NEW MUTANTS #2 REVIEW

[Dave Harris]

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/newmutants02.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/newmutants02t.jpg" align=left alt="New Mutants (2nd series) #2"></a>Reviewer: Dave Harris, HeroComplex00@hotmail.com
Quick Rating: Great
Story Title: Untitled

Sofia finds a new home, and Dani returns to an old one. But which of them really, truly belong there?

Written by: Nunzio DeFilippis & Christina Weir
Cover by: Joshua Middleton
Penciled by: Keron Grant
Inked by: Rob Stull
Colors by: Dan Kemp
Letters by: Chris Eliopoulos & Cory Petit
Assistant Editor: Stephanie Moore
Editor: C.B. Cebulski
Consulting Editor: Ralph Macchio
Editor In Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas

Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir make another very strong showing on their second issue out of the gate; New Mutants may have some kinks to work out, but I can handle a few kinks if the rest of the book is going to retain such high quality.

At this point, the creative team is still building a premise for the book. The first issue took a good deal of time to introduce us to Sofia, but outside of her backstory we learned relataively little. #2 makes up for that by immersing us directly in the Xavier Institute and jumping directly into the true purpose of this title---the school. Morrison's New X-Men has given fleeting glances at the inner workings of Xavier's school, but for the most part has to be ruled by controversy and conflict; field trips interrupted by U-Men and closing ceremonies overtaken by riots. New Mutants promises a much more normal look at how the school runs. Relatively speaking, of course.

Characterization is one of the book's strong points...for the most part. Sofia and Laurie, created by New Mutants, for New Mutants, are a lot of fun to read. And having initially created them, the creative team is also spot-on in terms of how to handle them. Sofia's curious manner of speech has been consistent, and being eternally out-going makes her a character that is very easy to enjoy. Laurie, on the other hand, manages to fit into the book extremely naturally while also seeming carefully crafted; a girl whose powers demand (in her mind, at least) isolation even from mutant schoolmates. But while it will be interesting to watch her character develop from this isolation, I can't help but think that it all fits together just a tad too nicely. In both personality and powers, Sofia seems too perfect a person to room with Laurie. It's a case of things working out just too conveniently and being at least a little bit unbelievable as a result.

New characters? Unsurprisingly, the writing team has them down pat. And I'd like to make that claim about the previously established characters, but I have to hesitate just a little bit. The set-up allows Weir and DeFilippis a lot of leeway in choosing characters, which bodes very well for the stories. Dani fits right in, and her characterization seems right for her situation, returning to her old home and school. Northstar manages a humorous arrogance that's perfect for the character. Both were good choices for the writers' intentions. But...Xavier. He's a real necessity when writing a story in the school, and so I blame his flat performance this issue on his being forced into the story. He manages the kindly demeanor that you would hope he uses as a headmaster, but some things just don't feel right; while managing a mutant school and crusading constantly for mutant rights, he also has time to inquire into the playground friendships of individual students? It doesn't feel quite right. And neither, really, does one of Sofia's first comments to Laurie. She asks if Laurie finds her attractive. Now, admittedly my experience as a teenage girl is limited, but I wouldn't expect that from most first encounters. It's a hollow moment, and more than anything, it feels as if the comment was thrown in just to keep the readers off their feet.

The art is similarly enjoyable, and compliments the writing very nicely. In the first showing of Laurie's powers, the coloring was one of the best representations of pheremones I've seen, and a very intelligent inspiration on the part of the artistic team. The only real flaws in the issue's art come as tiny mishaps, which are foreseeable in any work. The instance forefront in my mind is that smiling characters lose cohesion---in some cases, mouths become incredibly thin, remarkably long lines. And we are also treated to a disturbingly crinkly-faced Professor. Minor blemishes, to be sure, and they are not enough to significantly mar the overall impressive artwork.

If there is anything you take away from this issue or hold as your expectation for future issues, let it be a bit of wisdom from Dani and Xavier---these are not X-Men. They are children, and none of them have any business putting on costumes or saving the world. Whatever "team" Dani assembles, its purpose will be to learn, not to fight. And, really, isn't that what the premise of the X-Men was meant to be, oh so long ago? For the first time in a long time, Weir and DeFilippis are providing us with a group of truly gifted youngsters, as opposed to a group of youngster heroes. It's a unique perspective on the X-Men that always deserved to be explored. Good show.

