[Comic Book Review] YOUNGBLOOD Vol. 1: "Reborn" TPB from Image Comics

PopCultHQ received a review copy of YOUNGBLOOD Vol. 1: “Reborn” TPB from Image Comics. Available December 6^th, 2017, the creative team for this series features writing from Chad Bowers, art from Jim Towe, colors by Juan Manuel Rodriguez, and lettering from Rus Wooton.

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…

YOUNGBLOOD Vol. 1: Reborn TP

Writer: Chad Bowers
Artist: Jim Towe
Colorist: Juan Manuel Rodriguez
Letterer: Rus Wooton
Cover Artist: Jim Towe

In Shops: December 6^th, 2017
SRP: $9.99

THE ‘BLOOD IS BACK!

25 years ago, YOUNGBLOOD launched the Image Comics revolution. Now, ROB LIEFELD’s blockbuster creation returns with an all new cast and a bold new mission! An uber popular self-protection app called HELP! is changing how we stay safe — “HELP! lets you decide who saves you.” But when a high-rated young hero on the app goes missing, his best friend’s search for answers gains the attention of some unexpected allies, and together, they’ll do whatever it takes to find him… even if it means resurrecting the world’s most infamous super-team, Youngblood. Gear up, strap in, and get ready to rediscover comics most Extreme universe with creators CHAD BOWERS (X-Men ‘92, Deadpool: Bad Blood) and newcomer JIM TOWE!

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
YOUNGBLOOD Vol. 1: Reborn

Writing:

Chad takes up a mighty task in this first volume. Anyone who has ever chosen to work on a series with a long-established team like Youngblood knows that it demands a lot of heavy, creative thinking. Story, characters, all of these things tie together into an intricate web that is part of a bigger whole. Chad gives Image readers and Youngblood fans a new team for a new age, one that reflects the change in times and culture.

Art:

Jim Towe’s art for this trade is super. He doesn’t crowd the panels with too many characters and there is always something happening to keep the reader’s attention. His designs for the new members of Youngblood are fantastic. No one is relegated to a background role. Youngblood lovers will especially thrill to see some of the stalwart team members getting slick looks and sharp updates.

Juan’s coloring for the book was really thought out. From the mundane elements like buildings, to high-action explosions, it’s all carefully put together. And his colors for the new Youngblood teammates are superb. There is even detailed coloring for things like a teammate’s eyes or the finer aspects of their suit or gadgets. Everybody is vibrant and alive, like they could jump off the page.

As letterer for the series, Rus Wooton brings a lot of skill to this first Youngblood TP. His lettering for characters like Badrock and Diehard are fine examples. Badrock has a lot of accents on his words, like someone from New York or New Jersey would have peppering their day-to-day speech. Diehard’s words are designed in a way to reflect the man behind the mask speaking with a voice filter. Both of these former Youngblood members are given a new voice thanks to Rus’s work.

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

YOUNGBLOOD was one of the books that helped launch Image Comics in the 90’s. Now the team is back, with new faces and a few old ones. The talented team of Bowers, Towe, Rodriguez and Wooton have worked hard to bring the next generation of YOUNGBLOOD to readers and fans. This first volume is a great read and a must buy for all who are superhero lovers and fans of Image Comics.