Mr & Mrs X #3: In Space, No One Can See You Wear Pants

Kelly Thompson doesn’t let the grass grow under her feet that’s for sure and so much happens here that it almost gave me whiplash trying to keep tabs on the goings on in such a short space of time. But she skillfully avoids it becoming confusing, despite all of the information that needs processing, as we learn the facts in bitesize form along with Rogue and Gambit and also see events through the eyes of Xandra herself. Similarly Cerise also manages to fill us in on some of the gaps and adds some emotional depth, which helps us invest in Xandra as a person and not just a plot device and Kelly cleverly slides in some heartfelt backstory, as Cerise hears the news of Xandra’s new status quo and explains her recent mission to protect Xandra in a touching show of emotion.

This new turn of events is surely a big deal within the confines of the Xavier family and I hope more will be made of this connection at a later date. My first thought after wondering if she will meet her recently returned father was also to speculate what reaction her half-brother David will have? And also, how touching that her name is so very close to her aunt on her father’s side. That bodes well for family reunions. I also loved the way she looks into their minds, a power that proves she is definitely her father’s girl, to find her own heritage and assume the typical Shi’ar appearance and becomes the image of her mother.

Deadpool still wasn’t at all overbearing, as he can be in other titles (even his own) and he added to the levity as well as shared the dramatic spotlight and to top it off, he seems to be rubbing off on Gambit, who could almost be making fourth wall jokes here.

And he has at least stopped trying to drive a wedge between the couple and is instead seeing them as a unit, moving on to other things, even if it is only to complain about them both….

Several times…..


And any opportunity to see Cerise is a treat. The girl has been sorely missed for too long. And also Deathbird, who was typically aloof and regal. She was always the most amazing dark reflection to her sisters light, I like her style. it’s a shame there is no more Lil, those two were so diametrically opposed and they worked so well against each other.

It will be interesting to see how the political intrigue plays out between the current Majestor Kallark, Auntie Cal’syee and young Xandra. Which also begs the question just who decided to create a genetically engineered daughter in the first place? That question still is yet to be answered. Did Kallark perhaps do it so he could get off the throne and back to what he does best as Praetor of the Imperial Guard? It’s not too much of a stretch, as we have seen little of him in action since Lilandra’s death in War of Kings and his taking control of the Empire. And it’s possible Gladiator and Oracle have another game plan, as it appears he knows his consort had sent Cerise to the rescue…again.

With another beautiful cover by Terry and Rachel Dodson, we can already see we have a treat in store when it comes to the content. Whereas before I was quite taken by the art of Oscar Bazaldua, I am now beginning to focus more on the little slips that my eye is noticing. I think I am possibly becoming used to the style now and am seeing past the glamour and picking up the little mistakes. Like when Cerise wipes a tear from her eye, the hand looks slightly ill-proportioned and the perspective is off. It isn’t a major thing, but once you see it you can’t unsee it and other little details start to show. However, it’s a minor niggle in comparison to the imagery of Kitty’s reaction which is spectacular.

As is the sight of Wade and Remy’s pratfall trying to capture Xandra, chasing the poor wee naked girl round a spaceship, not knowing where to look and being quite clearly uncomfortable about the whole thing. Two so-called skilled fighters made to look amateurish by a girl. It really is quite hilarious and lightens the mood skillfully, with the pair fulfilling a slapstick routine worthy of Abbott & Costello. A priceless scene that was only superseded by the fight scene with Gambit and Deadpool against the rebel Shi’ar soldiers. On two splash pages and four panels we get a widescreen action movie scene, again showing they can work well together, this time not just in a comedic sense but full on action.

And speaking of great collaborations Frank D’Armata is doing a wonderful job coloring Oscar’s set pieces, especially in the realization of the explosive powers of both Gambit and Xandra. The only change in artistic talent was the return of Joe Sabino, the letterer in the first issue who has now again replaced Travis Lanham from last issue. And he makes his presence known not only with the general sound effects and the fight scene splash pages with Deadpool and Gambit but also in spectacular style here, with the arrival of Deathbird and also on her departure.

And just as there is little to complain about when Gambit disposes of Deathbird, Rogue too is not to be outdone and also makes short work of the Merc with a Mouth. Only time will tell if the couple can carry the series without his support. I strongly suspect they will manage. And the same has to be said of the creative team here. They are also going from strength to strength.

COMING NEXT: LOVE & MARRIAGE Part 4 of 5: Undercover in the Shi’ar Empire! Rogue and Gambit must infiltrate the Shi’ar homeworld in order to save a precious package. But how are they going to wine and dine the Empire’s elite when its soldiers are hot on their trail?
Mr & Mrs X #4 On Sale 17th October 2018!