THESE X-MEN ARE… FEARLESS! The heroes of Krakoa are here to save the planet! Things might be complicated between the nation of Krakoa and the rest of the world, but to the X-MEN, things are simple — you do what’s right, you protect those who need protecting and you save the world we all share. Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Sunfire, Rogue, Wolverine, Synch and Polaris are the chosen champions of mutantkind, and they will not shrink from any battle for their home planet. Writer Gerry Duggan (MARAUDERS, DEADPOOL, UNCANNY AVENGERS) reteams with superstar artist Pepe Larraz (HOUSE OF X, X OF SWORDS, UNCANNY AVENGERS) to chart the course of the X-Men in a world of the Reign of X!
The Good
Cover- The standard cover has Cyclops shooting optic beams front and center while he is flanked by his wife Jean Grey with her pink energy signature, New Wolverine/X-23, Sunfire producing flames, Polaris with her green magnetic powers attacks a robot while Rogue with her Ms. Marvel strength powers in the foreground while my boy Synch wields multiple powers. I love the composition of the cover and the use of the foreground and background. The colors really do pop as well and complement the overall structure very well.
Art-Pepe Larraz provides some sleek and sexy panels that bring joy and excitement on each and every page. That splash page with multiple panels outlining the structure of the base and its environs was simply epic.
Villains- Kelvin Heng a genius human with a chip on his shoulder who mutated himself in a bid to survive the atmosphere of Mars. The X-men however terra-formed the planet of Mars rechristening it “Sol”, in minutes during the Hellfire Gala making his modifications useless and snatching his prize from him forever. Cordycepts Jones an alien parasite now in charge of Gameworld with a hard on for killing mutants. The High Evolutionary is also waiting in the wings.
Story-In New York Ben Urich interviews Cyclops briefly in front of their new Tree House home base. He meets with his wife inside while Forge and Synch work on modifying the tech in the new base. They welcome Lorna Dane/Polaris who is the last of the team to arrive. Rogue tries to intercept an Evengelion inspired tech monster but is no match for its strength. The team spring into action but are hit by a psionic blast meant to disrupt mammalian brains. Polaris shields them while Sunfire provides light; Synch provides the knowledge necessary to combat the menace. It goes very well and they defeat the threat before the fantastic four and the Avengers arrive on the scene. Out in space on the Gameworld bets are being made in hopes of killing the humans/mutants of Earth while leaving the world intact.
The Bad
As far as first issues go this one was pretty good. Not perfect by any means but it had just the right amount of action The biggest problem in this opening issue was that the powers of the heroes were not established or stated to the reader upfront. A small panel of powers would have been good. I know all the powers and all the characters intimately and their kinks over the past 30 plus years. I bring all that baggage and knowledge into this series. New readers will not realize that Rogue is a power thief, Wolverine regenerates and has enhanced senses none of this is outlined or established. There was also no emotional resonance.
The Ugly
Overall I give this issue 4/5 stars Gerry Dugan and Pepe Larraz have a sure fire hit on their hands!