ART:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/nmfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/nmfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/nmfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/nmfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/nmhalf.jpg

STORY:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/nmfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/nmfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/nmfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/nmfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/nmhalf.jpg

OVERALL:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/nmfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/nmfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/nmfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/nmfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/nmhalf.jpg

Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=490&cat=NEW+MUTANTS)

[spinarakboi]

The characters are their strong point. I think the art those is not that good at all... on the other hand it's better than anything i could do. But still.... plus wasn't Morrison trying to make mutants a little more freakier.... most of the students with the exception of I think i counted 3 looked completely human. I keep saying though that i think, hopefully it'll get better. I'd give it an average but if other people like it, perhaps there is something i'm missing.

[Black mamba]

you find how chuck asks in this book weird but chucks actions in new and x-treme dont shock you? i found this issue slightly boring i was looking for a bit of action i dont know maybe the train sofia and dani are on breaks down and sofia uses her powers to help them ride there destination or something, well i guess that would have been a bit too much.but i guess its because i really like sofia and laurie is quite and intresting character i look forward to seeing more of her aswell. the whole attractive line did through me off garud a bit i was kindda like "wah"?!? but it is quite a valid question.the art this issue made my eyes burn at times but overall it was good i just wish he would learn how to draw expressions properly without the character losing the whole shape of there face but i guess i'm getting picky overall this was a pretty solid issue.CAN'T WAIT FOR KARMA!!!!!!!!!!!

[Suzene]

Northstar manages a humorous arrogance that's perfect for the character.

I agree 100%. It was a lovely little guest-spot. All in all, I'm a little surprised to be liking this book. It does seem a little like Hogwarts for the mutant set, but all is forgiven for that lovely moment of snark from Professor Snape...er...Beaubier. ;)

The art didn't do much for me one way or the other. I do agree, the frame of Xavier smiling all wide, dimply, and crinkle-faced was a bit...unsettling. The washed-out colors didn't help either. All in all, though, a good and worthwhile read. I can't wait to see Karma again, though!


Suzene

[Dave Harris]

Regarding the art---it seems like this might be commented on a bit, so here I go. Normally, I emphasize the writing a good deal more than I do the art; it's just not in my nature to comment on art unless there is something extraordinarily good, bad, or new. (Though for any artists reading, I can still appreciate it---it's just not the first place I look, ironically enough.) This particular issue has facial flux, as everyone seems to agree, but that's the anomaly, not the rule. For the most part, I found the illustration to be very realistic in its portrayal, especially of the younger characters, which is where the emphasis probably should lie at this point. And if it seemed to have cartoonish influences at times, I think it accentuates some of what shines in the writing. Further taking into account my giddiness at seeing Laurie's pheremones at work, I truly did enjoy the artwork.
plus wasn't Morrison trying to make mutants a little more freakierVery valid point, and something I hadn't thought of, I'll admit. But I wouldn't want either the writer or artist to be limited by that aspect of Morrison's vision for his title, and I'd say that the amount of Morlock-level mutants is a workable-enough point not to interfere with enjoying the book. Personally, I see displays of power and identify mutant students readily enough, not needing nor necessarily missing the additional oddity, even though it's something I really enjoy about New X-Men.you find how chuck asks in this book weird but chucks actions in new and x-treme dont shock you?Ah, ah, I didn't say that. :) A lot of Xavier's actions in New X-Men are shocking, but they reflect the chilling direction in which Morrison is steering the book. The actions are meant to be shocking, but are a part of the overall scheme. Here...well, I think "shocking" is too strong a word, if nothing else; if it were that bizarre, I would probably expect it to be indicative of something, actually. But as it is, Xavier just doesn't feel quite right, ringing hollow overall.
It does seem a little like Hogwarts for the mutant set, but all is forgiven for that lovely moment of snark from Professor Snape...er...Beaubier. ;) I'm in utter shock I didn't think of the connection before. Especially with tonight/today's new release...wow, I'm disappointed in myself. But you're definitely right, and that's definitely one of the reasons I'm enjoying it; all of the newness and whimsy of the Harry Potter books.

[Zachary J. Morrison]

Great review, Dave. I enjoyed reading this issue. It was very interesting seeing how the characters fit into this issue. I can't wait to see more interaction between Julian and Sofia, Laurie and Sofia. C&N, Great job on the book. I can't wait to get the next issue when it comes out ;)

[Hellion]

I loved the book. I like they way they are going with it. The introduction of a character each issue insures that you get to know the characters. On Sofia asking Laurie if she found her attractive, it wasn't for shock value at all. Laurie's pheromone power is directly tied into her feelings. Sofia was just making a point. Laurie isn't attracted to her, so she shouldn't be afraid that her powers might accidentally "go off" affecting Sofia. Great read. Just can't wait till Rahne shows up, 'tis about time!

