X-Men United #2 (Marvel Comics)

Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I'm going to be reviewing the 2nd issue of X-Men United from Marvel Comics!

Is the dream already over? After the brand new school was opened thanks to none other than Emma Frost, things were quickly put to the test. So just where do things go from here? Let’s jump into it!

Credit: Marvel Comics // X-Men United #2 by Eve L Ewing (Writer), Tiago Palma (Artist), Brian Reber (Color Artist), VC’s Joe Sabino (Letterer), Stefano Caselli & Federico Blee (Cover Artists)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The Story

The first issue of this series started off so incredibly well that it blew me away. You had a really intriguing set up, with a brilliant story and an wicked cliffhanger of an ending. It was the perfect blend that really got things started off on the right foot. So would they be able to keep the momentum going into the second issue? For me, no.

I’m not saying the issue is a bad one and that I’m writing the series off. However considering how good the first issue was, I was definitely surprised with how much this one felt like a step backwards. The cliffhanger from the last issue is resolved up with ease at the beginning of the issue. While I didn’t agree with the choice, I did understand certain aspects of it. We are dealing with Emma Frost, so once you read the issue it’ll make sense but I didn’t like how the shock value of the ending was tossed away to the side.

What I did enjoy about the issue was the part involving Captain America and the set up that was done for his portion of the story that’s going to continue in the next issue. In terms of the X-Men, it doesn’t make total sense but considering it is Captain America the story makes perfect sense. As for the wrinkle that’s introduced with the mission it makes for what’s sure to be an intriguing story moving forward in the next few issues. As for the team that’s involved with the mission, it’s a unique one and not exactly the one I would’ve picked. However it should make for some great storytelling.

The Artwork

Tiago Palma & Brian Reber are in charge of the artwork for this issue and they continue their fantastic work. The sense of familiarity is there and really helps new readers jump into the story with ease, and made this an absolute joy to read. I also loved how varied the settings were and really helped establish just what the inside of this new school looks like. It was definitely some of the most beautiful background art I’ve seen in some time.

FINAL POINT: A bit of a mis-step after what was a stellar start to the great series. It does however seem to be setting up some interesting stories, and should hopefully bounce back with issue 3. The artwork also continues to be absolutely stunning and some of the best you’ll see this week.

Overall Grade: 7/10