Picking up almost exactly where their wedding on “X-Men Gold” started, the first issue of “Mr & Mrs X” delivers on highlighting the beginning of the married life of Rogue and Gambit. However, pacing issues hold the issue back from being exciting.
Written by Kelly ThompsonCover by Terry Dodson
Illustrated by Oscar Bazaldua
Colored by Frank D’Armata
Lettered by VC’s Joe SabinoLOVE & MARRIAGE PART 1! Straight from the pages of X-MEN GOLD…to the surprise of everyone, the Marvel Universe’s hottest couple has finally tied the knot! In their extraordinary lives, they’ve faced nearly every challenge imaginable, but how will they fare against former flames making trouble? An entire galaxy in jeopardy? You want it? We got it, as Kelly Thompson (HAWKEYE, ROGUE & GAMBIT) and Oscar Bazaldua (SPIDER-MAN, STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE) bring you the tantalizing tale of a modern marriage…X-MEN STYLE!
Kelly Thompson clearly has a strong connection with Rogue and Gambit. Having written the couple’s mini-series some months ago, her understanding of their often problematic relationship, their highs and lows, can be clearly felt across these pages. Equally clear is the respect for the source material that came before, with references that range from the recent past to the canonical history of the X-Men as a whole. However, the over-reliance on some of these aspects and a somewhat disjointed beginning mark “Mr & Mrs X” unfavorably on some degrees.
Before developing those shortcomings further, it would be unfair not to congratulate Bazaldua and D’Armata on illustration and colors. Bazaldua is required to focus on facial expressions, costume design and body language on a number of mutants for most of the first half of this issue. And, by doing so, the artist is allowed to show his ability to make them all distinct, from individual heights, specific facial traits and even more subtle nods conveyed by eye lines and postures. Later on the issue, where even more outlandish characters are introduced, Bazaldua does not fail to given them an equal share at being unique. This large cast is also supported by D’Armata: his work on skin tones, hair colors and even on how some dresses and suits are portrayed add to the feeling that this is truly an ensemble cast, rather than cookie-cutter background filler.
Bazaldua also flexes his muscles on the few moments allowed by the script to detail extraordinary situations and action pieces. Towards the end of “Mr & Mrs X,” when Rogue and Gambit are taken away from the former x-mansion grounds, there are situations that the artist can explore a wider canvas and have more of a breathing room to show his ability to draw the fantastic. At the same time, there are some dynamic shots where battles do break out that are truly exciting, well-framed, and powerful. If there is one complain on Bazaldua´s art, that might be on how he chooses to portray Rogue’s face. It is somewhat jarring to see her depicted with such a fragile look, when the character is usually shown with stronger traits. Perhaps this is intentional to later show Rogue more aligned to her usual self, but it is an element that might draw readers away from the narrative.
Back to Thompson’s pacing, script and plot. The biggest challenge that “Mr and Mrs X” #1 has to face is to juggle the need to show a proper wedding (and, thus, being an epilogue to recent issues of “X-Men Gold”) with actually propelling a new story forward, with a relevant cast of antagonists and a completely different scenario. The issues opens almost like the final chapter of a larger anthology book and, by the time it hits its own new, separate narrative, it is already close to the final pages. None of it is bad, but the pacing feels like reading the ending of one book, the beginning of another, and the middle of none.
Looking at its components individually, Thompson shines the most on character dialogues. Long-time X-Men fans will truly appreciate the banter and kind dialogues shared by multiple pair of characters. All of them are true to their roots, past experiences and shared history. “Mr and Mrs X” really reads like a celebration of Rogue and Gambit rich printed tapestry, while shipping them away to the new chapter of their lives.
Continued belowBesides the pacing issues – or perhaps influenced by it – the actual mission statement setup of this new series is where it comes up the shortest. Readers will be unclear if the series will focus on the particular setting shown towards the end of the book, or if this is just an isolated step or segment of a wider, freer space. The introduction of a specific character on the very final page might also generate some confusion for those not following other series published by Marvel, actually detracting from the focus that should be placed on Rogue and Gambit as a couple.
All in all, this first issue of “Mr & Mrs X” is a rare situation where the sum is less than its parts. The love for these characters, their detailed backstory and interactions, as well as the final moments leaning towards action and a broader scenario all work well when taken apart… but never actually gel together.
Final Verdict : 6.5 – An unfortunate first issue that does a lot right, but stumbles early on around pacing that plagues it throughout. There is a lot to enjoy on “Mr & Mrs X” #1, especially for long-time fans of the X-Men, and hopefully subsequent issues won´t suffer as much from the needed setup this particular offering had to deal with.