[Moonstar]

Well, I was very pleased to see a rating of 4.5. I think this is the best new title in a long time. When I read the issue, Xavier didn't seem out of character or anything to me. Granted, he was acting quite differently than he has been in New X-Men or Mystique, for example. But I was sort of relieved to see a gentler portrayal. And as you pointed out, Dani's character was perfect. This issue seemed so full of development to me, perhaps not a load of action, but I prefer character development over action actually. It's a matter of taste. I can't wait to be able to watch the school in progress, watch the new kids learn to cope with their abilities and their surroundings, and watch Dani adjust to her new adulthood and responsibility. I could definitely see this book becoming my favorite X-title.

[Alex Guillen]

great review, Dave. the art for my taste is quite good, no real complaints since I know keron Grant is a great artist.
the story flowed great and Northstar was back to basics and 100% arrogant, now that's one of the high points of the character.

[sinestro]

i liked it.. i m real excited for next issue. i kinda wish though the story arc didnt have to be stretched to six issues cause im reall excited about the other characters. im excited next issue we see magma.yay:D



#1 fan of crazy lorna :crazy::lorna::crazy:

[Inferno]

You know, I agree with one of the people who posted earlier, I think this is one of the greatest books to come out in a long time. It is making its way (very fast even) to the top of my favorite current books. The art is differant, I agree, but i think it fits very well within this book. I think they are doing very well with Dani, who I think is becoming VERy intersting, and that gives me hopes for when they bring in the rest of the "Old" Mutants, Shan, Amara, and Rahne. I hope they are written as well as Dani Moonstar.

Steven

Still looking for Skids. :(

How cool is it that there is a Gaurdian face? :guardian:

[Mad Titan]

In regards to the lack of freaky students, the writers said in an interview once that the freaky mutants were Morrison's thing and they were going to focus more on the normal looking students..(the ones you couldn't tell were mutants just by looking at them)..because those were the "scariest" ones. Still, with all freaky students we've been seeing in the other books, the artist still should've drawn them half and half.

The art is still my only complaint about this book. I'm trying to love it, but the goofy art is really making it hard. Dani looks like one of the women from southeast asia that elongate their necks.

[Nunzio DeFilippis]

Hey Dave,

Great review - thanks for the praise.

Hard to argue with your "too perfectly matched" comment about Sofia and Laurie - we designed them to be ideal roommates, to sort of create a sense of destiny to their friendship - a yin/yang thing.

So, we can't complain if someone sees that as too convenient. A fair cop.

As for Xavier, we wrote him as knowing so much about the situations of his individual students based on Christina's experience in a private school with 400 or so students. This wasn't even a boarding school, and the headmistress knew all the kids by name and seemed to know their situations as well. Xavier's not just running a school - for a lot of these kids, his place is a literal lifeline. He HAS to keep on top of how well they're fitting in. When he isn't, it could be disastrous.

But it is true, he isn't nearly as manipulative and shaded as he's been depicted elsewhere. He'll be keeping secrets in Issue 3, but we see him as more benevolent.

Hellion's read on Sofia's "attractive" line is what we were going for, but we'll only add that it's a joke. She's teasing Laurie, trying to defuse Laurie's fears.

We're glad people are really enjoying the book. We're having a great time writing it.

And if there's a Hogwarts-ey feel to it, well that's bonus. We didn't set out to achieve that, but we like the Potter stuff, so it's very flattering.

Again, thanks for the well-spoken review, Dave.

[Nunzio DeFilippis]

Originally posted by Mad Titan
In regards to the lack of freaky students, the writers said in an interview once that the freaky mutants were Morrison's thing and they were going to focus more on the normal looking students..(the ones you couldn't tell were mutants just by looking at them)..because those were the &quot;scariest&quot; ones. Still, with all freaky students we've been seeing in the other books, the artist still should've drawn them half and half.

Yeah, that was and still is our goal. But we wanted a student body reflective of the world as it's been established. Not sure 50-50 is the way it is, though...

