AGE of X-MAN: X-TREMISTS #3: To Love or Not To Love

AGE of X-MAN: X-TREMISTS #3 evolves over Fred dealing with his forbidden feelings for Betsy. They share some strong eye googling glances while working on Department X cases. In this reality, all affections of love and related emotions to another are against the law. The mere fact that limerence is perpetuated as long as the couple are prevented from being together, explains why the opposition to the feeling of attraction often ignites the forbidden emotions. This seems to be a story surrounding the Blob and Psylocke’s decision to disturb this reality, as each minute they are faced with to love or not to love.

I don’t really quite understand Leah Williams angle in Age of X-Man: X-Tremists, especially this third issue. At first, the plot seems to be absolutely obscured, then again, there are two things speaking to me as I contemplate this issue. The story could be surrounded a simplicity of behaviors that many humans consistently go through. We desire what we cannot have. Then again, Williams ideas may be much deeper than the obvious.

Why did Williams choose these characters? Who is the chosen audience? Northstar and Ice Man attracted the gay male comic book fans. However, forbidden love is nothing new to this audience and this storyline may leave a sour taste for many. So, is Williams actually flipping reality for the purpose of providing some sort of insight to those who love is not really forbidden and often take it for granted? No matter the perception of the plot, Williams storyline is increasingly disturbing.

A new violator is brought in for mind wipe; Moneta furiously steps in and accuses Betsy, Psyloke, working with the Resistance. Moneta guides the fellow Department X members to a group of teenagers and through acts of manipulations, resulting in an unnecessary fight between the two groups. The Blob, Fred, stands up to Moneta and removes her from Department X. What repercussions will this have for the team? Will it push Fred and Betsy’s feeling further away?

Some readers may find this storyline frustrating, but it is appropriately realistic. Department X is to “police” the unacceptance of others. Moneta’s extremely conservative views are perfectly timed as her hateful words reflect the opinions of much of our country.