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Champions (2016) (Collected Editions)
Champions, Vol. 1: Change the World
Champions Vol 1 Change the World
120 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2017
42 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
About the author
Mark Waid
3,151 books1,251 followersMark Waid (born March 21, 1962 in Hueytown, Alabama) is an American comic book writer. He is best known for his eight-year run as writer of the DC Comics' title The Flash, as well as his scripting of the limited series Kingdom Come and Superman: Birthright, and his work on Marvel Comics' Captain America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
October 28, 2019
Generally I’m not a fan of superhero team books as they tend to be formulaic and dull - we gotta punch that big thing together while vapidly bantering! So I was surprised to find myself kinda enjoying the first volume of Mark Waid and Humberto Ramos’ Champions.
The Champions are the youngs of the Marvel superheroing world: Ms Marvel/Kamala Khan, Nova/Sam Alexander, teen Cyclops from the past, Vision’s daughter Viv, Spider-Man/Miles Morales, and the Totally Awesome Hulk, Amadeus Cho.
I’d heard that Champions was very social justice warrior-y, which is pure anathema to me and why I stayed away from it initially, but it isn’t really. It doesn’t play up the obvious diversity of the group at all, and only Viv brings up anything remotely snowflake-y once - “microaggressions” - and even then I’m not sure if it was sincerely meant or ironic (she’s tres deadpan - it’s a synthezoid thang).
It does mention inclusivity a lot but in a way to empower people to become the heroes of their own lives - everyone and anyone can be a champion - rather than depend on someone else to save them, which I thought was a wonderful and inspiring message.
The team’s focus is mostly on real world issues: human traffickers, the rights of women in Middle Eastern countries, and racism in the southern states, which is a more interesting angle than some banal supervillain tryna take over da universe agin. On the other hand, none of them are actually a real challenge to the team and they’re easily able to defeat thugs with guns, etc. which doesn’t make for edge-of-your-seat reading either.
Though I did like that, in the Muslim women storyline, the Champions (sigh, that name...) take extra care to not be seen so that the women standing up for their rights look less like victims in need of help and that they and their supporters are able to stand up to the oppressors by themselves. A little unconvincing in the long term perhaps but you can see Waid’s putting extra thought into these storylines at least.
And speaking of thoughtful, I liked that not all of the stories ended with the team resolving it without resorting to hitting things - it’s just a shame that Waid has to actually have Ms Marvel say that out loud, which takes away from the artistic subtlety of the storytelling.
The team squabbling over who the leader is was repetitive and silly, how the team came about its name (and its immediate global popularity) was contrived, as was Ms Marvel’s reason for quitting the Avengers in the first instance (sometimes property damage is unavoidable when fighting massive threats!), and the Atlantis and Gwenpool episodes were very bland, even though I’m a Gwenpool fan.
The camping trip episode was fun though - putting in the time to character-build is always worth it - and Waid’s ability to quickly and convincingly pull this team together was impressive. They’ve good chemistry as a whole, their aims are more focused and cerebral than simply “buh save world”, and the stories feel more fresh and original than what’s on offer in other superhero team books. It might be a bit too earnest for its own good but better that than too cynical.
Champions, Volume 1: Change the World isn’t consistently high quality throughout but it’s a cut above most team books on offer from Marvel (and DC).
The Champions are the youngs of the Marvel superheroing world: Ms Marvel/Kamala Khan, Nova/Sam Alexander, teen Cyclops from the past, Vision’s daughter Viv, Spider-Man/Miles Morales, and the Totally Awesome Hulk, Amadeus Cho.
I’d heard that Champions was very social justice warrior-y, which is pure anathema to me and why I stayed away from it initially, but it isn’t really. It doesn’t play up the obvious diversity of the group at all, and only Viv brings up anything remotely snowflake-y once - “microaggressions” - and even then I’m not sure if it was sincerely meant or ironic (she’s tres deadpan - it’s a synthezoid thang).
It does mention inclusivity a lot but in a way to empower people to become the heroes of their own lives - everyone and anyone can be a champion - rather than depend on someone else to save them, which I thought was a wonderful and inspiring message.
The team’s focus is mostly on real world issues: human traffickers, the rights of women in Middle Eastern countries, and racism in the southern states, which is a more interesting angle than some banal supervillain tryna take over da universe agin. On the other hand, none of them are actually a real challenge to the team and they’re easily able to defeat thugs with guns, etc. which doesn’t make for edge-of-your-seat reading either.
Though I did like that, in the Muslim women storyline, the Champions (sigh, that name...) take extra care to not be seen so that the women standing up for their rights look less like victims in need of help and that they and their supporters are able to stand up to the oppressors by themselves. A little unconvincing in the long term perhaps but you can see Waid’s putting extra thought into these storylines at least.
And speaking of thoughtful, I liked that not all of the stories ended with the team resolving it without resorting to hitting things - it’s just a shame that Waid has to actually have Ms Marvel say that out loud, which takes away from the artistic subtlety of the storytelling.
The team squabbling over who the leader is was repetitive and silly, how the team came about its name (and its immediate global popularity) was contrived, as was Ms Marvel’s reason for quitting the Avengers in the first instance (sometimes property damage is unavoidable when fighting massive threats!), and the Atlantis and Gwenpool episodes were very bland, even though I’m a Gwenpool fan.
The camping trip episode was fun though - putting in the time to character-build is always worth it - and Waid’s ability to quickly and convincingly pull this team together was impressive. They’ve good chemistry as a whole, their aims are more focused and cerebral than simply “buh save world”, and the stories feel more fresh and original than what’s on offer in other superhero team books. It might be a bit too earnest for its own good but better that than too cynical.
Champions, Volume 1: Change the World isn’t consistently high quality throughout but it’s a cut above most team books on offer from Marvel (and DC).
September 7, 2017
I really, really like this book! It's fun, has a big heart and features a lot of my favourite Marvel characters. The only downsides to it for me are (a) the way Mark Waid writes the Hulk as a bit of a dumbass (he's supposed to be one of the smartest people on the planet but you'd never know that from this book) and (b) the artwork. I've never really liked Ramos' work, but it's a personal taste thing so don't let it put you off reading this; it's a blast!
