NEW MUTANTS #1 REVIEW

[Brian Wilkinson]

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/newmutants01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/newmutants01t.jpg" align=left alt="New Mutants #1"></a>Reviewer: Brian E. Wilkinson, bewilkinson@yahoo.ca
Quick Rating: Good
Story Title: The Wind Knows My Name

Karma! Wolfsbane! Magma! Moonstar! The original New Mutants return to teach the next generation!

Written by: Nunzio DeFilippis & Christina Weir
Cover by: Joshua Middleton
Penciled by: Keron Grant
Inked by: Rob Stull, Pierre-Andre Dery, and Sean Parsons
Colors by: Dan Kemp
Letters by: Chris Eliopoulos
Assistant Editor: Stephanie Moore
Editor: C.B. Cebulski
Editor In Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas

Going into a series like New Mutants that already has a rich back history, a couple of spin-off series, and dozens of characters ripe for the using, had to have been a daunting task. Either the writing team of Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir didn't know what they were getting into, or they just had a lot more courage than most.

As you may or may not know, readers of X-Men are a notoriously difficult lot to please. You have complaints about continuity, character traits, and whether an issue was interesting enough or not. It's a monthly soap opera spread over dozens of comic books, and whether you like it or not, your going to attract rabid followers.

But you can stave them off with a good comic book.

And for the most part, that's what New Mutants #1 is. It's not the most complex or original story that I've seen in comic books, but it's compelling, with an interesting character, and filled to the brim with potential. There is little to no fault with how Keron Grant (New X-Men) approaches his subjects in this issue, giving a youthful and playful look that is often missing from such serious reading fodder. The inks are nicely done, and the panels flow nicely together.

Where the story fails isn't in the telling. Sofia, the first of the new crop of mutants, is an interesting, soft-spoken and beautiful girl. Tragic circumstances took her from her home to America, into the arms of a cruel and heartless father. Finding it hard to fit in, she reaches out, destroys a store, and attracts the attention of Danielle Moonstar, aka Mirage of the original New Mutants.

It's a nice set-up, with some great character highlights and insight into Sofia's character. The problem is that while I, the reviewer, know that she's going to become a part of the cast, she feels almost like a guest-star as I eagerly look around for my recognized favorites. Her story would almost work better as an issue #2 or #3 after the original New Mutants get together and go out looking for students.

I suppose I'd like more of a buffer. An introductory issue to get me used to the tone, the kind of characters, and what I can expect. Maybe it could have been done in a retro-style with the whole team assembled, and the subsequent issues about how they are adapting at the institute and how they came to live there.

But that's just me, and offering advice on writing is bad form, especially considering that this is a VERY well written comic book. As I said before, it was interesting, engaging, and I'm quite pleased with it. There's no great hook to pull me back for more other than the name of the book, and the strength of its premise, but I have great faith that Weir and DeFilippis have some good things in store for us.

I hate waiting for things, as most of you well know by now.

Grant's art works quite nicely in this issue, though once or twice it bordered on the basic. His emotions on his main characters were quite well done, but his secondary characters often seemed rushed and unattended. Still, I've seen great work from him in the past, and his settings were nicely done here, so hopefully we'll all be in for a great treat.

All told, New Mutants #1 isn't as catching as one would hope, but there's a lot here to interest fans and to keep them coming back for more. It's softer than normal comic fare, and has a delicate touch. It may just surprise you and I predict that if handled correctly, this series may go quite far.

Of course, the writers paid me to say that. Just kidding.

See you next month!

ART:
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STORY:
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OVERALL:
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Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplaycategories.asp?id=36&cat=UNCANNY+X%2DMEN+)

[Nunzio DeFilippis]

Thanks for the review, Brian. The praise was enough that I was vaguely surprised by the 2 1/2 on the writing. But hey, I'm getting used to the rating system here. But we ain't paying for no 2 1/2... ;)

We went back and forth on how to structure this first arc - initially we wrote an issue 1 with all nine characters. But it was too packed to let any of the characters be introduced fully. And while long-standing fans will be able to embrace the returning characters with partial intros, it would do a disservice to new readers.

