Advance Review: Heroes Reborn - Magneto and the Mutant Force #1 One Shot

The alternative Marvel universe continues abound, this time around its the turn of the merry mutants. Without Captain America, the “heroes” have no soul or moral compass. Therefore, in this world things are bad for the mutants, just for a change.

During a civil uprising, confrontation between the Squadron and the mutants led to the Mutant Massacre and the death of Charles Xavier. Magneto withdraws to Island M until it becomes apparent that no X-Man stays dead for long and a psychic rescue is called for, lead to another confrontation. Who will reign supreme?

With no regular Avengers book during this run, this is the first time I have looked at a book that has its regular book still ongoing. In a way this makes the contrast more striking. Written by Steve Orlando, this books feels like a catch-up book in the worst way. The first five pages are practically setting the scene for a book that is equally setting the scene for the introduction of the mutants into the conflict. In doing so, there is an odd period of trying to add the nuance and characterisation that we have come to expect from the X-Men. The early action scenes work well, though it does get a a tad chaotic down the line. Ironically, I don’t feel that this alternative X-books adds anything all new or all different; we have seen Magneto holed up on an island or asteroid any number of times and of course there is the resurrection element that is a staple fo the X-mythos.

The art is supplied by Bernard Chang who was a sensation on the Wonder Woman book back in the New 52. Here his style has morphed in a couple of ways. The first few panels carry a John Romita JR. feel before morphing into a touch of Todd Nuack before settling into a standard pattern. The art does get a little crowed during the the final third of the book, which isn’t really helped with the dark ochre colors of David Curiel which kind of spoils the flow of the rest of scheme. Letters are supplied by VC’s Clayton Cowles who utilises a more standard font than you may expect from the X-font guru.

I am at a loss with this book. Is it for X-fans or is the book aimed at the fans of this event? How much attention are you going to give a book that has no impact on anything much at all, especially as you have the Hellfire Gala just around the corner.

Writing – 3 Stars

Art – 3 Stars

Colors – 3 Stars

Overall – 3 Stars

Written by; Steve Orlando
Art by; Bernard Chang
Colors by; David Curiel
Letters by; VC’s Clayton Cowles
Published by; Marvel Worldwide Inc.

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network