July 28, 2017
In the wake of Civil War II, the young heroes of the MU are fed up with the adults leaving devastation behind after one of their battles. It's always been one of my gripes too. I always wonder why New Yorkers especially don't hate superheroes and supervillains alike. I mean even if you did stop Dr. Octopus, you're still the a-hole who threw my car at him. Behind Ms. Marvel's direction, they decide to become more socially conscious, taking on racism, human trafficking, etc. The book is drawn by Humberto Ramos. I know his art is polarizing but I personally love it.
The Good: This is an excellent idea for a series. I'm surprised no one's come up with it before. I love the humor and heart that proliferates the book. I would like to see Waid develop some longer stories. So far the stories haven't lasted more than an issue and a half.
The Bad: I don't care for how Hulk is portrayed as a bro. He's supposed to be the 8th smartest person in the world, not a dumb jock.
The Ugly: Champions was a dumb name for a team in the 80's and it's still a dumb name today.
The Good: This is an excellent idea for a series. I'm surprised no one's come up with it before. I love the humor and heart that proliferates the book. I would like to see Waid develop some longer stories. So far the stories haven't lasted more than an issue and a half.
The Bad: I don't care for how Hulk is portrayed as a bro. He's supposed to be the 8th smartest person in the world, not a dumb jock.
The Ugly: Champions was a dumb name for a team in the 80's and it's still a dumb name today.
August 25, 2020
3.5 Stars. This was an interesting start to the series...
Champions Vol. 1: Change the World begins following the events of Civil War II and Ms. Marvel has officially decided to leave the Avengers feeling as though they don't truly care about the people they're saving. Honestly, the main reason I picked this one up is because I'm a huge fan of Ms. Marvel especially the run done by G. Willow Wilson. I wanted more of her world and while I got a little bit of that, this definitely was focused on the development of a new Marvel team. I loved meeting new to me characters and I was happy to see characters I was familiar with like The Vision. There were even cameos from characters like Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. I think that my biggest issue with this story is that it didn't necessarily feel cohesive. The volume felt like a series of short stories rather than a developed storyline. I'm thinking that it will improve over the next couple of issues, but I think that it didn't mesh well. I also feel as though it tried too hard to prove that it was aware of current social from across the world. I'm not saying that it was bad to do that; however, it felt as though it was trying too hard and it didn't feel genuine, but forced. I loved the artwork and the variety that we got in each panel. I usually love Mark Waids works so I'll definitely be picking up the second volume.
Champions Vol. 1: Change the World begins following the events of Civil War II and Ms. Marvel has officially decided to leave the Avengers feeling as though they don't truly care about the people they're saving. Honestly, the main reason I picked this one up is because I'm a huge fan of Ms. Marvel especially the run done by G. Willow Wilson. I wanted more of her world and while I got a little bit of that, this definitely was focused on the development of a new Marvel team. I loved meeting new to me characters and I was happy to see characters I was familiar with like The Vision. There were even cameos from characters like Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. I think that my biggest issue with this story is that it didn't necessarily feel cohesive. The volume felt like a series of short stories rather than a developed storyline. I'm thinking that it will improve over the next couple of issues, but I think that it didn't mesh well. I also feel as though it tried too hard to prove that it was aware of current social from across the world. I'm not saying that it was bad to do that; however, it felt as though it was trying too hard and it didn't feel genuine, but forced. I loved the artwork and the variety that we got in each panel. I usually love Mark Waids works so I'll definitely be picking up the second volume.
May 13, 2017
I really had a good time reading this. It's aimed for the younger group, and sometimes I don't like it all, but it had a lot of my favorite younger superheroes so let's talk about what worked and didn't work.
What I liked: I really loved the art in this. I believe this is the guy who did the art on Big Time for Spider-man run. So enjoyed that. I also really loved the character interactions with each other. I thought them handling situations such as racism, human trafficing, and oversea political issues was a nice touch over the super villain of the week. It doesn't go into as depth as I'd like but as far as a teen book it does it well. Also think the pacing is perfect and the book is never dull.
What I didn't like: The fact we can't get deeper into some of the subject matter. Would love a whole arc to take place focusing on the racist city sheriff and get the underlying themes of corruption and such. Felt like if they aimed for a bigger, deeper, scoped story we'd get that.
Overall I had a lot of fun reading this. Some good laughs, solid subject matters, good team dynamic, and great pacing. Let's hope it keeps up!
What I liked: I really loved the art in this. I believe this is the guy who did the art on Big Time for Spider-man run. So enjoyed that. I also really loved the character interactions with each other. I thought them handling situations such as racism, human trafficing, and oversea political issues was a nice touch over the super villain of the week. It doesn't go into as depth as I'd like but as far as a teen book it does it well. Also think the pacing is perfect and the book is never dull.
What I didn't like: The fact we can't get deeper into some of the subject matter. Would love a whole arc to take place focusing on the racist city sheriff and get the underlying themes of corruption and such. Felt like if they aimed for a bigger, deeper, scoped story we'd get that.
Overall I had a lot of fun reading this. Some good laughs, solid subject matters, good team dynamic, and great pacing. Let's hope it keeps up!
December 8, 2017
...I love Kamala, ...I love Miles...but this is so bad...what happened Waid???!!!
World: The art is okay, I didn't really like the colors and I felt the art to be a bit to jagged for my taste but it was aight. The world building is good, this is the best part of the book the team coming together, the team dynamic, the world at large, it's solid and presents a clear follow up to Civil War II. It's good.
Story: Argh...this is where the wheel literally fall off the book. The characters are mostly fine but the story is just poorly planed and written. This is a topical book that is just preachy to the point of droning. The book nags and takes a very singular stance that on face value is very good and I agree with it but it's not handled well at all. Instead of trying to create a book that was about inclusiveness and not othering the story is fairly face value and quick to paint broad strokes on complex matters and as a result it's not objective, it's othering and just poorly done. If this book wants to open dialog for discussion then have the heroes talk about it in their banter. I don't want to go into it cause this is a huge discussion that requires pints at the pub but yeah...I love Waid he's great and we get something like this. It's trying to hard and in the end is exactly the type of book that young people will feel that adults are talking down to them...bad.
Characters: For the most part I love the banter and the interaction of the group, it's fun and it's the quiet moments I love the most. That being said, the characters don't really behave like their stand alone series counterparts. Also the characters are rather naive and simple, which is fine cause it allows for growth, but they are simple and naive because they are written that way and nothing to do with the characters themselves being a work in progress, the entire cast of characters and their characterizations is paper thin and bordering on stereotypes...especially the villains.
