X-MEN UNLIMITED #38
"Yartzeit"
Recommended (8/10)
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Marvel Comics
Writer: Greg Rucka
Artist: Darick Robertson
Colors: J.D. Smith
Letters: Randy Gentile
Editor: C.B. Cebulski
Price: $2.25 US/$3.75 CAN |
Perhaps better than any other super-hero property, the X-Men represents the genre cliche of the death of a prominent character and a subsequent resurrection. It's happened so often, especially in Marvel's X titles, that it's refreshing to see a writer like Greg Rucka go in the completely different direction. He plays on that resurrection notion to tell a touching story that's quite down to earth.
On the anniversary of Colossus's death, Kitty Pryde, his one-time girlfriend, reflects on the loss, in part as her Jewish heritage calls for. But on that day, Kitty sees something that makes turns her world upside down. She sees her dead friend on the street in Chicago, dressed as a police officer. Has Piotr come back to her, as so many of the X-Men have before? Or is it some kind of trick, either on the part of an old enemy, or even her own mind and heart?
Robertson's best known for his art on over-the-top comics like Transmeotrpolitan, Fury and Spider-Man: Sweet Charity, but here, we get to see a different side to his work. There's a softer, more serene tone to the visuals, and as called for by the script, there's a far more grounded tone. He captures Kitty's youth and maturity nicely. He continues to bring a sharp, extensive level of detail to his artwork, but he also demonstrates a strong versatility as well.
I have to admit, my knowledge of the Jewish faith is limited, and Rucka's explanation of Jewish mourning traditions was enlightening. It's a treat to see comic-book characters exploring their faith, and even better to see a real-world religion come into play, as opposed to alien gods and faux Zen ninja spirituality. It also contributes to the overall genuine and human tone of the story. Rucka's script is strong; Kitty's narrative voice sounds like a real person's.
Rucka sets the super-heroics aside, along with the overused conventions of the genre. When we see Kitty and Kurt together, we don't see two warriors preparing for conflict. Instead, we see and hear two friends gabbing and sharing thoughts and feelings over some Chinese food. We see not mutants or heroes, but just people.
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