We opted to write it this way because it would force older fans to get to know the new characters before they got their taste of Dani and the other returning characters. If we wrote it well (and it seems you think we did), we know people will take the ride with us and patiently await the return of their favorites.

As a result, this first arc is very centered on the new kids, introducing them one by one. Unfortunately, the covers focus on the old characters and may have contributed to your sense of waiting for their arrival.

Anyway, just thought I'd elaborate on why we made the choices we did.

Thanks for a well-written and articulate review.

[camax]

A lot of us are reviewing this very issue over at The Grind Stone for those interested in more:

http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18672

I'd have given the art and story higher scores, but Brian addresses points very well that the general public will pick up on. Here's hoping there are plenty of fans to give this more unique approach to storytelling a chance!

[Michael Fisch]

great review, Brian!

And great hearing your response, Nunzio! I don't envy your task...appeasing old fans (like myself) and bringing in new ones without confusing them with past continuity. I haven't picked the issue up but I eagerly look forward to it. I'm sure I'll enjoy the ride!

[Wolverine]

Sweet review. This has been a really anticipated book for me

[ManHandler]

Originally posted by Nunzio DeFilippis


We went back and forth on how to structure this first arc - initially we wrote an issue 1 with all nine characters. But it was too packed to let any of the characters be introduced fully. And while long-standing fans will be able to embrace the returning characters with partial intros, it would do a disservice to new readers.



I am one of those new readers, Nunzio, and I was quite glad that you started this series out the way you did. I had no intention of picking up this book, fearing that it would be over heavy on continuity, and introduce a bunch of people I really knew nothing about.

To my surprise, I ended up picking it up, and it was one of the better titles I read this month (and I got many). Kudos to you, and I have to tell you that this new reader is definately in it for the long haul.

[Anthony Lucynski]

I never got into New Mutants before the introduction of Cable and the gradual lead in to X-Force.

I was waiting to see the reaction here and abroad before I jumped in to see.

I may just pick this up (damn you Marvel, my bank account hurts..it hurts so bad!!!)

Anthony L

[Rogue1969]

I've also read the issue and I agree with Brian's review - the issue is 'good'. It isn't mouth dropping "OMG - what do you mean I'm at the last page already." At the same time it didn't need to be either.

I do have to say that I like that 'finally' someone else has some weather related powers - Telepathy and energy blasts have been done to death really IMO.

Sofia has some great potential as we see she is a 'good girl' making her hero material. :) (very important you know), however what adds to her character is that she has a temper and some 'parental issues' that could be interesting to see. The other nice aspect is that Sofia for the most part (I explain this in a second) is intelligent. Good examples of this are her ability to learn a new language extremely quickly - the dialogue around her English skills is particularly good in my opinion - and very accurate; and her ability to use her powers and when she used them and how she used them. All of this was nicely interwoven with her character base that we were exposed to from the beginning of the story. This is a girl who thinks of others and finds pleasure in giving joy to others. However, whether intentional or not, her need for acceptance/attention and her willingness to supress her own self to please others leaves the door open for some darkness in her character as well.

Why she isn't so smart - and what didn't quite ring true to me - was Sofia's meeting with Dani. The scene came across that it was just fortunate that Dani got there first (and that we the reader already know she is a 'good guy') - as Sofia came across as being willing to have gone off with anyone - as Dani's arguments read very much like a Magneto recruitment speach to me. Plus I don't quite buy why using her powers was the selling point. Sofia, while someone who enjoys her powers was never portrayed as being upset in the least by her fathers edict that she not use her powers. ( I think the reader hearing the coldness in the fathers speach were more incensed than Sofia - she just wanted to please her father). In fact, it came across that the only reason she used her powers at the end was as a means of rebellion against her father- not that she felt oppressed or had the overwhelming need to finally be 'her'.

Dani 's ability to attract Sofia should have been based on the factor of kids with powers and mutations all together learning and sharing their understanding of what it feels like to feel alone and the 'brotherhood' or 'family' mentality that the school promotes. THAT would have been far more tempting to the girl Sofia is protrayed as over the whole 'you have powers, I have powers, come with me and I'll show you' speach.

