Favorite West Coast Avengers
My favorite characters as they appear in WCA!
List items
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As I've recently been getting lost in the pages of Englehart's West Coast Avengers, I'm increasingly impressed with Hawkeye. His leadership of the team really makes him stand out. At first I wasn't sure what to think, but Clint makes a lot of sense in a leadership role once he's finally there. He's not your straightlaced type like Cap or Cyclops - I'll give you that - but Hawkeye has a style all his own. All great leaders inspire greatness, and Clint does it through camaraderie, guile and pure guts.
Plus there's just something about a dude who walks with giants with nothing but a bow and arrow that is totally badass.
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Wonder Man was always a most unique Avenger to me because the dude died in his first issue only to come back years later. But that issue - Avengers #9 - is a true classic. To witness a flawed character turn to heroism in the end is reminiscent of Darth Vader via Return of the Jedi.
It's no joke - Simon Williams is a cool dude in my book. Not being tied down to his own series for some time, Wonder Man was able to avoid homeostasis as a character and experienced some very interesting development over the years. I mean c'mon: He was essentially created by Baron Zemo, his brothers are Grim Reaper and Vision, and he's an actor/Avenger. That's fertile territory for unique character development.
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I like Tigra. So sue me.
Tigra seems cheesy as hell at first, but quickly I realized the potential depth to the character. Sure, she could be annoying with her whole "I'm a cat, now I'm a woman" dichotomous bull, but her confrontational demeanor keeps readers on their proverbial toes.
There's the Armored Avenger, there's the Android Avenger and then there's the Uninhibited Avenger. That's Tigra. (Feel free to quote me on that btw)
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Aside from keeping Hawksy in check, Mockingbird is a strong voice and advocate for the down and out team members. Every team needs its morale booster and thats Mockingbird, the glue to the team. Pair that with badass fighting technique and a couple'a staves, and you turkeys better watch out!
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Miss Bonita brings some awesome fire abilities to the team. I also enjoy when she and Tigra butt heads. So, with that, I overrule issue 9 and give the coveted "sixth spot" on the roster to Firebird over Thing because, let's be honest, Mr. Ever-lovin' Blue Eyes is an FF for life. Plus, Firebird fits much better with the West Coast team. She's essentially a member anyway!
My only issue with the character is she wanted a spot on the team and continually didn't speak up for herself. If you want to be an Avenger, Bonita, just say so! I mean, I do everyday. Not that it's working...
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Tony Stark. The brains of the whole operation. If there's an Avengers team featuring ole Shellhead, you best bet that Tony's name is on the building. Not only the brains of the team but Tony, being a man of near limitless resources and engineering prowess, affords the Avengers some cool toys as well.
I love Iron Man as a character. In WCA, however, Iron Man takes a backseat while the other characters get to shine. Honestly, though, I think it's a good move. Team books should always provide more development for the B and C listers.
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