Marauders #4: Speak Krakoan and Enter

ART: This is the third changeover in such a short run, which is usually an annoyance, but in this case it actually helps in the change of dramatic focus. The previous issue was more of a soap opera between the father and son duo of Shinobi and Sebastian and suited it well. However here there needed to be more kinetic energy and action, especially during the confrontation between Storm and the Brazilian soldiers, very apt given the current regime. And the coloring of Federico Blee is always an eye opener and he manages to make the mood almost visible in the transition between them, giving a talking heads panel as much drama as the text.
Though I do feel a little short-changed being as it seemed she was the focus this issue, especially thanks to the stunning cover by Russell Dauterman & Matthew Wilson. But the action was sweet as it was short, switching too soon to Bishop and Kate and the Storm/Paragon face off was at least satisfying in so many ways, as limited as it was. Not only was it a long time coming to see her in action but as always I relish any opportunity of watching her make a blustering pompous man look completely insignificant, which Lucas Werneck does to perfection. And the mood setting here is the least of it. Bishop and Kate also manage to get in a few resolute facial expressions of their own. From their conversation about Order of X to the public face off with Chen Zhao (I wonder if Kate’s got a secondary mutation of attracting heated discussions at podiums) there are several scenes where their expressions are key to the mood.
WRITING: Right from the outset there are hints of planning the story to follow, as there is a question raised as to who is piloting the third Marauder ship, which to me can only mean Christian Frost. And the fact Kate still can’t read Krakoan or enter the gates is low key bothering me more and more now. We know Gerry Duggan is still trying to downplay it in every comment within the story, but it keeps being mentioned so it is decidedly important. The more it gets pushed to the background the more it makes me clamour to know the truth. But now we also know Iceman not only reads but speaks Krakoan. It is clear we knew it as a written language but as far as I’ve seen I don’t recall it being known as spoken? But now there is no question, which is a great revelation for fans who have been asking. Mutants can speak krakoan….

So at least that’s one question answered. After last issue with the Shaw revelation it is past time the Red Bishop role also be dealt with and the constant will he won’t he of Bishop accepting the post is getting a little old. And if he now says no for real any second choice she has lined up in the wings may seem anti climatic in comparison, so Beast persuading him via text of the positives may resolve that soon. At least I hope so. In contrast the return of Kade Kilgore and his now Homines Verendi, which could stir things up for the residents of Krakoa. Especially given the past links between Krakoa and these child sociopaths, who clearly have a grudge to settle on that score. Though this group is always a risky choice in terms of credibility and threat level.
CHARACTERS: Another blast from the recent past is the mention of Jumbo Carnation. This was interesting to say the least, as it gives the outside world a clue as to the possibility of widespread resurrection. And though I love Kate’s pirate coat I’m intrigued to see what he has in mind for her. With several other Morrison creations like Kid Omega and Angel Salvadore being utilised over in X-Force and New Mutants it’s nice to see even some of the short lived ones making a comeback. And I liked the use of Deathstrike tech in the guards at the Zhao residence, also used in the assassination of Xavier. Clearly humanity is not taking the mutant colony thing lying down. On top of the confrontation with Paragon in Brazil the Marauders are really being put in the front line when it comes to facing the opposition and raises the question how far do you go to beat the opposition. I also appreciate the trend Kate is following of phasing things into people. It’s kind of brutal and gives her power a more offensive nature.Bishop being used as an investigator is also working well for me, as it brings him back to his roots and finally sweeps that vigilante and attempted child murderer thing under the carpet and in the past where it belongs. Though I’m less convinced with Pyro as the comic relief. His attitude last issue was over the top and I hope there’s a reason for it and it’s addressed as being something to do with his respawning. But conversely I am still loving Team Pyheed. The more I see them together the more I think Kate needs to keep a jealous eye on them.