ICYMI! Marauders #6: Lead Through Pain

In this issue, Steve Orlando takes us on a walking tour of the souls of the Marauders, via the auspices of the recently resurrected (and long missed) Birdy. His narrative style was reminiscent of the techniques on display within the pivotal X-Factor #87 when each character spent some time visiting with a psychiatrist, but in many ways Orlando dug much deeper than Peter David ever dared.

Some of the themes explored were the dangers and benefits of coming out, the tensions between cultural perceptions of race and heritage and a person’s self image, parenthood, redemption, and loss, and the value of hard-won self knowledge. Every topic was handled with deft skill and appropriate emotional delicacy. This was the best writing that Orlando has brought to the series so far, and it laid a strong foundation for future issues to build upon, even as it tied in neatly with the current Marvel event.

Andrea Broccardo’s art was absolutely sublime. He transformed what could have been a boring talking-head premise into the highest form of expressive art. I’ve been a fan of his work as an artist for years, but I’ve never seen him plumb the emotional depths with quite this much virtuosity. His Psylocke panels in particular stole my breath and broke my heart. Broccardo is an artist to watch, and I’m so happy that he’s found his niche with this book. The fact that he was working with a colorist as skilled as Matt Milla really didn’t hurt, and Ariana Maher’s letters served as the twine that bound the beautiful package together.

This is a beautiful story, produced by a creative team that has found its stride. I cannot wait to see what happens next