With the arrival of Marvel Now! 2.0 The X-Men have returned to the House of Ideas. Their ranks are being supplemented slowly but systematically. In the third volume, we have the opportunity to see more returns.
New team
Alex “Havok” Summers is the brother of Scott’s famous mutant known as Cyclops. After he was genetically modified, he became angry and went against his old friends. Now he has managed to return to his “true self”, but still not everyone wants to trust him. Kitty Pryde has excluded him from the X-Men roster, and the Avengers are looking at him suspiciously. His activities are being followed by the National Security Agency, and he has Reavers on his neck. The hero decides to create his own team that will help him regain his good name and fight the enemy. To this end, he visits old friends – Beast, Colossus and Dazzler. Unexpectedly, he is also supported by Warpath and the Banshee, found after many years.
How not to get lost?
Until You Breath by Matthew Rosenberg is the third volume in the Astonishing X-Men series . Its main task is to introduce the next homo superiorto Marvel Now! 2.0. The author, who had not worked on the previous two parts, put Alex Summers in the spotlight. And here the problem immediately arises – the protagonist is thrown into the whirlwind of events without any preparation or introduction. Only the Polish publisher, Egmont, attempted to include a short note on Havok’s past at the beginning of the issue. However, this is also a bit too little and readers who are just getting to know this character may feel a bit confused. After all, this is a continuation of the series, so it would seem that the continuity will be maintained, while the plot not only goes on a different track, but runs on completely different rails. There is no mention here of Xavier, Psylocke or the other mutants presented in numbers one and two. Kitty Pryde and Warpath also appear unexpectedly. It is only with Hank McCoy that the writer slows down a bit and begins to explain what was happening to him all the time. It is similar with Colossus and Dazzler. Maybe not much time has been devoted to them, but enough time to make the recipient feel better in the story.
As for the plot itself, it must be admitted that it is quite good. We have some dilemmas of heroes, secrets, fight scenes and twists. Although it is a fairly typical superhero story overall, it is quick and pleasant to read. I must admit that Havok has really unconventional ideas, tries to save the world and it’s a pity that almost no one wants to trust him. For the X-Men themselves, it’s also good that the most famous characters return to the action. Will they cooperate with mutants or will they form a new team? We will find out about it soon.
Good job!
For the visuals of the comic book Astonishing X-Men: As long as you breathesays Greg Land. The American cartoonist did his job correctly and there is no way he can be accused of anything. The images created by him follow the fast plot, and this is the most important thing. In addition, the artist took care of colorful illustrations, numerous details, interesting backgrounds and an appropriate representation of the characters. The mighty, bearded Colossus is as impressive as the Beast. You can also feel the power of Havoka or Banshee waves. The guest appearances of the Avengers or the presentation of the Sentinels are also above average. Perhaps the most pleased with the presentation, however, is Dazzler, which is dazzling, exactly as it would have been. Maybe there is no effect, unknown so far in the world of comics, but you cannot complain about the whole thing. The following pages are pleasant to look at and it is impossible to get lost in the presented boards. Good job,
Addition
In the discussed comic, Polish publishers also included an add-on. The story itself with Havok in the lead role is quite short and for this reason a rather thin notebook would end up in our hands. That’s why a 17-page Annual story is included at the end. Matthew Rosenberg is also a writer, but Travel Foreman took care of drawing here. It features Charles Xavier (already in Fantomex’s body), Angel (and for a moment also Archangel), Jean Gray, Beast and Iceman. The plot of this short story is extremely dark and requires a few thoughts. Professor X presents his students with a real challenge, showing them that sometimes there is no good solution. There is at most the so-called lesser evil. The whole thing is made with a very nice line, reminiscent of paintings rather than comic book frames. It makes the whole reading even better. And although the plot does not refer to the events of Until You Breath , it is a great bonus for which you should thank Egmont.
Summary
Astonishing X-Men: As long as you breath, it’s a comic book that may not make it to comic heights, but it does hold a decent level. The plot may be a bit hackneyed, but it has managed to contain a few surprising moments. There is no good introduction to the main character, but the history of the supporting characters is well outlined. Fast and dynamic action, a lot of fights and famous mutants should please fans of homo superiors . In addition, a nice layout of the notebook has been designed, thanks to which the whole thing is even more pleasant to read. It is also worth paying attention to the supplement at the end, which for many will be an extremely valuable bonus.
