I’ve said this many times before, but I often prefer Japanese Manga to American comic books. This has nothing to do with there countries of origin (I’m American), it’s more about the way comics and manga are made. To be specific, manga series are generally written and drawn by one or two people. Comic books are similar, however, sometimes a new writer or artist can take over a series an change it. There’s also the problem of continuity. Changes to character histories and backstories can be good or bad depending on the series. These changes can become a problem if they feel forced or simply don’t make sense. This inconsistency has largely put me off of reading comics. However, there are series that have a single artist and writer. I’ve decided that I should at least focus on so of those series. One such mini-series is Marvel’s, House of X/Power of X.
House of X is suppose to show how Professor X starts a new beginning for mutants, whereas, Powers of X will focus on “mutantkind’s secret past, present, and future.” Once, House of X/Power of X (pronounced “Powers of Ten”) is over, Marvel will release six new ongoing series. They are X-Men, Marauders, Excalibur, New Mutants, Fallen Angels and X-Force. House of X #1 by Jonathan Hickman and drawn by Pepe Larraz, was released yesterday. This series has been anticipated for a while, as a reboot for the X-Men, the first issue is a lot to take in.
House of X #1
Story By: Jonathan Hickman
Art By: Pepe Larraz
Colors By: Marte Gracia
Letters By: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics
House of X #1 operates as new begin for the X-Men. Xavier frees various X-Men from what looks like a tree. Then when see various X-Men planting flowers around the world. Throughout the comic, Hickman has several explainers for the reader. The first one explains what Flowers of Krakoa are. The “primary economic resource” of Krakoa, these flowers can produce several different things for humans and mutants. From humans three drugs, one to extend “human lives for five years,” one that’s a “super drug,” and finally a drug that cure “diseases of the mind.” Xavier offers these drugs to the nations that recognize Krakoa as a nation.
To this end, Xavier has invited six ambassadors from Israel, China, France, Russia, the U.K., and America. They’re invited into the Krakoan habitat by Esme and Sophie and greeted by Magneto. He will be giving the Ambassador’s the tour. Meanwhile, a group called Orchis, is preparing to take on mutant kind. Hickman explains Orchis protocol. By recruiting assets from the A.I.M., S.H.I.E.L.D., S.W.O.R.D., ALPHA FLIGHT, HYDRA, A.R.M.O.R., and H.A.M.M.E.R., Orchis is preparing for “doomsday.” The problem is that despite earlier predictions, the mutant race is repopulating at a higher rate than anticipated.
During the tour, Magneto explains that “mutants are the evolutionary inheritors of this world,” the island of Krakoa is for mutants only. House of X clarifies what an omega level mutant is. In Marvel, “Omega level” was often used to simply suggest that a particular mutant was powerful but didn’t go into too much detail. Hickman describes an Omega level mutant as “a mutant whose dominant power is deemed to register or reach an undefinable upper limits.” Hickman notes that in mutants with multiple powers, usually only one is omega. It is the priority of the nation of Krakoa to protect it’s “greatest natural resource,” the Omega level mutants. Magneto finally proclaims to the ambassadors that they’re (mutants) are not negotiating, and they (humans) need to understand that they have “new gods now.”
I’m excited for these mini-series. It combines my to favorite things, a great intriguing story with amazing art. Pepe Larraz art style is beautiful and detailed, with perfect color by Marte Garcia. This may not work for everyone but the use of infographics, to explain the world was really helpful and well done. Many of my favorite X-Men are here and some villains as well. However, Xavier comes across a little creepy to me. He wasn’t feature much in this issue. Maybe it’s that helmet that make’s him seem to detached or the fact that he seems to have abandoned his dream of seeing human and mutant kind live together. Regardless, I’m skeptical of him and his goals. Overall, I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. If your not familiar with what happen recently I don’t think that’s an issue. House of X #1 introduces a lot in explaining the new world, but it’s accessible to everyone.
Next issue, Power of X #1, July 31, 2019.
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