Is It Good? Wolverine and the X-Men #14 Review

Analyzing the superhero as a god is not a new story element. Watchmen and Kingdom Come can attest to that. So what is our fascination with the godlike powers of superheroes? That’s one of the most fascinating elements in Avengers vs. X-Men, although one could argue it’s not paving new ground by any means. One could say however, since five different characters are wielding the same godlike powers, there’s a study going on in how different personalities would react to such a power. And at what cost? Luckily, or maybe not so luckily, Marvel has a huge cast of characters and a multitude of tie-in issues to develop an answer. Wolverine and the X-Men #14 touches on the humanity of Colossus, but is it good?

Wolverine and the X-Men #14 (Marvel Comics)

This issue focuses on Kitty Pryde and her relationship with Colossus, or lack thereof. It appears Colossus, powered up with the Phoenix, thinks he can win over Kitty. He goes so far as to utter the words, “will you…” before she cuts him off. The fact that he does this in the middle of a parted sea must have made the dinner a smidge awkward. Unless of course Kitty loves her some Moses.

That’s one way to catch a fish.

Jason Aaron does a great job pacing this issue and sprinkling moments of humor in the least likely of places. Panels riff of each other nicely which help move the story forward and lighten the mood.

A Doop and Deathlock teamup book would be amazing.

The Phoenix Five are finally being cast in an unfavorable light. It was an obvious turn of events, but it’s still interesting to see how each character is taking the new powers. Magik appears to be loving her domineering rule, Colossus has thus far been seemingly in control, but this issue reveals maybe he doesn’t like the man he’s becoming.

Ah shucks.

Jorge Molina does an impeccable job with expressions in this issue. Though Colossus appears happy, the laughter and expressions are so loud he looks like a madman. Without the keen work on said expressions one might assume Colossus was simply boasting, but here he appears to be losing his grip on the appropriate emotional response to simple questions.

Either he’s a terrible actor or he’s losing his mind.

There isn’t a lot of action in this issue, but that’s okay since the pacing and panels do the entertaining parts wonderfully. When Colossus does lose his nerve it’s still exciting, even though there’s no punching going on. Methinks many artists and writers resort to punching to get excitement on the page, but this issue proves that’s not necessary.

How to ruin a date #85.

Jason Aaron has been hitting some great beats in this series the last few issues and this is yet another great chapter in the Kitty Pryde/Colossus relationship history. It’s also funny to note: Wolverine doesn’t make an appearance here. Instead it focuses in on one relationship and the lost humanity of Colossus. Good fun.

Colussus: ruining seafood since 2012.

Issues like this, that tell a nice one-and-done story but don’t necessarily bring anything new to the reader are great, but it may not make our 10 dollar budget in ComiX Weekly. Check back later to see if it can stand up against the rest.

Is It Good?

Yes indeedy.