This latest issue of the adjectiveless X-Men proves to us that this team of female X-characters weren't just done to sell books but rather to show that these are strong, empowered women who all have something to show and nothing to prove. Quite contradictory but you'll get it once you do a thorough reading of this issue which is available now at Castle Geek and Comicx Hub.
In this issue, Omega Sentinel is brought back to life by John Sublime's sister (yes, more Grant Morrison days confusion) who wreaks havoc inside Beast's laboratory. The X-Men led by Storm tries to gain access into the lab but so far only Kitty Pryde and Rogue manage to reach it as the security measures for the school have been compromised. Omega Sentinel gets beaten but manages to escape, the X-Men give chase with Sublime and Jubilee and her son along for the ride. Back at the school, things are about to go boom.
Now on it's second issue, Wood's X-Men still delivers a good mix of drama, adventure, action and oodles of character development. There's still a knockout brawl here between the woman formerly known as Karima Shapandar against her compatriots Rogue and Shadowcat, With Beast throwing in his weight in a couple of panels. Coipel still shows us why he's the perfect artist for this book. The colors were a match, the pacing were matched. If anything, I can only say that I had a problem with the lack of dynamism here in the art, which is really, really minor.
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On Wood's writing: lots of great moments but to me the most touching, and most powerful scene doesn't have anything to do with the fight with Omega Sentinel. Rather it's that quiet moment in the plane where Jubilee gets to hear the words "my/your son" for the first time. Sure we still haven't warmed up to the idea of a former mutant turned vampire suddenly becoming a mother but you have to see how poignant it is especially if you're familiar with Jubes' backstory and how she was an orphan. So now with the baby firmly (i hope that's the right word to use), it's going to be an interesting scenario for Jubilee.
Closing Remarks: X-Men might have started with a huge bang but it's slowly careening away from the right track. Just a tad skewed that's all. Nothing to worry too much about. It's still interesting. Plus that ending sure packs a huge blast. Nice cliffhanger, cool art. Must pick up.
Verdict: 9/10
Special thanks to Castle Geek (visit their branches in The Collective and Glorietta and one coming soon in V-Mall, Greenhills). If you want to order X-Men # 2 online, go check out this link HERE
