Another "controversial" new Marvel title. "Young Avengers" focusses on four teen Avenger wannabes: Patriot, Asgardian, Hulkling and Iron Lad. On paper (or screen), those names look ridiculous, but the story shows promise and includes a fairly large link to Avengers continuity.

In the debut issue, J. Jonah Jameson assigns Daily Bugle reporters Kat Farrell and Jessica Jones to uncover info on what they've dubbed the "Young Avengers". Jones uses her connections to Iron Man and Capt. America to find out if these young bucks are officially sanctioned or connected. Meanwhile, the youngsters intervene in a hostage wedding situation. They succeed on a minor level... accidentally starting a fire and getting in trouble with the cops.

For the most part, these are completely new characters. Time travel appears to be involved, as all four are preparing for the "arrival of Kang the Conqueror". One member has a prominent connection, but I wont spoil it for ya'. They seem like complete rookies and there's alot of ground that could be covered with the new series.

Now for the counterpoint stuff. I couldn't tell if Hulkling was male or female. The heroes' names are stupid, but I feel that was intentional. "Asgardian" is awful, but "Thunderbolt" was already taken. It's possible that they all may earn new "official" names as the series evolves. Also, the writer is straight from the TV show "the O.C". Not sure if that's good or bad.

The series has received some flack as being an answer to DC's Teen Titans. Not exactly true. This title stems off of the recent "Avengers: Disassembled" arc, albeit indirectly. The idea of a teen Avengers in modern times hasn't been touched on before. For the most part, Marvel's top-tier heroes haven't had teen sidekicks. These heroes aren't established sidekicks. Plus, Marvel's idea of a teen hero group goes all the way back to the 1940's and "Young Allies" comics. "Young Avengers" makes a point to connect to that history, both in title and story. I believe it would exist without the Titans competition.

A decent, intriguing start to a companion Avengers book. "Companion" is the key word, as this book probably would NOT appeal to non-Avengers fan.
Rating: 1.95