Finally, I also would have preferred to have seen a more touching goodbye to the servant (Peter? - sorry can't remember the poor guys name) since they showed he at least cared about Sofia as a person. Sofia gives him a hug, and off she wanders with Dani without even looking back? Again, that 'caring' side of Sofia should have been portrayed in one of a couple of ways. She should have either have been asking (Peter - see above) to come and visit if he could or at least call her. Otherwise, she could have been telling him that she would write to him. Barring that, on the basis that Sofia wouldn't know if visiting was allowed or not and isn't the type of person to just assume, Dani should have been sensitive enough to Sofia to advise that he could visit anytime or even say she would send him a schedule of official visiting times if he would like it.

Now the scarier part - the back history of the original New Mutants and how it's going to be handled - if at all. I've been around since the inception of the New Mutants and have every single issue of the original run - the changes and characteristics of these characters is important to me. It is also important that we get some resolution to hanging plot lines from the original issues. The series has to be fair to new readers who may not know nor really care about Dani being a Valkerye in Asgard or her flying horse or how many forced mutations she has been through, or why she worked with S.H.I.E.L.D etc. as getting people bogged down just with her story alone - forget the other original characters like Rhane and Magma, would detract from this being a 'new' series it would have to become New Mutants - the later years or something :LOL:. However, the back story shouldn't just be ignored or retcon'd.
There should be some good "second' story that gets interwoven between all the new characters being introduced.

Anyway, I'm in for a while with this series as I believe it is worth the chance. Fingers crossed. :)

[spinarakboi]

Well I agree for the most part. I think Sofia is interesting and the writing is top notch. I already like Sofia and I like how her powers were used. But I do agree about it just kinda jumping into things without really setting anything up... I'm really reading this in hopes that one day they will have a big battle and really get to use their powers as a team and stuff... even though I hear that'll be long off... but come on, you can still have character driven stories and a battle... :) But for what it was it was good I'll be picking up issue 2.

[gambitX]

I really liked this issue...

Glad to see another Latin character from Latin America be represented in the X-Men!!!

I was really touched by her story... the panel where she was playuing with the kite and crying was gorgeous!!

GReat work!!!

[Douglas Cuckler]

I loved this issue. It was Fantastic. I really enjoy their writing, and I think I'll like thier slower approach on The New New Mutants. It's more get to know your mutants.


Great issue
:) :) :) :) :) :rahne:
Five smiles from me, Five and a wolf head!

[Harold the Wonder Dog]

Perhaps I'm a big sap, but Sofia's story actually gave me tears in my eyes. I think it's great that here's a completely new character, and for me, I'm able to feel emotional about her.

And although as brief as her appearance was, I really liked how Dani was portrayed. Like, after being in the New Mutants, she came out being a strong, independent woman.

[cookepuss]

Originally posted by Brian E. Wilkinson
It's a nice set-up, with some great character highlights and insight into Sofia's character. The problem is that while I, the reviewer, know that she's going to become a part of the cast, she feels almost like a guest-star as I eagerly look around for my recognized favorites. Her story would almost work better as an issue #2 or #3 after the original New Mutants get together and go out looking for students.

I have to disagree with you on this. Have the X-Men ever really 100% been the proactive sort of team? Sofia's "incident" seems to have been a catalyst for her retrieval by Dani. It's not as if Dani made a conscious effort to go out hunting for students. A deliberate student scouting would've seemed too forced and inorganic. True to her experiences at Xaviers, Dani was reaching out to Sofia's cry for help and recognition. In this regard, Dani was being much more reactive, though calculating at the same time.

The original New Mutants were also formed as a reaction. In the case of the original team, Xavier never set out to create another team. He never wanted the burden of such leadership ever again, believing the X-Men to be dead. As is often the case, Xavier had the burden of leadership thrust upon him. All of his original New Mutants were more or less sent his way. He never really went out hunting for students.

In many ways, the X-Men have been quite reactive in the past. Magneto terrorizes NYC? Pummel him. Cassandra Nova "outs" Xavier on TV? Roll with the punches, deal with the consequences, and make the best out of the bad situation. Typically, it's the bad guys that are the most proactive. It's very Newtonian that way. For ever action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. That's not to say that Xavier's hasn't ever been proactive, but the soap opera nature of the X-books almost always dictates a reactive approach.