If we really want to have a discussion about the topics about the complex issues that the book deals with, then have the characters talk about it. Don't make it about us versus them cause that is exactly the root of the issue and this book emphasized this. Instead of inclusion and understanding it was othering.
Onward to the next book!
World: The art is okay, I didn't really like the colors and I felt the art to be a bit to jagged for my taste but it was aight. The world building is good, this is the best part of the book the team coming together, the team dynamic, the world at large, it's solid and presents a clear follow up to Civil War II. It's good.
Story: Argh...this is where the wheel literally fall off the book. The characters are mostly fine but the story is just poorly planed and written. This is a topical book that is just preachy to the point of droning. The book nags and takes a very singular stance that on face value is very good and I agree with it but it's not handled well at all. Instead of trying to create a book that was about inclusiveness and not othering the story is fairly face value and quick to paint broad strokes on complex matters and as a result it's not objective, it's othering and just poorly done. If this book wants to open dialog for discussion then have the heroes talk about it in their banter. I don't want to go into it cause this is a huge discussion that requires pints at the pub but yeah...I love Waid he's great and we get something like this. It's trying to hard and in the end is exactly the type of book that young people will feel that adults are talking down to them...bad.
Characters: For the most part I love the banter and the interaction of the group, it's fun and it's the quiet moments I love the most. That being said, the characters don't really behave like their stand alone series counterparts. Also the characters are rather naive and simple, which is fine cause it allows for growth, but they are simple and naive because they are written that way and nothing to do with the characters themselves being a work in progress, the entire cast of characters and their characterizations is paper thin and bordering on stereotypes...especially the villains.
If we really want to have a discussion about the topics about the complex issues that the book deals with, then have the characters talk about it. Don't make it about us versus them cause that is exactly the root of the issue and this book emphasized this. Instead of inclusion and understanding it was othering.
Onward to the next book!
August 20, 2019
It's pleasing when all the necessary stuff falls together, while gently breaking some traditions, to make a damned good superhero book.
Ms. Marvel (my favorite new character - a great addition to the Marvel roster), Nova, and Spider-Man decide to ditch the wrecking-ball Avengers, recruit Hulk and Viv Vision, and form a new group. Cyclops, who knows a thing or two about leading a young adult team, amusingly crashes their party not quite half-way through.
These meddling kids (ha!) are all about 'building it up' and not 'breaking it down,' and are eager to leap into action - but not mindless violence - to do some good in the world. Fortunately they do come across as believably sincere - Ms. Marvel's impromptu speech after their first roll-out pretty much sells it - and not unbearable SJWs seeking social media attention.
Too bad the name 'Justice League' was taken decades ago - it's more appropriate here.
Ms. Marvel (my favorite new character - a great addition to the Marvel roster), Nova, and Spider-Man decide to ditch the wrecking-ball Avengers, recruit Hulk and Viv Vision, and form a new group. Cyclops, who knows a thing or two about leading a young adult team, amusingly crashes their party not quite half-way through.
These meddling kids (ha!) are all about 'building it up' and not 'breaking it down,' and are eager to leap into action - but not mindless violence - to do some good in the world. Fortunately they do come across as believably sincere - Ms. Marvel's impromptu speech after their first roll-out pretty much sells it - and not unbearable SJWs seeking social media attention.
Too bad the name 'Justice League' was taken decades ago - it's more appropriate here.
April 30, 2017
Mark Waid is in full hey-there-fellow-kids mode in this first volume of Champions, a well-meaning but awkward comic whose premise - teen superheroes set out to change the world - is not well-served by a series of done-in-one morality play storylines. Two of the comics here - the one set in fake-Pakistan and the one about a sheriff with a sideline in hate crimes (because he's just SO BAD that the enormous institutional power of the carceral state isn't enough for him, he's gotta start bombing mosques himself) - play out in basically the same way: bad stuff happens, the Champions turn up and realise there are no easy solutions, then an easy solution in the form of a big speech by a good person presents itself and the Champs sod off. Meanwhile characters I love in other comics - Miles Morales and Kamala Khan - act like bags of traits (did you know Kamala writes fanfic? Huh? Didja?) while characters I detest - bloody Gwenpool shows up - are their usual wretched selves.
The problem is that while it's certainly true that there are no easy solutions to the Taliban or to structural oppression, saying "there are no easy solutions" IS in fact an easy solution to telling a 20-page comic story about them. There are surely good comics to be written as a response to the absurdity, horror, and hope of the present moment, but Champions is a poor, pandering attempt at one.
The problem is that while it's certainly true that there are no easy solutions to the Taliban or to structural oppression, saying "there are no easy solutions" IS in fact an easy solution to telling a 20-page comic story about them. There are surely good comics to be written as a response to the absurdity, horror, and hope of the present moment, but Champions is a poor, pandering attempt at one.
January 8, 2023
Someone said "This could be a good comic but it's being wasted on social justice". What?! How is taking a group of diverse teenage superheroes (that makes it possible for readers of any age, who would usually not feel represented, feel like they have these amazing characters to look up to) and showing how messed up and unfair the world really is and how we CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT (it's in the title) a waste?
This comic book does indeed deal with social (in)justice: racism, homophobia, bullying, abuse... It tries to show the problems in the world and it tries to prove that there isn't good and bad, rather something in between, shades of gray.
In doing so it will state opinions, some of them moral, some of them political. Political opinions can make someone instantly hate something. I didn't agree with everything that was "stated" but I greatly appreciate how much depth and meaning this issues had, while still being about a group of teenage superheroes and adequate for young readers and older ones alike.
I have some individual reviews for the single issues dealing with the specific theme within them.
This comic book does indeed deal with social (in)justice: racism, homophobia, bullying, abuse... It tries to show the problems in the world and it tries to prove that there isn't good and bad, rather something in between, shades of gray.
In doing so it will state opinions, some of them moral, some of them political. Political opinions can make someone instantly hate something. I didn't agree with everything that was "stated" but I greatly appreciate how much depth and meaning this issues had, while still being about a group of teenage superheroes and adequate for young readers and older ones alike.
I have some individual reviews for the single issues dealing with the specific theme within them.
