Review – X-Men ’92 #2 (Marvel Comics)

Publisher: Marvel Comics
Story: Chris Sims, Chad Bowers
Artwork: Alti Firmansyah, Matt Milla
Release Date: April 13th, 2016

In Medias Res is Latin for in the middle of things; it also happens to be one of my favorite storytelling techniques since it puts you smack dab in the middle of the action. It can instantly create tension, inject energy to the story or provide a moment for the audience to react to whatever’s happening. Sure, the technique has been overused, but it’s still an effective way to cut through the boring details – details which, in this case, would be the first issue of “X-Men ’92.”

If we got rid of issue one and started with issue two, then maybe my reintroduction to the “X-Men ‘92” universe would’ve been much more enjoyable. This issue is something of a redo, giving us a better introduction to characters like the von Stucker twins Andrea and Andreas (not to be confused with the twins Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver) and Alpha Red – the latest addition to the X-Men rouges gallery. It also has a lot more action. Honestly, you could start with this issue and still have a firm grasp of what’s going on in the story.

Right off the bat, there’s action and tension as Bishop mutanthandles the mercenary Maverick, in an attempt to get information about the MERC’s mission. Wolverine steps in with a show of force and threatens to turn Bishop into a kabob if he doesn’t cease and desist. Psylocke further escalates the situation, positioning her psychic blade against Wolverine’s jugular in defense of her fellow X-Force member. In just seven panels, there already exists an intense interplay between the two factions of the X-Men and X-Force, which places Maverick slap-bang in the center of story – another plot point handled in issue one just not as successfully.

After Storm diffuses the Mexican standoff, she reprimands Bishop and Psylocke for their aggressive approach, and the scene goes from bad to worse as Chamber enters the school grounds – Alti Firmansyah’s art depicts this moment perfectly like something out of a classic horror movie – with Jubilee passed out in his arms, sporting vampire-like bite marks on her neck. Now we’re concerned for Jubilee’s well-being, while setting Wolverine down the warpath. Already, writers Chris Sims and Chad Bowers have more going in the first three pages than the entire last issue.

As mentioned previously, the von Strucker twins get a proper introduction. When Andrea and Andreas are first introduced in issue one, it reminded me of “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” where another von Strucker is completely mishandled. He could be removed from the entire film and it would have little to no impact on the overarching story. The same could be said for the twins in issue one. But this time around, their motivations are clearly conveyed while also introducing other players like Shaw, Fitzroy and Gamesmaster himself. The visit to the villains’ lair and secret meeting provides the why and creates an ominous tone, something the first issue was missing.

I have to point out; the villains have a chessboard with pieces modeled to the likeness of each of the X-Men. Firmansyah’s artwork here is the best depictions of the characters, and I can’t understand for the life of me why she doesn’t use those character designs. Her artwork has defiantly gotten tighter. And if it’s any consolation, we know she can do better.

This issue finally gives readers a sense of how dangerous Alpha Red really is. Though we never actually see him attack Chamber and Jubilee, there is a bit of a “Jaws” vibe since the reveal of the monster doesn’t happen until later in the story, adding to the mystery. Alpha Red has put The People’s Protectorate under his control with the exception of Omega Red. The two Reds battle it out with Alpha being the superior, and the depiction of Omega’s defeat is enough to suggest this is someone the X-Men don’t want to underestimate.

Issue two has a really good pace but takes a turn for crazy town with its ending. An iconic Universal horror monster is introduced, and it comes off very “Scooby Doo”-ish. I’m worried that the next issue will be something along the lines of Godzilla vs. (insert random monster here).

Although this issue is a marked improvement from the last outing, I’m sad to say the book’s ending presents a tone that is,sadly, a little too “Saturday Morning Cartoon” for my taste.

Rating: 3/5.

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