Marvel teases a return for its original West Coast superteam in August's Spider-Woman

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If there’s one thing that’s always been true of the Marvel comic book universe, it’s that it’s curiously weighted towards the East Coast of the United States —especially anywhere in and around the New York area. (Think about where the Avengers, X-Men, and Spider-Man are traditionally located… not to mention Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, Doctor Strange, and almost every other big-name Marvel superhero.) This became so much of an issue that, starting in the 1970s, Marvel created multiple superhero teams whose whole gimmick was that they were headquartered on the West Coast. This summer, it’s beginning to look like the original West Coast team is about to make a comeback.

Marvel’s official solicitation text for August’s Spider-Woman #10 reads, “Last issue’s shocking revelations lead to a brutal fight that will push Spider-Woman and the Assembly to their limits!  Hydra stole Jess’ son.  What can she take from them?  And who among the Assembly will survive to begin a new life as champions?”

It’s the latest tease of a new team of Champions from Spider-Woman’s solicits, continuing a trend that’s been running since the solicitations for #6, months ago. “Brokenhearted, Jess decides to leave New York for a fresh start. But the trek across country will not be a smooth ride. A new adventure starts here! Introducing some new faces and with the potential to become New…Champions?!,” ran that solicitation text. The solicitation for June’s #8 was even bolder: “WHO ARE "THE ASSEMBLY"? Spider-Woman finds San Francisco full of old foes, old friends and a new super-team that could still be either. After a fight with Angar the Screamer, the origin of another new New Champions character will be revealed!”

The original Champions were a group consisting of Angel, Iceman, Hercules, Black Widow, and Ghost Rider that first came together in 1975’s Champions #1, headquartered in Los Angeles; the series didn’t last past #17, and the team was disbanded soon after. More recently, the name was used by a team of teenage superheroes starting in 2016, with that incarnation quietly sliding away in 2021.

Notably, the “Assembly” mentioned in the August solicitation is a group of San Francisco-based teen superheroes… so is Marvel preparing for a third bite at the Champions title that combines the core concepts of both earlier incarnations? We might find out when Spider-Woman #10 by Steve Foxe and Ig Guara hits stands August 22. Look at the Lenil Francis You cover below.

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