Publisher: Marvel Comics
Story: Chris Sims, Chad Bowers
Artwork: Alti Firmansyah, Matt Milla
Release Date: March 30th, 2016

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I can’t encourage people enough to check out Chad Bowers and Chris Sims’ “X-Men ’92,” the tie in title to the “Secret War” storyline. In only four issues, Bowers and Sims managed to craft a story that not only captures the spirit of the hit animated series; they made it an event – think the “Phoenix Saga” episodes. Scott Koblish killed it with his artwork. But you can’t get talk about the X-Men series without mentioning the blue and yellow costumes, which Matt Milla nails with his color and texture choices. The series as a whole was absolutely perfect from beginning to end for any fan of the X-Men animated series.

So when Marvel announced that “X-Men ‘92” was coming back as an ongoing series with three-fourths of the creative team returning, it instantly became my most anticipated title of the year.

After reading the first issue though, I can’t help but feel disappointed. So what changed? Well let’s talk about the obvious difference, the artwork. Koblish’s art will surely be missed, but newcomer Alti Firmansyah’s anime style definitely works. It’s a happy medium between the original animated series and another cartoon series “X-Men Evolution.” That said, her giving Professor Xavier and Omega Red comedic-childish expression is a problem, and while her polished artwork is nice to look at, it does cheapens the action somewhat. The best example of this can be found in the opening splash page of the X-Men facing off with The People’s Protectorate, co-lead by Omega Red.

Artwork aside, the most frustrating thing in this issue is the story’s tone. Bowers and Sims’ first story played several key moments straight, which gave weight to more serious moments, like when Professor X discovers Cassandra Nova’s true identity. The story this time around has such a happy-go-lucky tone to it that it completely takes all of the urgency out of Maverick’s ominous “They’re coming for you!” warning to the X-Men.

Overall, the issue is just not interesting, which is real a shame since it’s also supposed to introduce a new villain to the X-Men rouges gallery. The horror-inspired ending is just enough for me to check out the next installment, but I honestly can’t recommend this series at this time, especially if this first issue is any indication of where this series is headed.

What I will recommend is the “X-Men ’92 Vol.0: Warzones” trade, which proves that Bower and Sims have what it takes to tell an incredible X-Men story. It’s also the main reason I’m hoping against hope that this first issue is just a hiccup on the road to an amazing series.

Rating: 2/5.

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PREVIEW ARTWORK
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The writer of this piece is: Laurence Almalvez
Laurence tweets from @IL1511

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