If the "freaky" kids were 50% of the population, then the X-Men teams would not be very representative of the mutant population. And could be accused of being racist. In New X-Men, out of seven members two are "freaky" - Xorn and Beast. In Uncanny, out of 15 or so members, three are "freaky" - Nightcrawler, Chamber and Stacy X (who isn't even with the team anymore). And lastly, in Xtreme, out of ten members, only Lifeguard would qualify. That's 6 out of 30-35 members, or 1 in every 5 or 6.

Keron's kids don't feature that many "freaky" kids - probably less than 1 in 6, at least in the backgrounds. In the one place where there's true interaction - Julian's table - there are 2 out of 7 (that 7 includes Sofia & Julian). That's more "freakish" mutants (ratio-wise) than on the X-Teams.

I think you have to remember, Grant chooses to focus on the Special Class, where the kids with Special needs go - some of these have special needs because of very distinct mutations and what those mutations do to them socially.

[akellard]

Yeah, but I think Charles would act more 'gentler' around the students, if only to seem more accessible as a headmaster. But I also agree with the point that it's doubtful he'd be sitting around eating lunch with them when he's meant to be off saving the world, promoting equal rights and all those little things. Although that could be justified by the fact that he was giving a tour of the place. Context is probably important in this case . . .

Generally speaking, NM is a nice book and I enjoyed this format much more than just the single character focus of issue one (although it was understandable and still an interesting way to start off the series). The art is alright, not fantastic but it works well enough. I judge the writing before anything else as well. ;}

Edit: Ack, this post is aimed at the replies before Mr. DeFilippis. I should be more snappy when I reply. Ignore anything redunant. ;P

[Mad Titan]

In New X-Men, out of seven members two are "freaky" - Xorn and Beast. In Uncanny, out of 15 or so members, three are "freaky" - Nightcrawler, Chamber and Stacy X (who isn't even with the team anymore). And lastly, in Xtreme, out of ten members, only Lifeguard would qualify. That's 6 out of 30-35 members, or 1 in every 5 or 6.

Yeah, that was my problem with some of the depictions of students in the other books. There's been times in Uncanny and New X-Men where we've seen groups of students walking around the school in the background and nearly every single one has stalks growing out of their head or what have you. That's why seeing nearly all normal students at the school seemed a little strange in New Mutants. If there were really as many strange mutants as the other books have shown, then people would wonder if the x-men were discriminating.

Anyhoo..loving the book so far, Nunzio. Can't wait for more!

[heeeve]

I keep meaning to try this book, but isnt this one of those new comics marvel is launching to try to get the younger girl audience, or is this a standard comic? :?

[Hellion]

Originally posted by heeeve
I keep meaning to try this book, but isnt this one of those new comics marvel is launching to try to get the younger girl audience, or is this a standard comic? :?

It's part of the Tsunami line, yes. The returning New Mutants are all 4 female. The new New Mutants students have more girls than guys (4 to 2 I believe). But it is in no way a girl book. It's just you ordinary well written, developed comic.

[Black mamba]

its a comic for everybody old or young trust me try it you won't be disapointed.:D

[Red King]

I really enjoyed this issue. i thought it was cool how it focuses on the students and not the x-men. but it is cool to see people like beast, northstar and xavier in their teaching rolls instead of the superhero. and they didn't dominate the book.

i cant wait for next month to find out what is next.

[Airhead]

I totally agree with this review!
I loved this issue!:D

[Phoenix_Force]

I aree with the review 100%. A great comic, though I wish I could actually purchase it instead of just following it. Alas, I'm only financially able to buy NXM and XXM and I dropped Uncanny in order to make way for Emma Frost in July . . .

[Wolverine]

great issue though I must admit that Xavier looked really odd in one panel. his face looked like it was glowing and burning

[Vasiliki]

I admit it, I picked up the book only for the cover and Northstar's appearance (I know, I have collection-ism issues).

Overall, the book was OK, although:

The pace was slow and not many things 'happened'. There's not much there to sustain one issue (in a monthly series, too!). This isn't a manga volume, it's a western comic. I wouldn't want fights with super-villains, and I prefer the character-driven books, but I would expect more substance for the book's price. I'm comparing with the old NM#1 and 2, and boy, was it a ride back then!
Too little dialogue, too many wordless panels. In such a visual medium, do we really need 3 panels showing the blond guy approacing Laurie, or 2 panels for Dani approaching Laurie's table? Again, it comes down to the artist not being able to fill in the pages with too little script.