Did you really expect Dani, Rahne, Amara, & Xian to all of a sudden wake up and say, "Hey, today seems like a good day to be a teacher. Let's rescue some mutants, X-buds!!!" :rolleyes: Legendary leaders have greatness thrust upon them.

In a way, this is also a test of Xavier's teachings. Dani is faced with a situation where she's able to give back to the institution that's given her so much. This is Dani's chance to prove that she actually learned from Xavier. It's a reaction, but it's the right one.

As for Sofia feeling like a guest star, nothing could be further from the truth. Nunzio & Christina birthed this character. They allowed the reader to understand her, to get into her head, and to even love her. It is abundantly clear that much more attention was spent on Sofia than any writer would dare give to a secondary player.

One might draw the conclusion, based on the cover art, that the focus is entirely on the "old school" team. Even returning New Mutants reader, that would seem hard to believe as 100% true. Why would Marvel ever ressurect the book for the sole purpose of covering old ground? It would be naive to think that Marvel could just pick up at New Mutants #101. It would be more reasonable to expect the focus to be an new students. That's exactly what's being done here. Focus on Sofia. Allow us to know her. We'll no doubt get reacquainted with the old students, but we need to first know the new ones. After all, we're going to be spending quite a bit of time with them.

I have to commend Nunzio & Christina for their "softer" pace. As much as I love the original book, I almost want to slap Chris Claremont for the way he started the whole New Mutants saga. He took these teenagers, slapped some costumes on them, threw codenames their way, and then almost instantly set them up against the likes of Donald Pierce & the Hellfire Club. Good gravy! He even set them up against the Sentinels in issue #2!!! It almost seemed as if he wanted to duplicate both the successes and failures of Stan Lee's original X-Men run.

I fear that you, Brian, want an almost Generation X opener for this book. Why not try something new instead? Instead of a fight filled beginning full of deadly mutants, why not try an organic approach? To know them is to love them. To love them is to know them. Give team-NM a chance.

A slow start may be the best thing that ever happend to this title. There's just so much old baggage that comes with the title alone. Nunzio & Christina are doing a wonderful job of melding the old with the new. I only hope that new readers can see this slow start for what it is, a chance rediscover what it's like to be a living, breathing teen mutant in the Marvel Universe.

Kudos.

Personally, I'd give this a solid 4 down the line. No book is perfect. Besides, you've gotta work darn hard if you're to earn that 5 rating. :D

[cookepuss]

Just to clear one thing up, I know that you understood this book Brian. I really do. My only fear is that you let the fan inside of you take hold. You seem to be disappointed because they didn't write the opening the way you wanted or how you had expected.

My only hope is that team-NM won't make each issue of the first arc feel like a one shot by spending each issue introducing a new character. That might be a miscalculation, to not layer things on. In a best case scenario, it would also make the first story arc feel like the limited series Muties. In a worst case scenario, it'd make the arc feel like the first few issues of the X-Men Evolution book (ie. plodding & pedestrian).

[Hellion]

I really enjoyed this issue. I'm glad it started out the way it did. I love the old New Mutants. That is the only reason I was interested in this series. Having the first issue deal with Sofia, and only a couple pages of Dani, made we interested in this new mutant and want to see what happens to her. So the slow build up to the full team in this case was a very smart move, IMHO. Can't wait for Rahne!

[I-Ching]

Well to say that my anticipation level for this book was high would be a HUGE understatement.

Not only is the market and X franchise ripe with potential for this title it also gives the older fan stories concerning their nostalgic favorites.

I look forward to the re-intro's of the original New Mutants and their other upcoming stories, I can't give a full review of the issue because I won't buy it for another three hours :(

Damn that American Idol party starting so early yesterday!!!

[kiyotee]

I loved the issue. It really made me think that maybe the focus really will be mostly on the new mutants and not the old new mutants... ermmm if you understand.

[Patrick Star]

Originally posted by Rogue1969
...This is a girl who thinks of others and finds pleasure in giving joy to others. However, whether intentional or not, her need for acceptance/attention and her willingness to supress her own self to please others...

