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!