CHAMPIONS #2, available Wednesday from Marvel Comics, continues to show the increasingly dark aftermath of Kamala’s Law. A law put in place to stop underage superheroes, a turn of events eerily similar to another event in Marvel’s past.
The fallout from Outlawed is still going strong, as C.R.A.D.L.E. agents continue to gain more power. Much like the events that unfolded during the Superhuman Registration Act, this series is quickly proving the willingness to discuss the worst that humanity has to offer.
All while putting it in stark contrast against the best of humanity. Those that stand up and fight. That speak when others can not. It’s a subject that Marvel has covered before, and they will almost certainly cover again.
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Champions #2 dives back into this complicated and dark world, portraying many a young hero’s positions and struggles. Not just the Champions themselves, but all young – with and without powers.
The Writing
Champions #2 is a powerful issue that will hit home for a lot of readers. The events that unfold here are not romanticized, nor does Eve L. Ewing pull any punches. The story here is raw and painful, as it should be.
Each of the Champions is on the cusp of something. They have been from the moment Outlawed occurred. They have to decide which side of the law they’re on – and more importantly, they have to live with that decision. That is the unavoidable truth that Ewing brought to bear within these pages.
Champions #2 is an issue with no fear. This is an issue that tackles intense and diverse subjects, forcing subtext into text. All while discussing ethics, morality, history, and many modern events as well.
It isn’t just that Kamala’s Law is painfully similar to the Superhuman Registration Act. There are similarities there, of course. But what goes on in this arc will feel familiar for other reasons. Many readers will have personally experienced or know someone who has experienced some of what occurs.
It adds a certain sense of weight, and yet it does feel perfectly at home within the Marvel Universe. After all, Marvel has always proven how willing they are to tackle and discuss current events and world problems.
The Art
The artwork inside Champions #2 is as complex as the plot itself, portraying various scenes and characters. All of whom are finding their own way to cope, or otherwise going through a massive amount of emotion and conflict of their own.
Impressively, all of this is clear as day on the pages. Each of the Champions has picked their side more or less, and the determination shines through their eyes. Yet one can see that the decision is anything but easy, for some of them.
Simone Di Meo and Bob Quinn were the lead artists for this issue, working alongside Federico Blee for colors, and VC’s Clayton Cowles for letters. All of which work together in a way that is ideal for the Champions.
The colors are bold, and the lighting is truly a spectacular sight to behold. It added a sense of drama and gravitas – as if there wasn’t already enough of that. Combined with the hundreds of other little details, it will leave an impression.
Conclusion
Champions #2 is a hard-hitting read, as it was meant to be. Once again, readers are being presented with an arc that has a moral to the story, and with it comes an infinite level of complexity.
If you’re not actively reading The Magnificent Ms. Marvel and Miles Morales: Spider-Man, then you are potentially missing out on some of this story. Both series have been tackling the fallout of Outlawed, and with excellent reason.
