This week Ed Brisson and Flaviono take over New Mutants giving Jonathan Hickman, Rod Reis, and the majority of the New Mutants we’ve been following a break. In their stead is Armor and Glob who go on a new kind of mission. One might assume all mutants are on Krakoa, but in fact, some choose not to go. That befuddles Armor in the opening pages and sets in motion a check-in of sorts to figure out why.
Right off the bat, it’s nice to be back in Krakoa after the first two issues took place primarily in space. Glob and Armor are enjoying the sights and parties on the new nation, but Armor wants to make sure everyone not there is enjoying it too. This sets in motion her desire to find two key mutants and either bring them back or accept their choice to not live on Krakoa. As we learn in the preview it’s Beak and Angel Salvadore. Brisson does a great job writing Armor and Glob both of whom are endearing and peaceful characters. Their goal is admirable even if it’s a bit naive. As readers, we’ve been sold Krakoa is the best ever, but this story seems to suggest maybe it’s not for everyone. We see a hint of gloom or doom on the way too via Sage.
Brisson and Flaviono do a good job mixing in a lot of character wrinkles, development and acting. It’s a joy to read if you’re into character writing, especially those featured here. Things kick into a higher more dangerous gear later on — but this is a superhero comic after all, what did you expect? When it does it effectively feels painful to watch thanks to all the humanizing and honest character moments that lead to it. This is certainly the strongest book that feels like Brisson’s work in some time too so rejoice if you’re a fan of his.
This is a brighter and more hopeful book reminiscent of 90s comics thanks to Carlos Lopez’s colors and Flaviano’s ever so slightly more cartoony look in the characters. I got some Michael Avon Oeming vibes at times with the art.
This is certainly going to rub folks the wrong way after Rod Reis and the previous issues set in motion a space opera style story. It’s jarring how the story shifts so dramatically so much so it feels like an entirely different title. It still has its heart in the right place with good character work, but I was left a bit confused by this turn.
This is a good issue even if it’s a complete left turn from the first two issues. Brisson and Flaviono do well to capture the heart and soul of the characters on display rendering this as a great character-driven story.
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