Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Art by Mahmud Asrar, Colored by Rain BeredoRating: 5/5.
Spoiler Free Mini-Review: This is a good book. It's a reflective book. It's about the character's reactions in the aftermath of a massive, 13-issue-long space battle for the fate of the galaxy. That's what I read comics for: insane superhero battles and seeing the "realistic," interesting ways that that can change a person.
FULL REVIEW (Spoilers From Here On Out)
I'm just going to address it right here at the top because it's what's on everybody's mind: Iceman, aka Bobby Drake, is gay. It was a bold choice and, if I'm being honest, one that surprised me. Of course, that was only at first. When I stopped to think about it, to process this change to the character, I realized two big things: this totally fits and this totally doesn't matter.
I am completely shocked to see people reacting negatively about this matter. Other than a relationship with Kitty Pryde (something I have always been jealous of Iceman for), Bobby's sexuality has never defined who he is (we're not talking about Tony Stark here) and so the change shouldn't really bother anyone. The decision to have this potentially only apply to the younger Bobby is an interesting one. It... kind of makes sense? Time travel is very confusing. One could even suggest that maybe these younger X-Men are actually from a slightly different universe (which would maybe explain why time-space hasn't collapsed in on itself, and Jean Grey's powers have reached new levels).
What about how it was handled in the story? I really liked it. This felt like a real conversation between a friend who believes their friend is gay and confronts them to let them know it's okay that he come out. Bendis makes it fit this universe, however, because Jean doesn't have to guess or wonder, she just accidentally "overhears" it... goes with the whole psychic teenager thing.
Overall, I thought it was handled gracefully and ultimately was a good decision. It plays a nice parallel to Angel's outing as well. His trip with the Black Vortex left him on a new path (he hopes). Where Bobby was coming out as who he was meant to be, Warren knows what path he could go down and is actively trying to change it. Admitting his love for Laura is a nice part of that path.
As for the other storyline in this book (the one with an Indiana Jones-looking scavenger). I don't know what to make of it, although I legitimately laughed out loud looking at Maria Hill thunking her head on the desk at having to deal with more mutant insanity. So now we're looking at Utopia and who these crazy Utopians are. I have no reasonable theories... so here's a crazy one: these aren't mutants at all! They're Inhumans (aka the other mutants) and this will be the start of mutants versus inhumans going into Secret Wars! I have zero reason to believe this is a thing but, hey, who doesn't love a good wild swing.
I'm seriously excited for what is to come for these young X-Men. Please, Marvel, PLEASE let them survive the coming Secret Wars. I'm loving the young versions of these characters in big, big ways. I guess I'll enjoy them while I can...
What do you think of Bobby's coming out? Sound off in the comments below.
FULL REVIEW (Spoilers From Here On Out)
I'm just going to address it right here at the top because it's what's on everybody's mind: Iceman, aka Bobby Drake, is gay. It was a bold choice and, if I'm being honest, one that surprised me. Of course, that was only at first. When I stopped to think about it, to process this change to the character, I realized two big things: this totally fits and this totally doesn't matter.
What about how it was handled in the story? I really liked it. This felt like a real conversation between a friend who believes their friend is gay and confronts them to let them know it's okay that he come out. Bendis makes it fit this universe, however, because Jean doesn't have to guess or wonder, she just accidentally "overhears" it... goes with the whole psychic teenager thing.
Overall, I thought it was handled gracefully and ultimately was a good decision. It plays a nice parallel to Angel's outing as well. His trip with the Black Vortex left him on a new path (he hopes). Where Bobby was coming out as who he was meant to be, Warren knows what path he could go down and is actively trying to change it. Admitting his love for Laura is a nice part of that path.
I'm seriously excited for what is to come for these young X-Men. Please, Marvel, PLEASE let them survive the coming Secret Wars. I'm loving the young versions of these characters in big, big ways. I guess I'll enjoy them while I can...
What do you think of Bobby's coming out? Sound off in the comments below.
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