There’s a lot to cover on Wednesdays. We should know, as collectively, we read an insane amount of comics. Even with a large review staff, it’s hard to get to everything. With that in mind, we’re back with Wrapping Wednesday, where we look at some of the books we missed in what was another great week of comics.
Let’s get this party started.
Realm of X #2
Written by Toruńn Gronbekk
Illustrated by Diogenes Neves
Colored by Rain Beredo
Lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles
Reviewed by Alexander Jones
Marvel’s new “Realm of X” series pushes a secondary team of Mutants into Vanaheim! The debut issue of “Realm of X ” almost functioned as an extension of the most recent Hellfire Gala. Author Toruńn Gronbekk utilized the unique team of Magik, Dust, Curse, Mirage, Marrow and Typhoid Mary to craft an enthralling team dynamic. In addition, artist Diogenes Neves lent a beautiful, expressive line to portray the nuanced emotion from the cast across this series. Will this ragtag team of Mutants be able to escape Vanaheim and unite with the Underground X-Men?
The opening for “Realm of X” introduced the status quo with yet another look at The Hellfire Gala. Getting to see this plot point analyzed from Curse’s perspective lent unique characterization to the issue. Curse has already developed a harrowing relationship with Saturnyne that Gronbekk explores through fascinating dialogue choices. Magik and Dust appear to have a strong relationship that advances over the course of this script nicely. Magik’s search for Curse is a really compelling plot point that leads Illyana Rasputin to some interesting locations. Typhoid Mary’s twisted call to romance tests her allegiances to Kingpin in an interesting way. The dark moments with Saturnyne in her own element evokes a beautiful, sinister nature of “Realm of X.” The final moment with Magik in “Realm of X” #2 plays up the intrigue of her diminished powers nicely.
Neves lends a wonderfully expressive line to “Realm of X.” The curvy line extended to Typhoid Mary’s hair gives her lots of expression for her bleak storyline. Neves also extends a sinister element to the facial expressions for Saturnyne beautifully across this chapter. Neves really pushes subversive layouts in the interior art. A fight sequence with Marrow and Mirage late in the issue features rectangular-shaped panels with triangle edges. Neves also utilizes thrilling panel borders in the elements with Typhoid Mary. Early in the issue, the negative space used for Curse colors her bleak scenario with so much intrigue.
Final Verdict: 8.0 – “Realm of X” #2 is a character-focused follow-up exploring the true intentions of Saturnyne.
The Schlub #2
Written by Ryan Stegman & Kenny Porter
Illustrated by Tyrell Cannon
Colored by Mike Spicer
Lettered by John J. Hill
Reviewed by Alexander Manzo
The follow-up issue for this new series does a great job of setting the timer for the body swap to be completed and providing some comedic moments for both characters to see the problems in their new bodies. Cirrus struggles to get to his secret hideout in Roger’s out-of-shape body. Even getting up a regular flight of stairs and struggling to get normal hours of sleep presents new problems for this superhero. This extra layer in the body swap formula adds a fun layer of comedy that Ryan Stegman and Kenny Porter use to their full advantage. It’s expected for Roger to struggle to navigate the powers of an alien body. Still, for Cirrus to discover the power of caffeine with coffee, it keeps the story exciting and lively. Stegman and Porter don’t just use humor and action for this series. While Roger is looking for revenge on his brother for taking over the family dental practice, he listens to a conversation between his ex-wife and sibling about how they care about him and wants him to get his life together. From his perspective, everything about the family dynamic has been told to the reader. Hence, it’s possible it was through a jaded lens, and Roger’s ability to still give his family a chance at making it right leaves the door open for him to figure out how to be happy when he’s back in his body.
The artwork by Tyrell Cannon and the colors by Mike Spicer have created this obviously funny, almost satirical superhero story but with many dynamic elements that keep the reader hooked. In the beginning, when Roger is trying to get his laser eyes and super-hearing to work, it becomes a genuine moment to see the struggles of figuring it all out, but it also gives a sense of levity. Then, on the opposite side of that spectrum, when Roger is fighting Smorgasbord and trying to stop his blimp while simultaneously destroying the city, we get a ton of destruction and onomatopoeia to keep it fun. Spicer’s choices to emphasize the destruction with pops of yellow and orange help distinguish the busy panels. The heavy inks and pencils from the illustrative team also give it an old-school feel that older readers can appreciate.
Final Verdict: 8.0 – The story grows with the realistic problems of an alien and human switching bodies while maintaining the vital element of humor.
