The heroic deeds of The Squadron Supreme have inspired the next generation of heroes. Yet, the youngsters’ careers will be short if Deadpool has anything to say about it. Your Major Spoilers review of Heroes Reborn: Young Squadron #1 from Marvel Comics, awaits.

HEROES REBORN: YOUNG SQUADRON #1

Writer: Jim Zub
Artist: Steven Cummings
Colorist: Erick Arciniega
Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Editor: Alanna Smith
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: May 26th, 2021

Previously in Young Squadron: The Squadron Supreme of America have taken root in the hearts and minds of all, but none more so than a trio of youthful champions who call themselves the Young Squadron.

A TEAM IS BORN

Heroes Reborn: Young Squadron #1 start off with a series of vignettes showing how Sam Alexander, Kamala Khan, and Miles Morales became heroes. Sam saving Doctor Spectrum’s life and in turn absorbing some of his power. Kamala finding an ancient artifact that gave her powers she used to help Power Princess. Miles developing technology he uses to try and become the second Falcon, Nighthawk’s slain sidekick, to the hero’s chagrin. The trio seek each other out and become a team. During one of their missions they’re ambushed by Deadpool who manages to incapacitate the team and kidnap Miles. The other two utilize Rick Jones, a super-hero blogger, to figure out where he was taken. During their confrontation Deadpool reveals that something isn’t right with the world and that the Squadron Supreme shouldn’t be looked up to. Later on, the Young Squadron ponder what he said and consider taking their own path.

ONE OF THE BETTER TIE INS

Like most events, Heroes Reborn’s tie-ins have varied in quality and tone. With some being a bit more cutting in its content, while others have taken a more humorous and silly approach to this universe. Young Squadron #1 manages to have a foot in both of those sides. On one side, seeing how playfully they mimic Teen Titan origins and apply them to Marvel characters was fun. Plus, seeing how these origins actually echo their Marvel universe origins was an added treat that exists below the surface. On the other side, there is a sinister tone at play here. The way that the adults in this world seem so ready to resort to excessive violence, even against children is really unsettling. But, what’s perhaps even more disturbing is how nonchalant these younger characters brush this off even though they’re the ones being threatened with it. All in all this is a fairly clever written issue. The one flaw though is that the message being presented here, isn’t unique to this world or to DC comics, but in the mainstream Marvel Universe as well. So, once this event is over, things are going to go right back to normal and the sort of things that happened in this issue with happen still, except without any criticism. It’s a strange scenario that doesn’t lessen anything that’s in this issue, but dulls the bigger picture.

STRONG COSTUME WORK

The design work here deserves a shout out. It’s impressive how they managed to take these familiar characters and give them costumes that not only makes sense for this current status quo, but also seems fitting for these characters 616 counterparts. Kamala’s outfit in particular looks as if it could be a Ms. Marvel outfit as well as a Girl Power one. This goes for both Sam and Miles’ getups as well.

THE BOTTOM LINE: A WELL DONE, YET UNSETTLING BOOK

Heroes Reborn: Young Squadron #1 manages to walk the line between a fun romp that’s typical with younger hero based books and something darker with a message to say. The way that the gleeful, naïve, and understatedly concerned way the Young Squadron approach the violence of their world is both silly and startling. Pair this with good design and art and you have a good addition to the Heroes Reborn event. 4 out of 5 stars.

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