New Mutants #1 - "Return of the Legion, Part 1: We Were Many, Once"
(Writer: Zeb Wells, Pencils: Diogenes Neves, Inks:
Cam Smith with Ed Tadeo, Colors: John Rauch)
When Magik reappears with a warning that Dani and Shan are in danger, most of the remaining available original New Mutants get together to investigate.
I've always had a soft spot for the New Mutants. Even though I have huge gaps in my collection, I just like the characters a lot, often more than the main X-Men. So a reunion book's up my alley. And unlike the last attempt at a relaunch, this really is the New Mutants book, and they're not just playing teacher to the newer X-Men (though they do briefly appear).
Wells does fairly well on the writing, both smoothly integrating aspects of other X-Men continuity and even a few stray references to old-school characters that should be appreciated. Mostly, the interaction between characters feels, to me, close to the characters (although it's been a while since I've read them all together), although Magik seems a little disconnected from her recent appearances and closer to her classic pre-Inferno self, there is a possible explanation for that, and really, it's probably for the best.
The art's generally good, although sometimes Illyana and Magik look rather alike.
I kind of went into the book with a little bit of trepidation, but I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it.
Review: 3.25 stars
The Runaways must deal with plastic surgery zombies and track the
magical affect to its source and undo it.
So ends Moore's last issue on the title, and it doesn't even really
feel like a conclusion. Yes, the major plot of the arc is wrapped
up, but it feels like just another arc rather than anything of
importance.
Mostly, it's unsatisfying. The villain failed to elevate to
anything above a spoiled Howard Stern knockoff wanting to cause
chaos, and he isn't even dealt with in an interesting manner.
It's as though Moore took a throwaway threat that the Runaways
would deal with at the start or middle of an issue, and stretched
it out over the whole arc. A few hints towards changes with Nico's
magic might be beneficial in the long run (preventing just anybody
from using it), but lack impact as presented.
The issue gets a little bit of a boost from the ending, sweet and
understated, but there are too many moments that fall flat (Chase
calling Victor "Super-Fart"?) or that otherwise make the issue not
feel like Runaways (Old Lace did nothing this entire arc except
appear in background shots, and that not even in this issue).
Moore was an interesting choice and he did have some good character
moments, but I think his lack of superhero experience might have
hurt him. It's time for a change and it's probably for the best
that it's happening now.
Review: 3 stars
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See you next time...
Peter Dimitriadis
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Runaways #9 - "Rock Zombies, Conclusion" (Writer: Terry Moore,
Penciler: Takeshi Miyazawa, Inkers: Takeshi Miyazawa
& Roland Paris, Colorist: Christina Strain)
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