Marvel Comics 2017
Written by Christina Strain
Illustrated by Amilcar Pinna
Coloured by Felipe Sobreiro
Lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles
When Charles Xavier founded the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters, he did it with the express purpose of mentoring young mutants in the use of their powers to better a world that hates and fears them. Now, as former student Kitty Pryde takes charge as headmistress, Xavier’s dream lives on for a new generation….
I do like this whole getting back to basics with the mutant community. While the “original” X-Men are time thrusted to the present and Xavier still dead, which surprises me but that’s another story, why not bring back Generation X? I mean X-Factor kind of started out as the template for the book, so where are Rusty, Skids, Artie, Leech and that kid in the wheelchair these days?, which gained its own title when Emma and Sean started her school up again. I do think it’s interesting that Jubilee, now a Vampire and non-mutant who can survive in the daylight, is going to be headlining this book.
While I applaud the idea of Jubilee growing up, she’s raising the orphan Shogo right now for example, she seems less a mentor and more the kid left behind in school. So what kind of influence she can have on these new mutants remains to be seen but i’m open to where it seems to be going. Speaking of these new mutants this is my first time meeting them, except Quentin of course. I like the idea that there are those whose abilities are seen as weak or useless in practical ways but together they could be one of the best teams around. It’s not always about the power level you possess it’s about how it’s used.
Amilcar has been around for awhile and he’s got a solid style that focuses on his line work and attention to detail. It’s a major bonus to see a Marvel book with this kind of interior artwork. His unique eye and style lend itself nicely to the next generation of students at Xavier’s. Plus his use of page layouts with their angles, perspective and use of backgrounds make for some exciting pages. The way he’s able to create a flow with his work is great to see.
So far I like the premise behind the book. While I don’t see Jubilee’s desire to be a teacher just yet the kids need to be mentored that much is shown. With the mansion full of mutants here’s hoping that this book will continue to focus on them and not draw in the population around them too much. I’d really like a chance to see these characters given the attention they need and deserve.
Well with the new class assembled it’s time for that Trial by Fire that’s inevitable in any new comic book. Though it may seem a little trite to use that tactic so often the Mansion has reappeared in Central Park and it’s been on the news. So it’s not surprising that someone or a group of someone’s would attack so quickly. Let’s face it with the history of the X-Men they’ve racked up quite an extensive list of foes who hate them for being mutants. So the ending comes as no surprise but I look forward to seeing what happens next issue. This off to a nice positive start and if these folks can keep this up i’ll stick around.