartedness and fun, but there’s enough promise in the final pages to suggest we’re heading into deeper territory. Plus, with Moon Knight and Tigra already tied to the West Cost Avengers legacy, and the current Moon Knight series dealing with Hank Pym-related stories, I’m really curious if we’ll see a crossover down the line.
Honestly, I didn’t expect much going into this, but I ended up laughing a lot and genuinely enjoying it. If you’re into quirky team-ups with a touch of redemption drama, you won’t want to miss this one.
A Lighthearted Reunion with Redemption in the Air
Colors - 9.6
Design - 9.7
Illustration - 9.8
Narrative - 9.6
Subplot - 9.6
9.7
Iron Man and War Machine lead a fresh West Coast Avengers squad, blending humor, nostalgia, and redemption arcs—complete with Ultron in the mix. Danny Kim’s lively art and Duggan’s sharp writing make this one to watch.