Finally, I also would have preferred to have seen a more touching goodbye to the servant (Peter? - sorry can't remember the poor guys name) since they showed he at least cared about Sofia as a person. Sofia gives him a hug, and off she wanders with Dani without even looking back? Again, that 'caring' side of Sofia should have been portrayed in one of a couple of ways. She should have either have been asking (Peter - see above) to come and visit if he could or at least call her. Otherwise, she could have been telling him that she would write to him. Barring that, on the basis that Sofia wouldn't know if visiting was allowed or not and isn't the type of person to just assume, Dani should have been sensitive enough to Sofia to advise that he could visit anytime or even say she would send him a schedule of official visiting times if he would like it.

u said it yourself, she wants to belong and where she is right now nobody else, but the servant, likes her. Its obviously she's gonna jump when the oppoortunity comes along to be somebody's friend and Dani looks like that, a new opportunity a new start.

-This trait of her personality would be so great if Marvel let the writers talk about having teenage sex in the series. I dont mean that we should see the characters have sex on panel, i mean think about how many girls have sex with guys just to belong to a group or just to belong to somebody. It would drive her crazy if she slept with one of her teammate and he gets her pregnant and then runs away scared from her. Don't get me wrong i dont wanna see her crazy, but it would be a great story and very real.

- I loved this issue. Its strange that with just one issue i felt her pain, i didnt know this character and she won me over. I hope this series last long enough b/c the art & writting are very good.

-A few q's for the writer...
1. Are we gonna hear about Magma's sudden death/return? Is it gonna change her?
2. Rahne, from the covers that i've seen Rah looks like she got her powers back, does she?
3. Karma, is this lesbian Karma or just Karma?

[Vasilios]

i havent picked this up, but I will after reading this! patrick star- I AGREE. get rid of Annie and bring back Cecilia!!! We need a real doctor at the mansion.

[cookepuss]

I think that Nunzio covered this stuff before.

1. Are we gonna hear about Magma's sudden death/return? Is it gonna change her?
Hmmmm..... I don't remember Alison/Amara dying. I remember her discovering the awful truth about Nova Roma's doctored history, at the hands of Selene no less. I remember her joining the New Hellions. I don't remember her dying. Are you thinking about Tarot, perhaps. She did die, at the hands of Fitzroy, but came back to life. She too was a member of the New Hellions.

2. Rahne, from the covers that i've seen Rah looks like she got her powers back, does she?
According to Nunzio, Rahne is still powerless. How and if she regains her powers are still something waiting to be uncovered. You'll just have to wait and see.

3. Karma, is this lesbian Karma or just Karma?
Personally, I don't see the distinction between the two. A lesbian is what she is, but not who she is. I'd love to see Nunzio address her sexual orientation. Marvel needs to send a positive message. They tried this with Northstar, but have failed miserably thus far. Besides, Northstar & Rawhide Kid can't be the only other gay characters in the Marvel Universe, right? The fact that Karma is gay makes her more realistic. Having Karma in a commited relationship with another woman is certainly more plausible than having the monstrous looking boy-bird Beak impregnate the girl-fly Angel.

[jojaxx]

I thought this was a nice well-rounded intro to the title's direction.

This is NOT your old New Mutants, this is the NEW New Mutants, hence the focus on the kids rather than the former-students.

An action-packed blow-out or reunion-style gathering would be out of place and would not lead where I think this series intends to go. There are New Mutants reunions in the last New Mutants mini-series and X-Men Unlimited 45 for those who want them.

It just bugs me that this and Sentinel and Runaways and Mystique are all so good. I fully intended to hate this whole Tsunami thing.

Oh well, B'bye money.

[cookepuss]

I loved Mystique. It's like a nice little mutant version of the ABC show Alias, but featuring our resident blue skinned bad girl. I think that Sentinel and Runaways are good, but not great.

Sentinel seems to be playing with the overused idea of a boy and his robot. This cliche alone bugs me. It simply isn't a must have for me at this point. The supporting characters are too two dimensional. The art is good, but it doesn't give you any proper indication of the character's age. He's supposed to be ... what... a 2nd year highschool student? He looks like he's age 9 or 10. :rolleyes: The artistic depictions are a bit too Pokemon/Yu-Gi-Oh for my taste.

