MARAUDERS #8
Recap
As the truth about Kate’s absence is discovered we watch the news sink in to those closest to her. First Iceman shows those responsible what he is REALLY made of, and then Storm confronts Emma in a sparring match where harsh words and recriminations turn to blows, before finally coming to an understanding. And even as Shaw welcomes double trouble in the form of the Strucker twins again the closing scene falls to Lockheed, who makes us catch our breath in a similar reaction to that of those caring for him.
Review
This issue played me like a harp both visually and in the perfectly pitched scripting. Right from the opening Gerry Duggan slowly eased us into the revelation of what happened to Kate and it seems our worst fears are realised. What begins as the opening bars to the Anthem of the Brave New World for the next generation of mutants soon turns into the death knell for one of the very children who grew up doing all she could to see this world come to pass. At first I thought I needed at least a shocked expression from Emma or Bishop as she gleans the truth from his mind. Comics are a visual medium after all is said and done and I needed a clear pictorial emotional cue. But even he had his back to us so we couldn’t see how he was affected by what he saw, and his words gave little clue as to his feelings. No change there for him. But it is in this very denial of our feelings that the story takes us by the hand and guides us to where we need to be. It isn’t until we are privy to the visceral and angry feelings of her ex Bobby, so changed from his earlier happy self, that we finally get a sense of the magnitude of events and so for me the truly gut wrenching reaction is from him. The carefree joker facade cracks and we see how angry he can be. And we get a glimpse of the power he holds back in the most shocking way that is so unlike him, shocking even a hardened warrior as Bishop.
Final Thoughts
The way we are finally let into the truth is actually tragically perfect, just as it’s perfectly tragic. Which is how death often hits. It isn’t always immediate but sometimes creeps up on you and surprises you, right when you think you have a handle on it. As such the writing and art skilfully match each other to handle the tricky and often covered subject of death, one that has in the past been a revolving door in the world of the superhero.
Marauders #8: Cold as Ice, Man!
- Writing - 9.5/109.5/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10