The creative team behind CrossGen Comics' Route 666 reunites for the second story arc on Rogue, and while there are some interesting ideas and a strong opening scene, some awkward plotting and cornball dialogue ultimately mar that potential. The most interesting thing about this story is that it's not really a Rogue story at all, but one that explores one of the lesser known mutant heroes of the Marvel Universe. Like the script, Moline's art starts off on a strong note as well, but the use of two inkers shines through. The art looks more and more rushed as the issue progresses, and a dark mature tone is replaced by an exaggerated, cartoony look that works against the story, not with it.
Someone as revealed to the Japanese media that Sunfire, the mutant protector of the land of the rising sun, has familial ties to the Yakuza, the Japanese mob, and the mutant villain known as the Silver Samurai. Sunfire is unable to discover who's responsible for this assault on his character, and the public-relations nightmare is devastating his life. Meanwhile, the story goes international, and Rogue catches some of the coverage. In the TV report, she glimpses an old photo of Sunfire with herself and Mystique... a meeting Rogue doesn't remember happening. She contacts Sunfire looking for answers, and offering her help.
Moline's art in the opening scene captures the same sort of darkness and humanity that made Route 666 such a treat, but after that opening scene, that strength begins to fade. The shadow-infused scenes featuring Sunfire and the Silver Samurai fail to capture the tension and intensity they're meant to, as the characters come off looking a little cartoony and even silly. Furthermore, Moline's over-the-top portrayal of the villain in the issue's climactic fight scene robs her of some of the menacing quality that's integral to her character.
The opening scene in this issue demonstrates the strong potential in Rogue's powers as a means to drift in and out of people's lives and the secrets from their past. Bedard ends up going in a different direction for this story arc, but that scene was wonderfully dramatic, a strong hook. Furthermore, I liked the idea that Bedard was taking the opportunity to tell a Sunfire story here, with Rogue as a peripheral element. Bedard also offers up a rather accessible script here, summing up Sunfire's deal and an aspect of the title character's past succinctly.
Bedard's attempt to capture a southern tone for Rogue falls flat; there's not a genuine tone to her dialogue at all. Furthermore, the heroine's solution to her problems in the explosive climax of the issue is far too convenient, and the way she discovers it strains the plot's credibility too far. Also disappointing is the fact that Bedard doesn't really give a reason as to why Rogue is flying solo here. She lives with a whole family of mutant heroes and friends, so why she disregards those resources needs to be addressed. 4/10
