An interesting and unexpected mixture of members of the first roster and those that joined later in the first series, The New Mutants band together to investigate and put a stop to phenomena that the other X-groups typically tend to overlook. Perhaps for good reason…
REVIEW: The New Mutants: Dead Souls #1
Writer: Matthew Rosenberg
Artist: Adam Gorham
Cover Artist: Ryan Stegman & Michael Garland
Colorist: Michael Garland
Publisher: Marvel Comics
What You Need to Know:
As a formal roster, the New Mutants haven’t banded together since their third series launched in 2009 that spanned 50 issues. Since then, they have often joined splinter groups or made background appearances in numerous storylines. It’s important to note that The New Mutants: Dead Souls storyline, a mini-series consisting of six issues and occurs prior to the current timeline of events in the main Marvel universe. Somewhere after the conclusion of X-Factor, but prior to the events of X-Men blue. (Marvel timelines are always confusing.)
What You’ll Find Out:
Team leader Magik, (who would have ever thought that was a good idea?) supported by Boom Boom, Strong Guy, Rictor, and Wolfsbane have been tasked to investigate and help those in need after a devastating storm has struck, leaving a town in ruins. It isn’t long before trouble finds them.
After the first zombie launches an attack the group pauses for a moment to reflect on the current situation. One thing that they can all agree on is that they are not the X-Men. They are tired of running around, saving the world, and the sacrifice it requires. Not long after a group of townsfolk have banded together, confused themselves, have taken up arms in the misguided belief that the mutants are the cause of their supernatural misfortunes. Another battle breaks out with Boom Boom ending it quickly with a time bomb. The mob explains that their camp has been overrun by the undead with no real clue as to why. Magik senses something but isn’t quite able to put her finger on it. The undead mount another swarm and the New Mutants once more take up their mantle and cry out their truth. They are the New Mutants now and forever.
As the battle reaches a fever pitch and Rictor warns Illyana that he can only hold them back for so long and they need to evac, Magik finally understands the cause of it all. The one man who earlier locked himself in the building to escape the horde of undead is the catalyst. Magik intends to set it right. Magik is… well, Magic. She knows when spellcraft is at play. Realizing the zombie horde has been triggered by a curse, curses are only lifted when a trespass has been set right. With a precious ring restored to the witch, the zombies return to their graves, and Rictor, Strong Guy, Boom Boom, Wolfsbane, and Magik take their leave to deliver their report to their employer. Non-other than the first of Xavier’s New Mutant recruits herself, now head of the Hatchi corporations, Xi’an Coy Manh, better known as Karma.
What Just Happened?
The story itself has a lot of promise. The hallmark of the New Mutants since the first issue has been that when trouble comes they usually end up way over their heads yet somehow when their backs are against the wall, the pull out a win. Those wins, however, have come at a terrible price. Over the years the Junior X-Men have suffered as many casualties as their older counterparts. Though most now have returned to the living, many suffer tremendous psychological scars that leave them forever changed. To expect the same characters as you would read in say the New Mutants Summer Special when they trekked off to Asgard or when Cable entered the scene to train a bunch of rebellious teens to be hardened soldiers would be delusional. If you can get past that, let go of what once was, you will find tremendous enjoyment in the newest installment.
The series strength by far and wide leans heavily on two chief concentrations. The first being nostalgia. The second, some great moments of humor on the part of writer Matthew Rosenberg. Perhaps my favorite moments lie in the horrific scene after the team believes they have been abandoned by Magik, (which certainly isn’t the first time. For New Mutants vets, you know what I mean.) and the exchange between Rictor and Boom Boom, again relighting that spark that only those who have followed their stories for years can fully appreciate.
My only real disappointment would be the weak art on behalf of Adam Gorham. Certainly, New Mutants: Dead Souls is an intended play to bolster the upcoming horror-themed movie. (Let’s hope for no more delays.) But Gorham’s style is just a bit too unrefined for my tastes. Remember I am comparing years of artistic legacy where the trail was laid by Bob McLeod, Bill Sienkiewicz, Arthur Adams, Bret Blevins, and Rob Liefeld, all of which were propelled into fame by this very title. Though admittedly volume three was weaker with regard to the former first series, I still wish a more skilled artist was assigned the project.
(My omission of volume 2 of the New Mutants simply is that in my opinion, outside of the role of guides and mentors, the New Mutants senior members were training squads of new younger members with a series that only lasted about a year and had little to do with their history. That isn’t to say volume 2 didn’t have great stories and new characters. But it simply wasn’t and isn’t The New Mutants.)
What appeals to me the most is certainly the mix in a roster that spans both the original mutants, (Magik, and Wolfsbane,) with the post Inferno roster, (Boom Boom and Rictor.) Strong Guy being thrown in for good measure. Remember that Cannonball, Sunspot, Moonstar, and others are mostly otherwise engaged these days in other titles or events.
The best part of Dead Souls is that for the most part, this is the first time we have seen these five characters interact with one another on an extended level. The barbs between Magik and Boom Boom bring levity to a dark situation. Guido certainly brings his own loveable buffoon character which plays well against Rahne who certainly still has unresolved issues with him. (Read X-Factor.)
For the first issue, it certainly had a Walking Dead feel to it. Perhaps that was planned. The six-issue mini is singular encapsulated stories that center around Karma’s Hatchi corporation. One that seems to have a few secrets of her own which will no doubt be revealed in due time. My sole wish is that Karma actually joins the mission at some point and we get to see her really let loose and proves among the Frost’s, Grey’s, and numerous others, that she certainly is one of the strongest telepaths within the X-Men universe.
The highlight of the series, for me anyway, isn’t in the action scenes but as the conclusion draws near as writer Matthew Rosenberg gives a serious nod to the former members in the discussion between the current roster and Karma as the explains her motives which culminated to her selection process.
Rating: 8.3/10
Final Thought: This is actually the ragtag combo I have been wanting for years. As the admin for the New Mutants fan page, I watch fans wage endless debates over which era was better. The original troupe or post-Inferno. For me, I love the New Mutants and that means, I love them all.
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