American Chavez is a character I only know a bit about. She’s been in various comics I’ve read as a member of a team but as far as her origin and the specific details I know very little. I know about her moms, her general powers, and the dimension-hopping but there are absolutely gaps in my knowledge. In a way, America Chavez: Made in the USA #1 feels refreshing as a comic I could step in to and get caught up.

America Chavez: Made in the USA #1 drops the reader into the world of America Chavez. The initial battle is a way to catch up on the character delivering a bit of her personality and setting up what’s to come. It teases her families and “origin” in some ways. Though specifics aren’t all laid out, the comic does a solid job of giving the reader enough to feel like they’re not missing anything. Writer Kalinda Vazquez delivers an inclusive comic in that way. New readers shouldn’t feel overwhelmed while long-time fans should be intrigued by what’s new and the direction of the series.

America Chavez: Made in the USA #1 has an interesting theme and aspect to it in an exploration of “home”. The comic’s title is “Made in the USA” and it’s that aspect of Chavez’s life that seems to be the focus here. She might be from another world but this is a look at the family that raised her in the USA. If this is all new to the character, that’s news to me, but the direction seems interesting.

Carlos Gomez handles the art with Jesus Aburtov on color and lettering by Travis Lanham. The art is pretty solid delivering a lot of action throughout. This is a comic with a quick pacing as much of it is America doing battle with either giant moles or a mysterious dome. Things look good and the comic has a certain energy about it that feels fitting for the character. There’s a lot packed in with pages filled with so much to check out and look at. But, witht hat, things get a bit cluttered with the visuals not quite delivering a clear message as to what’s going on. There’s a choppiness in both art and narrative at times.

America Chavez: Made in the USA #1 is a decent start. While it could have been improved in some ways, it’s a solid introduction to the character for new readers. It sets up an intriguing mystery and has a clear voice about it. With the character about to be in the spotlight, the comic does a solid job as a starting point for people to discover America and her world.

Story: Kalinda Vazquez Art: Carlos Gomez
Color: Jesus Aburtov Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW