X-Men 97 Season 2 #2: A Rushed Package

This comic is very odd chronologically. Issue 2 takes place between scenes of the second episode of X-Men 97 season 2. During the recap, the comic highlights the conversation between Cable, Sunspot, and Jubilee at the diner, where the time-traveling mutant recruits the two X-Men to join X-Force. Therefore, the second issue of the prequel comic for the entire show is supposed to be read after the second episode of X-Men 97 but before the third and fourth. 

Steve Foxe’s character work is incredibly solid. Foxe really leans into the differences in morals between the members of X-Force. Jubilee is portrayed as kind and forgiving while Psylocke is portrayed as cold and ruthless. Cable develops more into a leader, underscoring his arc in the show. Each character is given a moment in this comic to highlight their unique attributes. Foxe really understands what makes these characters compelling, and they use those traits to the comic’s advantage.

The plot in this comic is very straightforward. It gives greater context to the world of X-Men 97. This issue follows the perspective of Cable as he investigates the rise of Apocalypse. The comic offers insight into Cable’s backstory. Yet, this insight isn’t really that interesting: it’s framed as a big moment in the comic, but the delivery of it comes off almost as laughable. The comic’s big, serious moment comes off as almost laughable. 

The art in this comic is a noticeable downgrade from the previous quality. While the artwork does not look bad by any means, it looks rushed. Salva Espín is clearly a talented artist; certain panels use leading lines and the rule of threes to draw the eye’s attention. Matt Milla is a phenomenal colorist, with phenomenal work on Thor and X-Men. However, the linework is a little less defined than Espín’s usual art; the colors are a little less defined than Milla’s usual colors. Not every little detail is highlighted. The art doesn’t detract from the story, but it doesn’t add to the story either. The art is simply a venue to move the plot forward.