On the minor side, I have a problem with the huge mouth the artist gives Dani in some panels (check page 6), but on the other hand this is preferable over her Pocahontas-like face in X-Factor 67, so... OK.

The characterizations of all old characters (Jean-Paul, Dani, Xavier) were on the spot. The chance to see a mellowed-down Xavier was interesting. Northstar was preciously in character, and thank goodness that he's shown at last to do something else in the X-mansion, than playing the friendly-member-of-X-team and delivering OOC lines. (apparently, some writers should give characterization advice to some other writers *cough*)
Quoting Julian: "You should have seen the look on Beaubier's face." Yes, Julian, I also wish we could have SEEN the look on Beaubier's face - when is his pointless visor going to be ditched? (I know, I'm complaining on the wrong forum about that *sigh*)

[Cal_click]

About the 4 returning females from the original New Mutants, the really core 9 members of the original were:
Cannonball - spoken for in X-Treme.
Sunspot - spoken for elsewhere (prolly X-Treme).
Karma - returning
Mirage (Well, Moonstar or whatever now) - returning
Wolfsbane - returning
Magma - returning
Warlock - he was dead, now hes not dead...i have no idea what hes doing now
Cypher - dead
Magik - dead

We pretty much got all the original people that we could. :p

[Sonambulo]

cause, i like the book. . . it's like reading NM 101 . . . like i closed out the first NM book with Cable and them leaving, and then bomb . . . new direction!!!! I like it. Yes, the writing is indepth. I like setting the book and it's characters up. It's always a green flag for me when i get to read one of x-titles and no one got shot up, transported, kicked, lifted by some force or something. If the writers are pumpin up the characters and then adding some spice w/ their abilities in the background . . . then they are on the right track. i'd rather read about the people and how they handle it all from day to day.

The art work fits. Dani has a butt-part, but that's o.k. Gracias a Dios que you put a latino inthe grupo. i am sold. ;)

[I-Ching]

Well I enjoyed the first issue quite a bit but this issue was even more enjoyable.

Sofia is an interesting character but I'm glad we got a spotlight on Dani. Her "homecoming" and words about her past were fantastic. Her characterization is dead-on and the scene where she and Xavier are discussing her future and he says he wasn't asking her to be an X-Man was great.

The intro of Laurie was handled quite effectively. We got a glimpse into her current state, a little of her past, and her the ramifications of her powers. Also the visual depiction of her powers is handled quite well, it really communicates to the reader what she's feeling and to what level she and those around her are feeling it.

I'm quite impressed by the way the writers have managed to cram SO much into one issue. Dani's return, the day-to-day happenings of the school, Laurie's intro, Xavier's offer to Dani, the set-up of relationships, etc. All acheived quite well.

I love the artwork of Keron Grant but I do feel that his work here is a bit mis-matched. Maybe it's the shiny smiley aspect the book has but his work seems too simplified (backgrounds are a bit lacking) to really communicate the multi-layered emotions.
I do think the book (granted it's only two issues thus far) has a rather genial tone to it when there should be so many other emotions occuring. Things are happening or being resolved a little too smoothly and the smiling is getting a little overdone.

I'm looking forward to seeing some old favorites (PLEASE bring back Skids!!!) and watching the premise of this book take action.

Why people are critical of the Tsunami line is beyond me. This title is a great break from the predictable titles that are put out. The premise of this book is a refreshing change from what we've seen from other X titles and really harkens back to what New Mutants was intended to be and what it will now become.

[ManFromRoomX]

Great review, I've been anticipating this series since news of it came out. From what I have seen I enjoy the writing, the characters and the art but not enough to pick the series up quiet yet.



Im suspecting the writers will be taking there time developing each character. Though its nice to see character development in a book to me its moving at a snails crawl with very little interesting happening to these characters other then there mundane lives. Ever watch a 2 hr movie where the first half of it nothing really happens, it gets a bit boring. To me this is like that kinda movie.

The quality of the art is enjoyable but far from superb or eyecatching but enough to want to pick up this book later.

Comic books dont come cheap and im picky up what I buy. I usually go to the comic book stores browse through and buy it based on the art, the writing and if the story is so captivating and so jam packed of things going on that I have to pick it up 3 times and read it over and want to read more just to understand it. With these past two issues I picked up the book glanced through it go the story and the plot within seconds and was finished because the story was so straight forward with very little happening, so why bother buying?