Runaways is off to a nice start, but the characters have yet to win me over. Given time, maybe. Right now, they leave me a bit cold.

[QuickSilverP3]

The first issue was great! I never read 1 issue of the original New Mutants so im excited to pick up here and learn what I can. I cannot wait to see who the rest of the new New Mutants are. Does anyone know if there is like a shedule for comics? (Im new) Do the new ones come out like weekly?

Great issue I think it has major possibilities!

[cookepuss]

Read the publishing information. It's usually at the bottom of the opening page, in fine print. You can expect to see New Mutants #2 at around this same time next month. The next issue is out on June 18th. Issue #3 is out July 16th.

Most Marvel comics are published on a monthly basis. That's 12 issues on a yearly basis. Well, it's really 13 since Marvel eliminated the "annuals", which usually featured out of continuity stories relating to the characters. In its place Marvel put in the 13th issue. That means, for one month, there'll be two issues released. This eliminates those annual stories that usually never tied into the current story arcs.

OT (kinda)..... Anybody notice the publishing info for this title? It's Volume 1, Number 1. Sneaky little devils. Just by eliminating the word "The" from the title, they managed to roll the series back to a volume 1. So, it's not "The New Mutants". It's just "New Mutants". Kinda telling, huh? It really is a fresh start.

[Phoenix_Force]

I know what you all mean about hurtin' wallets . . . currently I read NXM, XXM, Exiles, and now I'll be getting New Mutants on a regular basis as well . . . and I'll probably get Emma Frost when it comes out too! Damn you, Marvel!!

Anyways, I hope that continuity is addressed. There some key thing that I hope are remembered:

Dani's powers: She can psionically project other's fears, shoot psi blasts and form psi weapons that have the same effect, ans she has her Valkyrie "death sense" (allowing her to forsee a person's death or do battle with the Death entity for a person's life).

Amara's recent history: She was a villain as a New Hellion, so why the change of heart?

Wolfsbane's recent history: Her loss of powers and her distatse of Mystique, particularly. Will she ever find out that Mystique is part of Xavier's network as well? What happens then?

Here's hoping! :cross:

[camax]

You guys with interests in finding out more about the New Mutants upcoming characters, powers, order of appearance, style of storytelling, etc - head over to The Grind Stone where Christina Weir and Nunzio DeFilippis grace us with some great Q&A and all around fun:

http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=156

[Merlin]

I enjoyed the a lot and there was a lot of pathos around Sophia she seems like a great character
I can't wait to see how the comic palys out
it seems interesting to have a comic that so far seems to deal with personal and social issue and is not that heavy on superhero x-men battles and still be a great read.
Kudos to the whole creative team
and you Brian for your great review

[UMichWolverine]

Originally posted by Phoenix_Force


Amara's recent history: She was a villain as a New Hellion, so why the change of heart?



Oh i dunno. Being crucified on the front lawn of your old school probablly does some strange things to a person. :D

[TurdFerguson]

I dunno, this issue didn't do much for me. I never cared much for the original New Mutants except for Cannonball, and he's not in the series (as far as I know) and while I didn't think there was anything wrong with this issue per se, it just didn't leave me excited for the rest of the series. Although having the co-writer post kinda took away my grounds for a good wisecrack :mad:

[Deus Ex Chris]

I'm not really interested in being introduced to even more new characters, and I'm also not a fan of the art. Of coures, once the ball gets rolling I'll definitely look into it again. It seems to be a thought-out, character-driven book, and that is more than enough reason NOT to pass judgement after only one issue.

[Eric J. Moreels]

Wonderful, wonderful beginning to a new era of New Mutant goodness! Can't wait to read more! :yes:

Congrats to the entire creative team. You're definitely on a winner here! :D

[I-Ching]

Well the issue wasn't what I expected in terms of story. I did expect/hope to see a full on reunion of the original New Mutants.

Although I didn't get what I wanted in the first issue I did get a well written, well paced story with pleasing artwork.

Sofia was introduced quite nicely and I must say that her character is a refreshing break from characters that writers try to make too "cool" or "hard edged". She's real, genuine, and well characterized. She has fears and insecurities that many teens have and her actions reflected that.

Her power while not totally unique is given unique qualities (like the voices being carried and it's nice not to see a character that just seems like a clone of another more well known character.

I must say though that I wasn't too pleased with the characterization of Sofia's father. His cold and blunt attitude is fine but I felt he came off painfully one dimensional and rather trite. Iwould've like to see a bit more of her relationship with his chauffeur/assistant/whatever. While the actions of school kids are widely known as being mean spirited at times it wasn't clear as to why ALL the kids treated her that way or so we were shown. Again, it seemed one dimenstional.

The artwork is very fitting for the title and I like the clean cartoony look of it (although Dani's neck was WAY too long in one panel) and the cover art is just breath taking.

While this isssue doesn't knock your socks off it's a very solid start to a very well paced book. It seems as if the creators are taking their time in handling all of the characters and that is well respected and much appreciated.

I don't know why people turned their noses up at the Tsunmai line. New Mutants, Runaways, and Mystique are already high ranking favorites of mine.

[Patrick Star]

Originally posted by cookepuss
I think that Nunzio covered this stuff before.

1. Are we gonna hear about Magma's sudden death/return? Is it gonna change her?
Hmmmm..... I don't remember Alison/Amara dying. I remember her discovering the awful truth about Nova Roma's doctored history, at the hands of Selene no less. I remember her joining the New Hellions. I don't remember her dying. Are you thinking about Tarot, perhaps. She did die, at the hands of Fitzroy, but came back to life. She too was a member of the New Hellions.

3. Karma, is this lesbian Karma or just Karma?
Personally, I don't see the distinction between the two. A lesbian is what she is, but not who she is. I'd love to see Nunzio address her sexual orientation. Marvel needs to send a positive message. They tried this with Northstar, but have failed miserably thus far. Besides, Northstar &amp; Rawhide Kid can't be the only other gay characters in the Marvel Universe, right? The fact that Karma is gay makes her more realistic. Having Karma in a commited relationship with another woman is certainly more plausible than having the monstrous looking boy-bird Beak impregnate the girl-fly Angel.

Hey cookepuss,
Magma did die, check UXM 423, Angel's new power saved her and others. And the Q about Karma was to find out if they r keeping her continuity or not. Claremont did but i dont know if this creative team would. i dont mind her being a Lesbian, its just that they never do anything real with that. They talk about their relationships and whatever, (i.e. Northstar, he was supposed to have a boyfriend or at least go on dates and we havent seen that), but that's it. There are no gay relationships in the Marvel universe and thats the truth.

[cookepuss]

Just because there are none doesn't necessarily mean that there won't be. Nunzio is aware of her orientation afaik. The issue was briefly touched upon in another thread.

As far as UXM 423 goes, sadly, that issue was sold out at my comic shop the same day it came out. `Til that point, I was only aware of Angel using his newfound healing on Husk and Juggernaut.

[camax]

cookepuss - just to be helpful for your lack of issue 423 - SPOILERS AHEAD

<FONT class=spoiler>Six mutants are shown cruxified on the front lawn of Xaviers at the beginning of the issue. No one they seem to recognize at first, then they notice Jubilee is one, then Skin is another. It isn't until later in the book that Magma is identified as one of the other mutants, and the other three are never named. Angel is hooked up to machines pumping blood into them all trying to help them revive. Eventually Jubilee and Magma come to. Skin is pronounced dead. No mention of the other three either way.</FONT>

Back on topic for everyone else - yes Nunzio and Christina plan to stay true to the history of all the characters. Some past events for some characters will be dealt with early on, some won't be dealt with immediately. They have mentioned they have plans for Magma dealing with her convoluted past, Karma's lesbianism being a natural part of her story, and Wolfsbane's loss of powers.

[FrodoLives]

A great read! I love the New Logo. And hope Walter Barret becomes one of the many problems in our favorite new mutants lives

[Zachary J. Morrison]

I enjoyed reading this debut issue and can't wait for more action to come around when the next ish comes out.

[Brytanica1]

Honestly, I was a bit underwhelmed by this issue. I love the concept, but their were just a few things that rubbed me the wrong way.

It has been many years since I was a teenager but a few things I do remember.

If you are a hot, female foreign student, with rich parent(s) you WILL be popular. Sorry, doesn't matter if you don't speak a word of english or worship the great tentacled Dagon. Nope, not buying that a bit. As a matter of fact in a book filled with superhuman mutants with bizarre powers, I think I found this to be the most unrealistic aspect.

The dad was a wee bit over the top in my opinion. If he detested having Sofia there so much, why did he take her in?

And must every single Native American character insist on wearing some stereotyped outfit? I have known a LOT of Native Americans and I can say with perfect candor not a single one has had braids with little bead things in them, wore ANY form of buckskin clothing and the only people I know that have had jackets with leather fringe hanging of it have been white trash. (if we see Dani's bedroom and she has a dreamcatcher hanging in it I will personally burn that issue while dancing around it naked.)

Ok enough complaining, I like the concept of Sofia, neat powers, unique take on the whole "wind carrying the voices" thing. Looking forward to seeing the "Old" New Mutants as teachers as long as Dani doesn't start trying to commune with the Great Sprit or something.

[spinarakboi]

To the post above:

I agree with the Sofia not being popular and the dad being a bit over the top but Dani is obviously going to wear native america clothes.... it's a part of who she is... just because she does, doesn't mean it's just to fit a sterotype... sure maybe it was when her character was first introduced but now it's who she is... it's not like she was just suddenly created and fit the sterotype... I hope you see my point.

yes Sofia did have neat powers... but if i'm a tad confused.. wouldn't she need like super hearing to still hear the voices or on the flip side... if she's directing the voices in her direction...... would anyone around her be able to hear it? Hmm oh well I'm not being picky.. much ^_^

[Sasquatch]

To me, Dani Moonstar was the strength of the former series. She was their true leader...and the best at the job.
I'm glad Karma, Magma, and Wolfsbane are being included as well. But, why just the former girls of the series? Maybe it because they were the strength of the original series.;)

[Sasquatch]

Wasn't Rahne shown recently in an issue of New X-Men, (as part of the X-Corporation), with her powers fully intact?:?

[Sasquatch]

A Few questions:

Are there any plans on developing Karma's siblings as recruits for the New Mutants?

Will Empath show up? A final showown between Magma and the Black Queen?

What about Rahne's half-sister, (who is also a mutant)? Reverand Craig should also be dealt with down the line.

[Harold the Wonder Dog]

Originally posted by Sasquatch

What about Rahne's half-sister, (who is also a mutant)?

Unless I'm having a total brainfart about Rahne's history, are you accidentally confusing her for Feral or Thornn?

[FrodoLives]

No, Sasquatch is talking about Bridget Shane Rahne's fire wielding sister. Actually is Bridget Rahne's Half Sis. Bridget first showed up in Excalibur #93. And sasquatch that was Thornn or Feral in New Xmenn #133

[spare_ribs85]

I have to say i really enjoyed this issue...4/5!

[Black mamba]

i liked this issue very much i enjoyed sofias use of her powers and i acctually felt for the character. liked danis entrance and i can't wait for the next new mutants issue.

[Anthony Lucynski]

I was never a huge NM fan, prefering instead their evolution to X-force.

I picked this up this past weekend cuz I needed something to read.

I'll be checking out the next few issues, as I liked this intro very well.

Anthony L

[Alex Guillen]

wow what a great first issue , I loved the writing as well as keron Grant's art. Really the greatest Tsunami book out right now. food to see Karma and Moonstar back and being part of the Mansion staff and relating to younger mutants.

[Sasquatch]

I LOVED the first issue of the NM! It was great all around, in the writing and art!
It's going to be great to have a book that isn't as dark as some of the other series have gone. Most have a body count per issue lately. It was great to see this was more about a quality story. I was left wanting more!
I can't wait to have all the characters together...but I like the way you have decided to make the process gradual. It's my number one comic now! :D :D :D :D :D