New Mutants #8: Rumble In The Jungle

The opening blurb says it all. They really COULD use a win. Though I enjoyed the Nebraska incident and the switch back and forth, not to mention to some degree the recap fourth wall breaking, it clearly was NOT for everybody. So how do you combat that? You include one hot tamale. Amara and her father reuniting was a wonderful sight as was the return to Nova Roma and of course the parallel with the issue number matching that of her very first appearance was a nice nod. Armor however did not win me over with her questioning security and the need to keep the new arrival in closed quarters. But the team dynamic was fun to see with the girls all melding well together and she even redeems herself as she pitches in with the battle and gives as good as she gets.
The fact this is a mingled team with some of the younger kids mixing with the older crew does have some interesting potential for the passing of the torch and team drama. Speaking of contrary behavior, as Shaw gets all up in the crime lords grill about putting a gun to a mutants head I had to wonder with some incredulity. Really? Despite the hypocrisy I did have to admire his neat bloodless way of dealing with the threat of the Bohem Cartel, while also forming a bond with another outside element. Thus giving an example to the criminal world the same lesson Magneto and co gave to the political and business elite recently. Don’t mess with Krakoa or you will be broken. A lesson he may do well to learn himself.
In my own head I’m treating the New X-Men and ‘space’ New Mutants as two different books. Just for my own mental well being of course. The art here was vastly different from the previous Flaviano arc but fitting for the setting, the continuity made smoother by the continuation of Carlos as colorist, which also suited the bold scenery and explosive action. There is a lot to be said for Amara and her more grown up edge, something more intriguing than I’ve seen in the recent past (I’m looking at you X-Men Gold). Of course her new hairstyle may have also had a part to play in that and I think it’s a more welcome change than when Kitty tried it. Also her in closeup somehow reminds me of Adam Kubert.
And she led the team perfectly, so much so the appreciation was felt even by Tabitha. I hate to use the term filler for this story as it did have something more to offer, with the team dynamic and especially the return of Magma. Even if she wasn’t as full on fiery within the story as on the cover. That cover focus was all I needed really and Rod Reis gave her the traditional power signature and appearance that we all know and love. When I manage to get over the fact some of these aren’t THE New Mutants I do manage to enjoy these arcs. Having Amara and Boom Boom along for the ride did help a lot in that regard. But all told I can’t wait for them all to mix it up a little more.