January 15, 2018
*****3.5*****
I got this for free from Amazon when I ordered Archie: Volumes 3 and 4. I selected this title because I like the Avengers movies, and this cover reminded me of those movies. I've read a few graphic novels but never any superhero comics until Watchmen and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Vol. 1, Alan Moore's non-traditional superhero stories. I've watched a good deal of Marvel movie adaptations and enjoyed them, so I figured, "Why not?" I didn't really know what Champions was about, but I like Mark Waid's Archie series, so I thought I couldn't go wrong.
I enjoyed this volume of the new series (published 2016). Waid's voice is distinct--he knows how to write teenagers and make them feel modern and relevant but also believable as people with real thoughts and opinions, not just as slang-spouting, smart phone-wielding millennials (or whatever the next generation will be called). Ms. Marvel, Viv Vision, The Hulk, Nova, and Cyclops are all well-defined characters with specific personalities. Spiderman doesn't really stand out in this series so far. I could tell you all about the other characters (Ms. Marvel is the true leader, no matter what the Hulk says, and she knows how to make plans and keep everyone else calm; Viv is rational and looks at problems from every angle before jumping into anything; The Hulk loves himself and thinks he's hot, but he also cares so much that he's likely to leap before he looks; Nova is funny and prickly; Cyclops is trying to prove himself, knowing the group thinks of him as a villain because of his past/future), but I can't pinpoint any one quality of Spiderman.
Aside from the characters, the stories are decent. I gave this three stars more because everything feels rushed. The way the heroes get together after deciding to leave The Avengers is rushed, and so are the various plots the heroes involve themselves in to help others. A couple of the story lines cross over from issue to issue, but most of them wrap up within the issue itself. There is a good cliffhanger at the end of the last issue in this volume, though, and I'm looking forward to learning what happens with this particular story line.
I love that Waid tackles some heavy and modern problems in this volume. There are story lines about human trafficking, police brutality, fundamentalist oppression of women, and racism/bigotry in small-town America. It's interesting to see such controversial topics in print and to hear the teen voice (via Waid, of course) about these important issues. The volume also publishes fan letters, and most of the fans are really happy to see that teens are being portrayed as people who want to change the world that the adults have corrupted. They see that what the adults have done doesn't work, so they want to try something new, and for Ms. Marvel, that's "enforcing justice without unjust force." Her aim is to create a team of superheroes that helps resolve major conflicts but doesn't hurt evil people the same way evil people hurt innocent ones. She wants to do something different, and I feel that teens have always looked to change the world the adults before them created. I like that this volume showcases the energy and passion that adults don't think teens have.
This series also highlights diversity. I love that Ms. Marvel is Pakistani and that the new Hulk is Asian (not having read his origin story, I don't know what his specific background is, but it's mentioned in subtle ways that he's Asian). I love that these cultural backgrounds are given a voice and that Marvel is showing kids of different ethnic groups that they can be just as powerful as white Americans in defending American ideals around the country and the world. I also love that, in this series, Waid is making Marvel and its superheroes relevant to a new generation, just like he is doing with Archie. The world changes, and in this era of technological change, nothing is permanent anymore. Everything seems to update as quickly as Apple and Samsung phones. But that doesn't mean that people, that teens, don't care about continuity or want something from the past to look to for guidance and help and sympathy. I like that they have it now but that it's also made relevant to them (like when Spiderman says his spider qualities are as "useless as Kanye's indoor voice" in the forest and when Ms. Marvel refers to Malala).
My only real critiques of this volume are the lack of depth/time to develop the story and sometimes the drawing. Overall, I like Humberto Ramos's style, but sometimes, the drawings are hard to follow. Even when I would zoom out on my phone to see the full page, some of the action blended together, particularly in one scene between the Champions and the fundamentalists in Sharzad and in a weird scene with Gwenpool.
I definitely recommend this series to Marvel fans, new and old. I recommend it to people who have read the individual characters' stories but also to people who have been following events in the Marvel universe. For me, coming into the series without a background in Marvel happenings, I was able to follow along decently because of the Marvel movies I've seen and because of reading reviews of The Vision and Gwenpool on Goodreads. Waid does an okay job of explaining who everyone is, particularly in Issue 2 or 3 or so where everyone shares their strengths with each other as a team bonding experience. Anyway, you can jump in and still appreciate it, like I did. I'll definitely be reading Volume 2.
I got this for free from Amazon when I ordered Archie: Volumes 3 and 4. I selected this title because I like the Avengers movies, and this cover reminded me of those movies. I've read a few graphic novels but never any superhero comics until Watchmen and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Vol. 1, Alan Moore's non-traditional superhero stories. I've watched a good deal of Marvel movie adaptations and enjoyed them, so I figured, "Why not?" I didn't really know what Champions was about, but I like Mark Waid's Archie series, so I thought I couldn't go wrong.
I enjoyed this volume of the new series (published 2016). Waid's voice is distinct--he knows how to write teenagers and make them feel modern and relevant but also believable as people with real thoughts and opinions, not just as slang-spouting, smart phone-wielding millennials (or whatever the next generation will be called). Ms. Marvel, Viv Vision, The Hulk, Nova, and Cyclops are all well-defined characters with specific personalities. Spiderman doesn't really stand out in this series so far. I could tell you all about the other characters (Ms. Marvel is the true leader, no matter what the Hulk says, and she knows how to make plans and keep everyone else calm; Viv is rational and looks at problems from every angle before jumping into anything; The Hulk loves himself and thinks he's hot, but he also cares so much that he's likely to leap before he looks; Nova is funny and prickly; Cyclops is trying to prove himself, knowing the group thinks of him as a villain because of his past/future), but I can't pinpoint any one quality of Spiderman.
Aside from the characters, the stories are decent. I gave this three stars more because everything feels rushed. The way the heroes get together after deciding to leave The Avengers is rushed, and so are the various plots the heroes involve themselves in to help others. A couple of the story lines cross over from issue to issue, but most of them wrap up within the issue itself. There is a good cliffhanger at the end of the last issue in this volume, though, and I'm looking forward to learning what happens with this particular story line.
