America #2

By Gabby Rivera, Joe Quinones, Ming Doyle, Joe Rivera, and Jose Villarrubia

The first issue of America #1 was one of the most promising new issues from Marvel in a while. Obviously, it was going to be interesting to see where Gabby Rivera would go from here in fleshing out the character in her brand new solo series. It’s great to see that the results are mostly spectacular. The second issue sees America trapped in the middle of World War II having just punched Hitler, and instantly sees her crossing paths and exchanging one-liners with a disapproving Captain America and Peggy Carter. The decision to take her back to World War II was a welcome change of pace and as it’s not often the past is explored in modern Marvel Comics. It was great to see Rivera explore the universe to the best of her capabilities.

Rivera’s writing here is the highlight of the book, and she is the perfect choice for America. Her one-liners are always fun and the care and attention that she gives to the character really makes the series worth reading. Despite all the guest appearances and secondary characters that readers meet in the past and the present, America #2 doesn’t make the mistake of losing focus from being a solo book first and foremost, putting America in the action. Whilst the book may opt for a little too much telling rather than showing in places, Rivera handles this so it doesn’t become too overbearing and it is still an effective read.

The pencil work this issue is done by Joe Quinones and Ming Doyle, with Joe Rivera and Doyle on inks. The colors are handled by Jose Villarrubia and everything really works to continue shaping the unique feel that this book has. The book is worth reading alone for the sheer coolness that they inject into the various designs with each character getting their own portrayal that really helps them stand out. The decision to include the Chavez Guerillas as a group of young women who are obsessed with America Chavez gives the artists the chance to explore different versions of what America might look like to a successful level. It’s also worth mentioning the background detail too, which is lively and energetic regardless of the location. The book manages to make a clear distinction between the setting of World War II and the sci-fi backdrop of Planet Maltixa, but at the same time the difference isn’t too jarring and the locations still feel like very much part of the same book.

America #2 is at its best when it is focused on its titular character, whom we’ve seen fleshed out incredibly well over these past two issues. The creative team gives her strengths as well as weaknesses, with her flaws helping her making a well-rounded and really interesting character. The charm and sheer likeability that this book has to offer goes a long way in helping establish it as one of Marvel’s best ongoing series, as the creative team bring their A-Game to the table to give readers an incredibly satisfying read.