Comic Book Review - X-Men #2

Rob reviews X-Men #2...

This new X-Men team has already been through quite a lot and we're only two issues in! This new team was set-up in the wake of the Arrako event and as such they're here to save the world - and sway the Human perception on Mutants at the same time. 

This second issue fires a new threat towards the X-Men. Much like the events seen within issue #1, its a potential Earth shattering enemy thats on par with some of the old Marvel greats. With The Avengers nowhere in site it's down to the new Team-X to save the day.

The big bad this time is one Cordyceps Jones. There's a bug intergalactic card game at hand, and Earth has found itself on the table. The plan is that whoever destroys the planet first is the games winner. However, like any table-top card game there's plenty of "event" cards that can be played to modify the situation. Sadly for Earth this comes in the form of the 'Annihilation Wave', which happens to be this 'games' strongest action...oh dear! 

Away from the Earth-shattering action, this new X-Men series has its roots firmly stuck in the series' rich past. There's a great mix of new and old. On one hand we  see this new ass-kicking X-Men team attempt to prevent global disasters, and change the publics image of them. Then on the other, it's a more grounded, intimate story that deals with each character in a more quiet and smooth way. It feels very much like a sitcom as Gerry Duggan goes from quiet card game, to intergalactic nightmare all in two pages. It's this that makes this new series both eye-catching to new readers, and nostalgic for old. 

Aside from Duggan's 'interstellar' script, the art team are also on form throughout this second salvo. Pepe Larraz and Marte Garcia work wonders in bringing the bright cosmic atmosphere of both Gameworld and New York to life in a wash of colour and strong line work. Once the Annihilation Wave hits, both Larraz and Garcia work real magic. It's great seeing the X-Men leap into action and Larraz brings an organic feel to the proceedings, whether this is achieved by the characters movements, emotion - or a mixture of the two. This is all backed up by Garcia who brings plenty of strong tonal colour and some impressive shadows. 

All in all X-Men #2 is another great showing as to what makes the X-Men great. They're well out of the shadows now and firmly thrust into the limelight. It's a great time to get to know this new team, so what are you waiting for? 

Rating: 9/10 

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekcultureRev