After the first issue, it’s clear that Exceptional X-Men is a great teen mutant comic series. Leading the charge is Kitty Pryde, who can’t help but support kids like she was at that age. The teen drama continues in Exceptional X-Men #2, which teenagers and those who got bullied in high school will greatly relate to.
If it isn’t clear yet, this issue confirms that Kitty is the main character of this series. The second issue opens with Kitty working at the Lulu Tavern but gets off shortly for a date. Writer Eve L. Ewing uses Kitty as the backbone of the issue, focusing on her date and doubts about living a normal life. Her date may be fairly normal, but can she pull that off?
It seems she can’t, even when that date is at a soccer game. Trouble brews after mutant bigots give visibly different-looking mutants trouble in the stands. He’s trying to enjoy the game and support his friend, but bigots don’t let us have nice things. Soon, a squirmish ensues, and Kitty must intervene to protect everybody.
The black gutters add a nice depth to the page.
Credit: Marvel
Ewing and artist Carmen Carnero do an exceptional job with the fight in the soccer stands, subtly showing the powers of each mutant. They’re powerful, but those powers are deeply tied to their emotions. As teens, that’s harder than ever, and you’ll feel for them.
Kitty’s doubts and the new teen mutants trying to find their way come crashing together in an artful and emotional flashback later in the issue. The scene involves Storm and Kitty, and it reminds readers that younger people, especially those without a family and who are rejected, need a found family.
Character writing is exceptional throughout the issue. From Kitty’s slight attitude to the personality of each new character introduced, there’s a lot to love. Even Kitty’s date is well written, with great character acting that captures the slight annoyance of Kitty’s lack of attention, but also caring. Alex and Thao will also leave an impression, with Alex’s downtrodden emo vibe working well.
So, is the comic perfect? Like many serial stories, this issue feels like part of a whole, so it doesn’t pack a one-shot-level punch. The action is a little limited, and Emma’s continuing absence in the book makes it feel like part of a bigger story. These are minor quibbles, though, and it’s a great chapter.
Exceptional X-Men #2 is another home run issue, further showing that this teen-focused X-Men book has all the DNA of classic X-Men greatness.
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