I love that Waid tackles some heavy and modern problems in this volume. There are story lines about human trafficking, police brutality, fundamentalist oppression of women, and racism/bigotry in small-town America. It's interesting to see such controversial topics in print and to hear the teen voice (via Waid, of course) about these important issues. The volume also publishes fan letters, and most of the fans are really happy to see that teens are being portrayed as people who want to change the world that the adults have corrupted. They see that what the adults have done doesn't work, so they want to try something new, and for Ms. Marvel, that's "enforcing justice without unjust force." Her aim is to create a team of superheroes that helps resolve major conflicts but doesn't hurt evil people the same way evil people hurt innocent ones. She wants to do something different, and I feel that teens have always looked to change the world the adults before them created. I like that this volume showcases the energy and passion that adults don't think teens have.
This series also highlights diversity. I love that Ms. Marvel is Pakistani and that the new Hulk is Asian (not having read his origin story, I don't know what his specific background is, but it's mentioned in subtle ways that he's Asian). I love that these cultural backgrounds are given a voice and that Marvel is showing kids of different ethnic groups that they can be just as powerful as white Americans in defending American ideals around the country and the world. I also love that, in this series, Waid is making Marvel and its superheroes relevant to a new generation, just like he is doing with Archie. The world changes, and in this era of technological change, nothing is permanent anymore. Everything seems to update as quickly as Apple and Samsung phones. But that doesn't mean that people, that teens, don't care about continuity or want something from the past to look to for guidance and help and sympathy. I like that they have it now but that it's also made relevant to them (like when Spiderman says his spider qualities are as "useless as Kanye's indoor voice" in the forest and when Ms. Marvel refers to Malala).
My only real critiques of this volume are the lack of depth/time to develop the story and sometimes the drawing. Overall, I like Humberto Ramos's style, but sometimes, the drawings are hard to follow. Even when I would zoom out on my phone to see the full page, some of the action blended together, particularly in one scene between the Champions and the fundamentalists in Sharzad and in a weird scene with Gwenpool.
I definitely recommend this series to Marvel fans, new and old. I recommend it to people who have read the individual characters' stories but also to people who have been following events in the Marvel universe. For me, coming into the series without a background in Marvel happenings, I was able to follow along decently because of the Marvel movies I've seen and because of reading reviews of The Vision and Gwenpool on Goodreads. Waid does an okay job of explaining who everyone is, particularly in Issue 2 or 3 or so where everyone shares their strengths with each other as a team bonding experience. Anyway, you can jump in and still appreciate it, like I did. I'll definitely be reading Volume 2.
June 29, 2018
Goodreads lost my review....
World: The art is good, it's full of personality which is important to me in a team book. The world building was also solid, I like this new team the dynamic makes for good potential banter.
Story: It's okay, it's not peak Waid but it's okay. I did find the story a bit heavy handed and naive in terms of the story, the conflict and how it was resolved. I know I'm not the target audience but I feel the target audience isn't stupid and more depth and motivation in the topic and the resolution would have been better, the middle east resolution was...simple and naive to say the least. The pacing and the writing was a but janky and honestly I didn't like (as I said above) how simple and naive the resolution and conflict was.
Characters: The banter is good, that's the best part of gr character work in the book but I wanted more depth, I know this is a first series for the series but overall I wanted more. I know for a team book this was to be expected, but not for Waid.
It's aight but I expected a lot more.
...goodreads lost my review.
Onward to the next!
World: The art is good, it's full of personality which is important to me in a team book. The world building was also solid, I like this new team the dynamic makes for good potential banter.
Story: It's okay, it's not peak Waid but it's okay. I did find the story a bit heavy handed and naive in terms of the story, the conflict and how it was resolved. I know I'm not the target audience but I feel the target audience isn't stupid and more depth and motivation in the topic and the resolution would have been better, the middle east resolution was...simple and naive to say the least. The pacing and the writing was a but janky and honestly I didn't like (as I said above) how simple and naive the resolution and conflict was.
Characters: The banter is good, that's the best part of gr character work in the book but I wanted more depth, I know this is a first series for the series but overall I wanted more. I know for a team book this was to be expected, but not for Waid.
It's aight but I expected a lot more.
...goodreads lost my review.
Onward to the next!
May 27, 2017
The morality plays can be a bit heavy-handed, but I like the selection of characters, and I like the team interactions.
September 8, 2017
Mark Waid - writer
Humberto Ramos - illustrator
Somewhat of a mixed-bag, but in the end the highs outnumber the lows. The writing by Waid is a little hokey, particularly the characterization of Ms. Marvel. I'm not sure if anybody besides G. Willow Wilson can write her in a believable way, but in Champions she comes across like a 35-year-old actuarial, not the fun and relatable teen we see in Ms. Marvel. The art by Ramos is at times stunning, and at times grotesque. My main complaints being the Sharzadian girls in issue #3 being drawn as rat-human hybrids and Hulk inexplicably having the face of Asian Clint Eastwood. The messaging can be a little heavy-handed too, but I don't really mind. Overall this is a fun book with a lot of promise. I like the idea of getting all the young, idealistic heroes together and I love that they gave them their own team instead of making them into just another division of the Avengers or X-Men. I hate to say it, but I think Waid is too old to write teenagers anymore. I would love to be proven wrong, though. All said this was pretty good, and with a little nudge in the writing department this could be a really great book.
3/5
Humberto Ramos - illustrator
Somewhat of a mixed-bag, but in the end the highs outnumber the lows. The writing by Waid is a little hokey, particularly the characterization of Ms. Marvel. I'm not sure if anybody besides G. Willow Wilson can write her in a believable way, but in Champions she comes across like a 35-year-old actuarial, not the fun and relatable teen we see in Ms. Marvel. The art by Ramos is at times stunning, and at times grotesque. My main complaints being the Sharzadian girls in issue #3 being drawn as rat-human hybrids and Hulk inexplicably having the face of Asian Clint Eastwood. The messaging can be a little heavy-handed too, but I don't really mind. Overall this is a fun book with a lot of promise. I like the idea of getting all the young, idealistic heroes together and I love that they gave them their own team instead of making them into just another division of the Avengers or X-Men. I hate to say it, but I think Waid is too old to write teenagers anymore. I would love to be proven wrong, though. All said this was pretty good, and with a little nudge in the writing department this could be a really great book.
3/5
September 5, 2020
Ms. Marvel: "All the 'grown-up' heroes broke the world with this dumb war - and they don't seem interested in putting it back together."
Nova: "She's about to say 'somebody shou-"
Ms. Marvel: "Somebody should!"
