Chuck Austen explores the racism analogy of the X-Men from a new perspective -- that of the dead. The injustice the heroes fight in this issue is shocking and explores the notion of how public policy and morality are often diametrically opposed. Unfortunately, a heavy-handed script and awkward artwork mar the strength of the concept that serves as the foundation of the plot. Furthermore, while accessible to new readers, Austen fails to capitalize on recognition factors for a mainstream, non-comics-reading audience.
Jubilee and Husk visit the grave of their one-time Generation X teammate, Skin, AKA Angelo Torres. After he was killed by agents of the Church of Humanity, Angelo was buried next to his family, but the graveyard has a no-mutants-allowed policy. The graveyard administration has ordered that he be exhumed, and Husk faces off against the musclebound gravedigger who's been assigned the task. Meanwhile, Jubilee confronts a racist manager over the injustice, while the Angel visits a local hospital to test out the potential benefits of his new healing factor.
Steve Kim's artwork is far too light, given the emotional tone of the script. Austen is aiming for social relevance here, and Kim's linework -- though clear -- just doesn't capture the right atmosphere. The same can be said for Smith's ultra-bright colors. Furthermore, all of the characters appear to be implausibly young. The Angel looks like a teenage kid rather than the veteran hero who's providing guidance to Jubilee and Husk.
I'm pleased to see Marvel offer up a self-contained issue of one of its most popular mutant titles. Comics readers will find an accessible script, one that explains the new status quo for the Angel and the presence of some new, younger X-Men. I was a bit disappointed, though, that none of the more recognizable X-Men -- namely, those with big-screen counterparts -- were included. X2 viewers curious about X-Men comics won't find anything familiar in this issue to serve as their gateway into the world of the comic-book X-Men.
The notion of a person being exhumed for his genetic makeup is abhorrent, and it got me engaged in the story immediately. Unfortunately, my interest in the plot faded as Austen introduces elements that are about as subtle as a jackhammer to the head. The criss-crossing of the Skin and Angel plotlines is predictable, and the surprise mutant conflict in the graveyard really didn't anything to the story.
