Excalibur #17: Other Lives And Dimensions

Howard brings a delightful surprise starting off the issue with Pete Wisdom finding out about these mysterious mutants dressed as British Heroes. His confusion about the validity of non-British heroes running around prompts him to get to the bottom of it. 

We transition to another Earth where our Betsy has taken the body of that dimension’s Betsy and is talking to Angel. Howard delivers reminiscent feelings with Angel and Betsy in this scene. She is nearly taken by surprise to see the unconditional love from the people of Great Britain for their queen when Warren tells them she isn’t feeling very well as a distraction. With Betsy wanting to return back home to her family, the X-Men, Warren suggests an escort to bring her there safely.

With choosing to have Kwannon escort Betsy, Howard is able to beautifully craft together scenes for Betsy to learn of this world while also getting to learn more of this version of Kwannon. This discussion opens the door for Betsy to apologize to Kwannon. I see this exchange as a beginning step for Betsy to acknowledge that her and Kwannon can’t keep avoiding each other when she returns to Krakoa. 

Between the scenes of Betsy finding her way back home, we get the rest of Excalibur running into Wisdom while heading towards the Lighthouse. Wisdom giving off a tip of Coven Akkaba heading to the Lighthouse too. When reaching their destination Excalibur fights these intense wizards only to be interrupted by Betsy returning to them. 

I love the decision for Kwannon to have purple thought bubbles. Letterer Ariana Maher including that detail in is an incredible way to add more of a distinction between the two characters. I also appreciate the dash marks on the telepathic bubbles that shows how different they are than normal dialogue bubbles. 

Marcus To continues to do a phenomenal job with the art. Marcus To drawing the shocked expression of Wisdom’s face when greeted by the Krakoan child combined with the hilarious dialogue of Howard was one of my favorite moments of the issue. 

Erick Arciniega continues to deliver another great example of use with color in this fun issue. Arciniega adds a magnificent touch of coloring technique from Gambit and Rictor using their abilities to the vibrant portal that Betsy has to enter.