Spider-man: "Oh God." - Mark Waid, Champions, issue #1
Launching out of Civil War II, an event that I have not read (must be Tuesday), Champions follows Kamla Khan (Ms. Marvel), Miles Morales (Spider-man), and Sam Alexander (Nova) as they break away from the All-New, All-Different Avengers. Kamala has become disillusioned with the Avengers and so she sets up a new team to empower people, help communities bring about social change, and improve the world rather than break it apart. They are joined by Amadeus Cho (Hulk), Viv Vision (no points for guessing who her father is), and Scott Summers (time-displaced, teenage Cyclops).
It's a running gag that they can't agree on who their leader is (though it's definitely not Hulk), but I would say that it's clearly Kamala. She's the one with the vision and the drive behind the group, dragging Miles and Sam along for the ride. I'm quite fond of Sam. He is, as he says, the dumbest of the six, but he seems to have the most common sense. He's also absolutely hilarious. Sam and Miles were on the Avengers with Kamala, so they could make cases for leadership themselves (especially Miles). Instead, Sam stirs the pot by throwing Cyclops into the race and the two of them sit back and watch the drama. The only thing missing was popcorn. The fact that the leadership race did not lead to bad blood between Kamala and Scott made a nice change from characters butting heads over who's number one. I wasn't keen on Amadeus, but his friendship with Viv was sweet. Viv herself was iconic. Gwenpool appears in the final issue in this volume and, my God, she's annoying.
The appeal of this series - for me, at least - is that we've all been young and idealistic enough to believe that we can change the world.
Then we enter the world of work and realise that to enforce their rights people need expensive lawyers.
Nova: "She's about to say 'somebody shou-"
Ms. Marvel: "Somebody should!"
Spider-man: "Oh God." - Mark Waid, Champions, issue #1
Launching out of Civil War II, an event that I have not read (must be Tuesday), Champions follows Kamla Khan (Ms. Marvel), Miles Morales (Spider-man), and Sam Alexander (Nova) as they break away from the All-New, All-Different Avengers. Kamala has become disillusioned with the Avengers and so she sets up a new team to empower people, help communities bring about social change, and improve the world rather than break it apart. They are joined by Amadeus Cho (Hulk), Viv Vision (no points for guessing who her father is), and Scott Summers (time-displaced, teenage Cyclops).
It's a running gag that they can't agree on who their leader is (though it's definitely not Hulk), but I would say that it's clearly Kamala. She's the one with the vision and the drive behind the group, dragging Miles and Sam along for the ride. I'm quite fond of Sam. He is, as he says, the dumbest of the six, but he seems to have the most common sense. He's also absolutely hilarious. Sam and Miles were on the Avengers with Kamala, so they could make cases for leadership themselves (especially Miles). Instead, Sam stirs the pot by throwing Cyclops into the race and the two of them sit back and watch the drama. The only thing missing was popcorn. The fact that the leadership race did not lead to bad blood between Kamala and Scott made a nice change from characters butting heads over who's number one. I wasn't keen on Amadeus, but his friendship with Viv was sweet. Viv herself was iconic. Gwenpool appears in the final issue in this volume and, my God, she's annoying.
The appeal of this series - for me, at least - is that we've all been young and idealistic enough to believe that we can change the world.
Then we enter the world of work and realise that to enforce their rights people need expensive lawyers.
March 17, 2021
Fresh and real!!!
January 7, 2022
During the events of Civil War II, Spiderman and Nova quit the Avengers team. And Ms. Marvel tries her hardest to stay on the team and be a team player. However after she tries to help rebuild the damage from a battle the Avengers had and being told it's not up to them, she cant take it anymore. She also leaves the Avengers.
But Ms. Marvel isn't going to just let the potential that she had with her younger teammates be squandered. No, she assembles them (see what I did there?) and pretty much says, lets make our own avengers! They then go and recruit more young heroes until they have the Champions team. And the team comprises of some of the best of the young heroes including Amadeus Hulk, Cyclops, and Vision's daughter. I feel like Waid does a great job of mixing their personalities and letting each shine in their own way. The way they play off of each other and the fact that some have history together and some don't, makes for interesting story telling.
The art by Humberto Ramos was a good fit... most of the time. I really enjoy his work, but sometimes this book looked very rushed. And I think that's a detriment to the book itself, as this is almost like a flagship title. So it should look really, very good in my opinion. And for the most part it does, just the rushed parts put a damper on things, especially in the first volume.
However, it was a good introductory volume, and I'm looking forward to where the team goes next.
But Ms. Marvel isn't going to just let the potential that she had with her younger teammates be squandered. No, she assembles them (see what I did there?) and pretty much says, lets make our own avengers! They then go and recruit more young heroes until they have the Champions team. And the team comprises of some of the best of the young heroes including Amadeus Hulk, Cyclops, and Vision's daughter. I feel like Waid does a great job of mixing their personalities and letting each shine in their own way. The way they play off of each other and the fact that some have history together and some don't, makes for interesting story telling.
The art by Humberto Ramos was a good fit... most of the time. I really enjoy his work, but sometimes this book looked very rushed. And I think that's a detriment to the book itself, as this is almost like a flagship title. So it should look really, very good in my opinion. And for the most part it does, just the rushed parts put a damper on things, especially in the first volume.
However, it was a good introductory volume, and I'm looking forward to where the team goes next.
November 11, 2018
I like this series okay so far. The Atlantis adventure was kind of dumb, and there doesn't seem to be enough foreshadowing overall - stuff just happens - but these are characters I'm not terribly familiar with (except Ms Marvel and Cyclops), so maybe I'm just missing something.
I do love the team's focus on positive change rather than "punching down," so I've added an extra star.
I do love the team's focus on positive change rather than "punching down," so I've added an extra star.
April 8, 2019
This was fun, and there’s some really important themes throughout the issues! Not the most fantastic book I’ve read lately, but I’m always down for a young adult team, and the diversity here is really awesome. 4/5 stars.
July 11, 2018
36th book read in 2018.
Number 196 out of 696 on my all time book list.
Very current and funny.
Number 196 out of 696 on my all time book list.
Very current and funny.
October 13, 2020
Enjoyed it but the hulk annoyed me
May 16, 2019
Interesting team up that I am def a fan of. :)
September 30, 2024
Lots of fun. Waid does a great job bringing this group of young heroes together. Nice characterization and group dynamics. The art was pretty good for the most part.
