The Champions, Marvel’s teenage group of do-gooders, have been one of the House of Ideas’ greatest gifts to readers over the past few years. Comprised of Ms. Marvel, Viv Vision, a young Nova, Wasp, Ironheart, and Snowguard, the various Champions series have balanced pitch perfect teenage characterization with bombastic action beautifully, and the Champions tie-in to Marvel’s Infinity Countdown event is no exception.
It helps that Jim Zub, who’s currently helming the Champions book, is in charge of writing chores for the two-part Infinity Countdown: Champions miniseries. The voices of and interaction between our heroes feel seamless due to Zub’s involvement, which makes for a jarless, infinitely (sorry) enjoyable read.
And as you can see in our exclusive preview of issues #2, the whole creative team has brought its A-game, from artist Emilio Laiso’s kinetic, ebullient linework to Andy Troy’s vivid colors that tonally work for a young teen book and a yarn set in the far reaches of space. Clayton Cowles’ lettering adds to the high-speed, fun feel of the book, using the action beats to guide his letters beautifully. And a well-deserved shout-out to Clayton Crain for his alternate cover, which would sell like the dickens as a print online or at a comic con. It’s Normal Rockwell meets the Apocalypse and we are here for it.
INFINITY COUNTDOWN: CHAMPIONS #2 cover
INFINITY COUNTDOWN: CHAMPIONS #2 page 1
INFINITY COUNTDOWN: CHAMPIONS #2 page 2
INFINITY COUNTDOWN: CHAMPIONS #2 page 3
INFINITY COUNTDOWN: CHAMPIONS #2 page 4
INFINITY COUNTDOWN: CHAMPIONS #2 page 5
INFINITY COUNTDOWN: CHAMPIONS #2 page 6
Infinity Countdown: Champions #2 goes on sale Wednesday, July 4th, from Marvel Comics.
From the official issue description:
CHAMPIONS…OF THE CHITAURI? Nova and the Champions fighting for Thanos? Strange allies abound and sacrifices will be made…One of these young heroes is about to lose everything.