NEW MUTANTS #16
Recap
When some of the kids go where they shouldn't, Josh is left behind in Otherworld. This results in Mirage and Karma having a little meeting with Jamie ‘Worst’ Braddock, before going off on a rescue mission. X-Factor give Rahne some answers about Tier, which in itself raises more questions. And Shadow King gets in on the synergy scene, which has a less than positive effect on some of the kids. And finally the rescue mission needs a rescue mission.
Review
CHARACTERS: Vita Ayala managed to intrigue me again this issue, even though not a lot actually happened. Keeping several plates spinning he kept the intrigue going even as I secretly begged for some of the lingering questions to be answered. And I really liked Warpath’s journal, it’s nice to see his inner thoughts. Though I’d like to have seen him go off on the mission with Dani and Shan. Given the pattern so far we have seen the first wave go off, then another group follow to help when they get into trouble, so it’s not impossible. Maybe there’s a chance Rahne will go after them instead. Unless she decides to go ‘lone wolf’ looking for Tier in tears….sorry. Note to self: what do X-Factor actually DO?? There was a fun moment at the surprise of No Girl in having an ‘in-body’ experience and someone having a field day with Cosmar’s power. Also I was interested to note the effect Farouk’s powers had on the kids during this synergy, that made me worry even more what he’s up to. Also Gabby was more guarded around him and she again raises some interesting points about the frivolous attitude towards death. And my sympathy toward Cosmar is now waning, based on her reaction to Scout leaving them. She needs to get over that attitude soon, if this were a game-show then hating on a popular character is a sure fire way to lose fans.
ART: If I was in any doubt about not having Rod do the usual magic on the covers Christian Ward allayed those fears. He managed to stir my interest even before reading the story and I loved the dark entity coming into play with the players fully in view in the murky mind. And as much as last issues art didn’t get me as absorbed as before, this issue had me back on board. With so many panels that just jumped out at me, most impressive being the horse ride with the landscape and the spirit visions of Dani in the sky and the clever change of color palette. This was key to the scenery changes throughout and we go from the bright hot energy in the Shadow King scene to the more sedate tranquil hypnotic colors in King Jamie’s court and finally those muted washed out backgrounds as the girls go on their journey. Again the synergy scene with the kids reacting to what Shadow King has done was well showcased and the chaos of who was doing what in who’s body was full of life, though a bit more clarity of who was where might have helped. Also Illyana letting loose on the bullies was satisfying, though I felt a little cheated, as if a scene was missed.
STORY: There seemed to be some holding back here as though we are missing out on deleted scenes, so a follow on would have been nice. But with all the other different places we went this issue Limbo may have been a stepping disc too far. But oh that expression alone was worth it. It was good to see Dani and Shan go off on a mission together and the trip itself was quite light-hearted, with a little insight into them both and Dani’s comedic grumbling. And though the two of them on horseback on a hopeless mission did give me a Don Quixote vibe, it seems odd to just have her go off with only one ally. Dramatically speaking it doesn’t give us that much to go on in term of dynamism. This is borne out by their short conversation while following the white rabbit. We do find out a little bit about how Dani’s power is changed in Otherworld and also how Karma feels less trepidation now she’s actually doing something. And the plot definitely thickens where the kids and Shadow King are concerned, I just wish it would get on with it. Also there is the sense that Rahne will be having more going on soon as her plight is becoming more central to the underlying plot and I’m hoping for her to go it alone rather than follow the predictable path of chasing Dani.
Final Thoughts
More plot building than actual events this issue and the suspense is killing me. But it’s bubbling along nicely, with three different angles playing out together.
New Mutants #16: Fate Worse Than Death
- Writing - 8/108/10
- Storyline - 7/107/10
- Art - 7/107/10
- Color - 8/108/10
- Cover Art - 8/108/10