YOUNGBLOOD #1 (2025 - IMAGE COMICS)

At last, the long wait is over! YOUNGBLOOD kickstarted the Image Comics revolution in 1992. The series has had a history all its’ own. Fans have never waivered in the support of the series. Now in 2025, Liefeld is bringing Shaft, Badrock, Vogue, Chapel & Die-Hard back home. The legendary creator is launching an all new explosive series back where it all began!

YOUNGBLOOD (2025) #1 by Rob Liefeld, Juan Manuel Rodriguez, Chance Wolf & Rus Wooton brings the action in its’ latest chapter!

Let’s take a closer look at how this debut issue fares.

YOUNGBLOOD (2025) #1 by Rob Liefeld, Juan Manuel Rodriguez, Chance Wolf & Rus Wooton (Image Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

One thing that is for certain with Liefeld writing, buckle in for the action. The chapter opens up with the team intercepting a threat in the Pacific. Xerxes’s ship has appeared with a deadly warning. Readers watch as the team does what it does best. The writing does an excellent job in showcasing the team to new readers. This quick synopsis compliments their extreme actions in trying to stop Xerxes. It might be the only slow point of the book.

As previously alluded to, the action doesn’t take long to start. Readers watch as the team deals with opposition with no punches pulled. Once arriving at the big boss, one member is made an example of. This works in instantly legitimizing Xerxes. The same method can be said for Vandel, Xerxes’s enforcer. Liefeld uses a very simplistic method in teasing what this group is about.

Some may not love the “Less is More” approach, but honestly, it works to establish the basics.Readers instantly know who’s the heroes and villains in the beginning. How this all fleshes out reminas to be seen. This all boils to a head with the final page. Another character makes a dramatic entrance as this story is about to go to extremes.

With the art, certain expectations are hit early. The first page pays a small homage to the original Image creators. This moves into a great two splash page team look. Liefeld mixes in a few more full pages images before the fists get flying. The team leaves nothing off limits as they deal with Xerxes’ forces.

Shaft’s strikes are as bloody as it gets. Wooten’s lettering takes these panels to new heights. Once Vandel enters the picture, things go from bad to worse. Readers watch as the strikes go for broke after a full page Shaft image. Xerxes makes a statement finish with his opponent. The panels reflect the power he wields. This leads into the parting image of the chapter. A dramatic return closes one door as Youngblood leaves no doubt they are back!

FINAL GRADE: 8.7

You want Blood? You Got it! The team that put Image on the map returns with a nostalgic feel in this latest debut. Liefeld plays to his strengths with the writing and art. The simplistic format still works to lock readers in from page one. There are many vintage looks woven in the fast paced plot. All build into the groundwork for what is sure to be another fan-pleasing go-around.

Let me know your thoughts on Youngblood (2025) #1 in the comments below! Thanks for reading!

YOUNGBLOOD DELUXE #1 (IMAGE COMICS)

There’s only one chance to make a first impression. In 1992, one book led off a revolution in comics. Seven creators left Marvel to form a game-changing imprint. Their creativity would create the foundation that continues to elevate and excite fans 33 years later. The company is Image Comics. The Book: YOUNGBLOOD.

Many eyes were on this project not just cause of the company start. It also had to do with its’ legendary writer/artist. Knowing who and what he created, there was no doubt this project was generating the early buzz. The creative force? His name is ROB LIEFELD!

It’s been a hot minute since we’ve seen the team. In its absence, the fans have been clamoring for more. Their requests were finally answered. It was announced in late 2024 that the series was returning to Image in 2025! Kicking off their return is a remastered version of the book that launched everything!

YOUNGBLOOD DELUXE #1 by Joe Casey, Rob Liefeld, Matt Yackey and Rus Wooton brings back Image’s beginnings with an all new vision.

Let’s take a closer look at how the past looks in the present.

YOUNGBLOOD DELUXE #1 by Joe Casey, Rob Liefeld, Matt Yackey and Rus Wooton (Image Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

With this introductory chapter, fans can grasp a sense of what this team is all about. At it’s core, Youngblood is about challenging perception vs. reality. Casey’s work tightening up the script helps. The writing spends a fair amount of time introducing key players to the forefront. Shaft gets a great welcome to fans. He also provides a sense of the celebrity balance for this series. Badrock and Chapel get their fair amount of page time. This allows fans to see the diverse personalities handle the high cost of fame.

This theme boils over into the spilt time between “Home” (USA centric) and “Away” (International) squads. Home squad has more of a traditional superhero build. The Away conflict is a reflection of the time period of the 1990s. Readers watch as they handle political ramifications gone wrong.

The writing spares no expense exposing the flaws of these personalities. It all leads into a shocking ending when a member goes rogue. This causes plans to get changed and exemplifies the difficult landscape this team moves through. It’s not all black and white. The greys loom heavy overhead when the spotlight burns bright.

Liefeld knows how to maximize character moments better than most. Shaft makes a dynamic debut stopping a criminal. The panels sell the importance of the hero. It also delves into the uncomfortably feeling of fame. Each notable member of the Home team gets a solid portion of page team. This continues on when they kick into action. They are awarded a two page splash as they head into conflict.

The away team is not to be outdone. They open with a two page image. Readers watch as the tempo picks up when on the attack. One member stands out more than most in this sequence. Psi-Fire’s unstable personality shines in the chaos. His fury leads into the close of the book. The drastic measures taken break the Q rating mark. His bloody attack gets a unique full page. It leads into a colder look at the heroes mission. Some are built for the bright light. Others are built for business. The art covers both to paint this distinct view of heroes.

OVERALL GRADE: 8.5

In its structure, Youngblood blurs the lines of traditional superhero teams. Seeing how heroes are thrown into the public spotlight proves a true challenge. Both teams have obstacles to overcome and the writing doesn’t duck it. Liefeld’s art brings out the intensity of the pressure situations. Years after the debut, there’s still something special about this series that readers shouldn’t look past.

Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Youngblood Deluxe #1. Thanks for reading!