April 26, 2020
I feel sorry for little teen Cyclops, he gets such a bum deal. His future self is a jerk that everyone hates, his girlfriend isn't into him, and nobody wants to be his friend. And the live action movie versions of his character always get sidelined for Wolverine (or inexplicably Mystique). Even his introduction in this is him kind of hanging out in the distance hoping this group of misfits will be his friend.
This is an enjoyable enough book. A group of teen heroes wanting to make a difference while dealing with their team's interpersonal issues. They want to do more than punch bad guys they want to institute real change in the world, to stand up for the persecuted minorities.
Aside from Spider-Man and Cyclops I knew nothing about any of the other major characters, and this book did a pretty good job of introducing them all, I particularly liked Nova's bromance with Spider-Man.
It was a relatively quick and enjoyable read, and a nice distraction from everything that's going on in the world right now.
This is an enjoyable enough book. A group of teen heroes wanting to make a difference while dealing with their team's interpersonal issues. They want to do more than punch bad guys they want to institute real change in the world, to stand up for the persecuted minorities.
Aside from Spider-Man and Cyclops I knew nothing about any of the other major characters, and this book did a pretty good job of introducing them all, I particularly liked Nova's bromance with Spider-Man.
It was a relatively quick and enjoyable read, and a nice distraction from everything that's going on in the world right now.
February 8, 2018
A fantastic book. A story of kids who are tired of seeing the world as it is and step up to make a difference in it. They have learned from their predecessors and are trying their best to change the world in the most moral way they can. "Sometimes there's just nothing to hit." These kids are changing the world not as super heroes but as activists; with words instead of fists (but sometimes a few fists too).
The writers brought along a wonderful group of characters, smart, witty, motivated...and then Gwenpoole. I think this was an attempt to bring in the younger audience with a character they appreciate, but it was sorely unwelcome. The Champions assembled a team of the best and brightest, then Marvel thought it was a good idea to throw in a "LOL so random xD" character into the mix. I hope Gwenpoole isn't around for long because she very blatantly does not fit into the mix.
Otherwise, this has been one of the best stories I've read in a long time. It's what we love about superheroes, but gives me a sense that I could be one of them.
The writers brought along a wonderful group of characters, smart, witty, motivated...and then Gwenpoole. I think this was an attempt to bring in the younger audience with a character they appreciate, but it was sorely unwelcome. The Champions assembled a team of the best and brightest, then Marvel thought it was a good idea to throw in a "LOL so random xD" character into the mix. I hope Gwenpoole isn't around for long because she very blatantly does not fit into the mix.
Otherwise, this has been one of the best stories I've read in a long time. It's what we love about superheroes, but gives me a sense that I could be one of them.
August 15, 2017
A new team which is cool but the fact they take on some pretty serious social issues felt a little off balance. I like the team it is fresh and they have a decent reason to form up it is clear it is meant for new readers and they even introduce their powers. Ms Marvel, (new) hulk, nova, miles morales, Viv, and (young) cyclops all want a fresh start and all have strong personalities so Waid succeeds there. The problem I had was Waid took a sharp turn and had the team deal with some serious issues like racism and persecution in an intro volume. There is nothing wrong with talking about these issues in fact comics are a great medium for it. it just rubbed me the wrong way on a new series and a new team. In a way it sucked out the fun and made it more political. The art is great on the other hand and Ramos did a fantastic job on pencils.
December 17, 2017
When three teen superheroes find themselves without a super team to call home, they create a family. Champions tell the story for six heroes who come together to be the good they want to see in the world. After leaving the Avengers, Nova, Ms. Marvel, and Spider-Man decide to start their own team. After recruiting the Hulk and Viv, daughter of The Vision, the Champions start to campaign for everything that is right. A time displaced Cyclops joins soon afterward. This is the Teen Titans/New Mutants (my favorite teen/team books growing up) of the new era.
The writing feels fresh and natural, Mark Waid does an amazing job voicing the young heroes. He also makes the book feel timely and current. The Champions are heroes of the modern era and face problems you can read from your local and national news. There is plenty of action to go around, the best moments are when the team is together and is talking among themselves. The "quiet moments" has as much impact as the big action scenes.
Humberto Ramos and Victor Olazara draft a great five issue run. Ramos art always has a fluid, animated feel to it. In the Champions it shines bright. The panels pop at you and there aren't any pages that feel cluttered to be full. Ramos' character work is always been a favorite of mine, he doesn't disappoint at anytime. Edgar Delgado colors compliment the drawing and inks, never are the darks too dark and the colors are bright and vibrant.
Champions is a title I will continue to keep up with as long as the team is involved. I love the mix of heroes and the heroic journey they are on. The characters all have their own titles, while I will champion (pun intend) for Ms. Marvel's title (It's REALLY GOOD!!!), this has me interested in reading more the other heroes. That is another sign of how great the title is, you get invested in the characters beyond just the group book. I hope you enjoy as much as I have.
Kofi
The writing feels fresh and natural, Mark Waid does an amazing job voicing the young heroes. He also makes the book feel timely and current. The Champions are heroes of the modern era and face problems you can read from your local and national news. There is plenty of action to go around, the best moments are when the team is together and is talking among themselves. The "quiet moments" has as much impact as the big action scenes.
Humberto Ramos and Victor Olazara draft a great five issue run. Ramos art always has a fluid, animated feel to it. In the Champions it shines bright. The panels pop at you and there aren't any pages that feel cluttered to be full. Ramos' character work is always been a favorite of mine, he doesn't disappoint at anytime. Edgar Delgado colors compliment the drawing and inks, never are the darks too dark and the colors are bright and vibrant.
Champions is a title I will continue to keep up with as long as the team is involved. I love the mix of heroes and the heroic journey they are on. The characters all have their own titles, while I will champion (pun intend) for Ms. Marvel's title (It's REALLY GOOD!!!), this has me interested in reading more the other heroes. That is another sign of how great the title is, you get invested in the characters beyond just the group book. I hope you enjoy as much as I have.
Kofi
April 29, 2017
[Read as single issues]
I...don't like this book very much.
I like all of the individual characters. I like all of the creators involved. I even like the idea behind the story. But something about it just doesn't sit right at all.
