America #5

Previously in America #4

Sometimes, when you want to avoid thinking about all the crap in your head like the fact that a mysterious woman has been guiding your life and claims to be family, the best thing to do is head over to your best friend’s place for ice cream, pillows, and the kind of understanding only a bestie can provide. So, that’s exactly what America Chavez does, hitting up her best pal Kate Bishop (a.k.a Hawkeye) for a little B.F.L.C.

America’s breakup with Lisa is permanent and for the best so no one can blame America when she responds to a text from a long-lost teenage love, Magdalena. But it’s no ordinary call to hook up; Magdalena’s message is cryptic and suggests she’s in trouble.

America and Kate’s girls night in turns into a road trip. They spend the miles singing loudly, taking selfies, and discussing the early days of America’s and Magdalena’s friendship. Before they reach their destination, Magdalana finds them, but she’s not alone. Cyborgs piloting helicopters and motorcycles are no match for America, Kate, and Magdalena, though, and the women make quick work of their pursuers.

While America and Magdalena spend some time alone to reacquaint, Kate dives into the case file on the entity that attacked Maltixa. Kate realizes there’s a connection between the cyborgs that tried to take over Sotomayer U., the cyborgs that just ambushed them on the road, the entity, and Magdalena. Unfortunately, she’s too late to warn America, who is injected with a needle by Magdalena when she leans in for a kiss.

I’m a sucker for comic books that focus on the “normal” aspects of a superhero’s life so this series has been right up my alley. Rivera continues to explore America’s struggle to belong and process complex feelings without punching things and it’s great.

This arc brings with it a new artist, Ramon Villalobos, and it’s going to take me a bit to get used to his style. America’s full-figure and wonderful spirit still remain so I’m sure I’ll get there. And this month’s cover is simply gorgeous. Well done, Jen Bartel!