[Thorn]

Originally posted by heeeve
I keep meaning to try this book, but isnt this one of those new comics marvel is launching to try to get the younger girl audience, or is this a standard comic? :?

Ha! Your comments remind me of a conversation between some kids and Colussus in "The Fall of the Mutants" trade paper back. One of the kids says, "The X-Men used to be so BOSS! Now they're just a bunch of girls! They need more boy mutants!"

When was that written? 1988?

The more things change, the more they stay the same...

[Thorn]

Originally posted by Cal_click
About the 4 returning females from the original New Mutants, the really core 9 members of the original were:
Cannonball - spoken for in X-Treme.
Sunspot - spoken for elsewhere (prolly X-Treme).
Karma - returning
Mirage (Well, Moonstar or whatever now) - returning
Wolfsbane - returning
Magma - returning
Warlock - he was dead, now hes not dead...i have no idea what hes doing now
Cypher - dead
Magik - dead

We pretty much got all the original people that we could. :p

They should totally bring back Warlock and Illyana after they get the new kids up and running. Like around issue #25.

[Thorn]

Originally posted by Nunzio DeFilippis

As for Xavier, we wrote him as knowing so much about the situations of his individual students based on Christina's experience in a private school with 400 or so students. This wasn't even a boarding school, and the headmistress knew all the kids by name and seemed to know their situations as well. Xavier's not just running a school - for a lot of these kids, his place is a literal lifeline.

Wow that's cool that you're bringing more of your real life experience into the book where you can. Keep up the good work. Any news about a TPB yet?

Lastly, I was at a con this weekend and picked up "New Mutants Annual 4 The Evolutionary War" for a quarter! I missed the issue way back when and was glad to finally read it so cheap. Anyway, those that haven't read it I highly recommend it. Louise Simonson does a great job with the "we're students, not X-Men but we're going to save Karma anyway" plot and then she has a great Dani back-up story too.

[Douglas Cuckler]

A little late to give my prasie, but thoroughy enjoyed #1 & 2.
This book WILL be around for a long time.

There isn't anything wrong at all with this title, and i know I've heard complains about the "slowness" , But seriously people, a slow start has benefited both new characters with showing a great view of who each one is and will be.

[UMichWolverine]

My comic shop received a fraction of the books they were supposed to receive on this so I did not have a chance to pick it up until today.

This book is awesome. It is a nice change of pace against the UXM, NXM, and XXM.

As for Chuck knowing everything thats going on. He is one of the world's premier telepaths and in keeping with the Harry Potter comparison, Dumbledore always seems to know what is going on around the school at all times too. So its not that far fetched.

I enjoyed the art except for one small panel. There is one where Charles is first shown and he looks downright creepy. He has the sort of bug-eyed, I'm happy you're here because I want to eat your brains kind of look. Other than that the art was exceptional.

Keep up the good work on the art and the writing guys.

[Inferno256]

ive been at camp and i am getting behind in my comics, i must get it; i havent even picked the first one up yet, oh no!!!!! i can't wait

[FrodoLives]

Beautiful issue. From the Art to the writing. Great job. Great Comic. And i love the comparison of Hogwarts to Xaviers.

[Arno13]

I like this comics but I wish they'd get another artist.
Grant's work on New X-Men was surprisingly good to me so I had hope for him on New Mutants. But his art is just blah. Does he even know that people open their mouth when they speak ? I don't think so. Most of the time, faces look dumb.

[FrodoLives]

Really, Arno13? I thing Grant's art is beautiful. Very pleasing to the eye.

[Inferno256]

i got the issue and it was great!!! but the artist has a nack for making people look frekishly happy like they aer going to kill someone, but it is still awesome!!!

[Inferno256]

p.s. the covers are amazing!!!!

[FrodoLives]

Originally posted by Inferno256
p.s. the covers are amazing!!!!

Yeah, Josh Middleton is a Very talented Artist.
So here

Northstar=Snape

Xavier=Dumbledore

Sofia=Harry

Laurie=?

Beast=?

Anyone got any ideas?

[UMichWolverine]

If we go with Sofia = Harry then I guess it would stand to reason that Laurie = Ron.

[Vasilios]

I must say, I am thrilled with this book! I read issue two first, and then quickly went back to search for the first one. I feel like i can really like this book since I dont have to worry too much about back history.... also since the current X-books are a mess (continuity, characters, etc.) i feel like this is a LONG OVERDUE break!