The Champions - Ms. Marvel, Nova, Spider-Man, Viv Vision, Totally Awesome Hulk, and O5 Cyclops, come together to form a team that will fight for society, rather than just wrecking the place like the Avengers. They set out to right wrongs and actually cause some good in the world. It's admirable. But something about the writing just doesn't feel very compelling. Each issue is mostly standalone with maybe an unrelated cliffhanger to link them together, but there's no momentum to the stories, and little-to-no stakes involved. I had to check a few times to see if this was in fact a Mark Waid book, because it doesn't really read like one, but I've had the same feeling about his current Avengers run too. I really liked the previous one, but the current relaunch again feels lacklustre compared to what you'd expect.
There's not much to say on the art front, since Humberto Ramos is a love-or-hate artist, and I love him, so you know.
This book has it all. But there's a key ingredient missing that just means it's not hitting the right marks.
I...don't like this book very much.
I like all of the individual characters. I like all of the creators involved. I even like the idea behind the story. But something about it just doesn't sit right at all.
The Champions - Ms. Marvel, Nova, Spider-Man, Viv Vision, Totally Awesome Hulk, and O5 Cyclops, come together to form a team that will fight for society, rather than just wrecking the place like the Avengers. They set out to right wrongs and actually cause some good in the world. It's admirable. But something about the writing just doesn't feel very compelling. Each issue is mostly standalone with maybe an unrelated cliffhanger to link them together, but there's no momentum to the stories, and little-to-no stakes involved. I had to check a few times to see if this was in fact a Mark Waid book, because it doesn't really read like one, but I've had the same feeling about his current Avengers run too. I really liked the previous one, but the current relaunch again feels lacklustre compared to what you'd expect.
There's not much to say on the art front, since Humberto Ramos is a love-or-hate artist, and I love him, so you know.
This book has it all. But there's a key ingredient missing that just means it's not hitting the right marks.
March 24, 2018
Oh, those Millennial Superheroes be like...
Jokes aside, I really liked how this book simultaneously engaged with questions of traditional superhero storytelling, generation, privilege, oppression, and adolescence- and all with some stunning art and genuine character development.
Looking forward to Vol. 2 already!
Jokes aside, I really liked how this book simultaneously engaged with questions of traditional superhero storytelling, generation, privilege, oppression, and adolescence- and all with some stunning art and genuine character development.
Looking forward to Vol. 2 already!
November 14, 2017
Good read.
August 20, 2017
While I tend to gravitate toward the less mainstream heroes for both Marvel and DC, I generally avoid the teen heroes, since I've always assumed their books are aimed at a younger audience. But I'd heard so much positive buzz about Champions, both from friends and online, that I decided to finally give it a chance. And while there are times Champions does feel like it's trying to speak directly to kids, it's definitely no Saturday morning cartoon show.
Volume 1 has the team tackling some pretty uncomfortable situations: human trafficking, subjugation of women, racism. These are surprisingly real-world problems, and while it would have been easy for Mark Waid to be heavy-handed in their presentation, for the most part, he seems to treat them with the gravity they deserve, without becoming maudlin. And the current atmosphere of the country/world we live in today definitely adds an air of immediacy and seriousness to the events in this volume.
Topical stories are all well and good, but only if you care about the characters in them, and I'm happy to say that the Champions, themselves, are a definite highlight of this book. Many of them are characters I've either had no prior exposure to (Ms. Marvel, Nova, Viv), or different takes on classic characters (the new Hulk, young Cyclops, Miles Morales-Spider-Man). But in short order, we're given a feel for each of their personalities, as well as some great demonstrations of how their different abilities can work together to make them a really dynamic team. The one exception is Gwenpool, who I honestly find to be a very irritating and unlikable character. Thankfully, she only seems to pop up briefly toward the end of this volume, before going on her merry way, so I don't think she'll become a mainstay of the series.
Finally, the art. The art team on Champions is a great fit. Ramos' and Olazaba's pencils and inks lend the characters a distinctive, at times slightly exaggerated style, and Delgado's colors really pop. Visually, Champions is a vibrant, energetic piece of work, though its visuals can work just as well when the occasion calls for a muted or darker palette. My only complaint is that Ramos seems to draw everyone as if they're part-rodent; whenever someone has their mouth open, their upper two front teeth always seem just a little bit too prominent. It's...weird.
All in all, I'm glad I decided to pick this one up. Champions isn't perfect, but it's been a very engaging ride, so far. If you like your superhero team to actually have some cohesion, and not constantly be at each others' throats (or at risk of splitting up every two issues), and you don't mind them taking on less than world-shattering threats, give it a try. You might end up as surprised as I did.
Volume 1 has the team tackling some pretty uncomfortable situations: human trafficking, subjugation of women, racism. These are surprisingly real-world problems, and while it would have been easy for Mark Waid to be heavy-handed in their presentation, for the most part, he seems to treat them with the gravity they deserve, without becoming maudlin. And the current atmosphere of the country/world we live in today definitely adds an air of immediacy and seriousness to the events in this volume.
Topical stories are all well and good, but only if you care about the characters in them, and I'm happy to say that the Champions, themselves, are a definite highlight of this book. Many of them are characters I've either had no prior exposure to (Ms. Marvel, Nova, Viv), or different takes on classic characters (the new Hulk, young Cyclops, Miles Morales-Spider-Man). But in short order, we're given a feel for each of their personalities, as well as some great demonstrations of how their different abilities can work together to make them a really dynamic team. The one exception is Gwenpool, who I honestly find to be a very irritating and unlikable character. Thankfully, she only seems to pop up briefly toward the end of this volume, before going on her merry way, so I don't think she'll become a mainstay of the series.
Finally, the art. The art team on Champions is a great fit. Ramos' and Olazaba's pencils and inks lend the characters a distinctive, at times slightly exaggerated style, and Delgado's colors really pop. Visually, Champions is a vibrant, energetic piece of work, though its visuals can work just as well when the occasion calls for a muted or darker palette. My only complaint is that Ramos seems to draw everyone as if they're part-rodent; whenever someone has their mouth open, their upper two front teeth always seem just a little bit too prominent. It's...weird.
All in all, I'm glad I decided to pick this one up. Champions isn't perfect, but it's been a very engaging ride, so far. If you like your superhero team to actually have some cohesion, and not constantly be at each others' throats (or at risk of splitting up every two issues), and you don't mind them taking on less than world-shattering threats, give it a try. You might end up as surprised as I did.
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