Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
X-Men Second Coming #1
Marvel Comics
Kyle, Yost & Finch
The next big X-Men crossover begins here. This issue establishes all of the key players, sets up the story and delivers a compelling story in of itself with some beautiful art. There's a lesson here in this issue about how to give your reader everything they might need for a story that they may be coming into cold. This comic book manages to give you every possible reason to continue reading this fourteen part story with an extra page count and bios. There's a lot to like in this comic book.
In this issue Cable and Hope return to the "present". For those not following the X books there is more than enough background information about both characters and the importance of Hope to the greater mutant population. Without any time to breath, Cable and Hope are attacked by some guys with guns in hockey masks. They run, but are not left to their own devices as the X-Men catch up to them to assist them.
After a regular status meeting, Cyclops is informed that Cable's signature shows up on the map and this sets in motion the assumption that Cable has returned with the Messiah, Hope. He puts in place his plan to find Cable and Hope and protect her.
Ah, but it's never that simple is it? A cast of villains are revealed at the end. It seems Cyclops wasn't the only one waiting for the Cable and Hope to show up. The X-Men may have won the battle but the war is only beginning in this issue.
This issue is good at presenting an interesting story. Yes, it's a lot like Messiah Complex here in the early going except Cable is on the run with a teenager and not an infant. However, the mutant population seems to be more unified and the anti-mutant population seems to also be more of a force than in the Messiah Complex storyline.
The artwork is a home run. Not only does Finch draw some amazing details but I found the inks to be unsung hero. Each panel delivers extra details because of the attention paid to inking. Even the background characters are giving life in this book. The tone is very dark which is consistent with the mood of the story and the character profile of Cable. You won't find a better art team for this type of story.
The comic book's strength is in its character work. Sure, there is a nice plot and some fighting, but the main characters are given some extra life here that will serve the story well down the road. Cable is the overcautious, overbearing protector of the flippant, dismissive teenager while Cyclops is the control freak trying to out think everything and everyone. There are quite a few characters that establish a quick voice in here for uninformed and the veteran reader alike.
I have no idea if this crossover will be as good as Messiah Complex. I suspect not, but if you are thinking about getting into the X-Men then this is your issue to read. It profiles all of the key players, sets up the storyline and looks pretty doing it. You literally need no background to enjoy this story and Marvel even gives you a checklist in the back to be sure you know how to follow the crossover from here on in. You would be hard pressed to find a more accessible, interesting opening comic book to a major crossover. This was an impressive start indeed.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
