DISTRICT X #3 REVIEW

Erwin Rafael · Jul 19, 2004, 11:12 am

Reviewer: Erwin Rafael, erafael@globalpinoy.com
Quick Rating: Excellent!
Story Title: Mr. M Part 3 (of 6)

The mutant gang war heats up as the opening arc of the best mutant book in the stands continues...

Written by: David Hine
Cover by: Steve McNiven
Penciled by: David Yardin
Inked by: Alejandro "Boy" Sicat
Colored by: Avalon's Andy Troy
Lettered by: Richard Starkings and Comicraft's Rob Steen
Assistant Editors: Cory Sedlmeier and Stephanie Moore
Edited by: Mike Marts
Editor-in-Chief: Joe Quesada
Publisher: Dan Buckley

If you asked me back in March what would be the best book that would come out of the X-Men Reload event, District X would not even come to mind. I picked up this series on a whim, not expecting much and just hoping that it would prove to be an entertaining read. Three issues in, it looks like the two Davids have proven me wrong as District X has undoubtedly proven itself as the best X-book Marvel is currently publishing. I know that I might earn the ire of a lot of you for this, but Hine and Yardin are really just blowing away their more celebrated colleagues in terms of quality of work and in terms of progressing Marvel's mutant concept.

The gist: "Shakey" Kaufman finally made his move into "Filthy" Frankie's territory by making his play for Frankie's lucrative Toad-juice business. Little did he suspect the trouble(s) that would come with the Toad Boy. Meanwhile, it looks like Officer Ortega's "account" of the murder in issue #1 would finally come to haunt him. Incidentally, what is the enigmatic Mr. M's involvement in all of this?

Marvel's X-books has always served as a metaphor for real-world discrimination as mutants try to live in a world that hates and fears them. It made for an interesting vehicle for social commentary for the writers. In fact, most of the X-Men's best stories revolved around this metaphor ("Days of Future Past", "God Loves, Man Kills"). However, I find the theme quite tiring nowadays because the writers kept on hitting the same notes over and over again for the past 40 years. How many times can we have stories about mutants chased by a human mob? Government mutant witch-hunts? Mutants massacred by bigots? Mutants exacting their revenge on humans? Been there, done that.

District X is rooted to the same metaphor, as the very reason for the existence of the place is to escape the discrimination the mutants experienced outside the confines of the district. However, the traditional take on the mutant concept stops there. David Hine takes advantage of this unique setting where mutants are NOT the minority. It's good to finally read a story where mutants can sleep in peace not thinking about a Sentinel attack. Where mutants deal with their "powers" as a normal everyday thing. Where humans are the ones learning how to live with mutants. Where the bad mutant is not some geneticist zealot that has a mad-on against humans. Where mutants may be eyed by a human not with hatred but with fascination. Sure, discrimination is touched upon from time to time, but it's not the overarching concept. And it's this refreshing take that makes Hine the most progressive among today's set of X-writers.

Another amazing thing about this X-spinoff is that it does not rely on an established character to carry it. While Marvel marketing would like you to think otherwise, this book is NOT about Bishop. Bishop is merely one of the fascinating characters that compose District X's acting ensemble. This issue features in particular the ganglords of District X, "Shakey" Kaufman and "Filthy" Frankie, and they are such amusing characters. Their "powers" are original and quirky and it's good to see a mutant villain that is not some insane megalomaniac intent on ridding the world of humanity.

If there's one thing I would wish for this title, it would be for Hine to lighten up a bit and bring in some humor to the script. It's not really a dark and depressing book, but maybe our exploration of this fascinating corner of New York could be more fun. There are some funny moments, like Frankie's "display of power", but it would be better if we get a good laugh from time to time.

Yardin and Sicat's art again complemented Hine's script perfectly, although it was not as sharp as last issue. I was particularly impressed with their handling of action scenes, as the art for the past issues have been generally quiet. Such flexible art style works well for the book, since its focus on a place, instead of a particular character, opens up opportunities to tell a variety of stories.

District X ranks up there with Runaways and Daredevil as one of the best books Marvel is putting out right now. This is the X-book for the non-X-Men crowd - a fascinating exploration of mutants without the cliche social commentary and the spandex-filled superheroics. It has been lovingly labeled as Marvel's new "sleeper hit". I just hope it won't remain a "sleeper hit" forever.

ART:

STORY:

OVERALL:

Buy this issue online now from X-World and save!

James Groves · Jul 19, 2004, 11:25 am

Great review Erwin, i absolutely loved this issue!!

District X is the best Reload title by far, surpassing Astonishing quite easily really.

Loved the way Toads mum ran in to greet Toadboy but instead of greeting her son, she started licking him instead!! I felt so sorry for the lad!

Loved the effect the toad pills/stickers had on the human girl.

Loving Frankie as a chracter, both funny and intimidating at the same time.

I love the way its a mutant story but its nothing like the core x titles and deals with trying to further this tired idea and progress it rather than let it stagnate.

Good artwork, good story, looking forward to the next issue!!

Paul Shinn · Jul 19, 2004, 11:31 am

As I've said countless times over in the District X thread, when this book was first announced, it was not possible for me to be any less interested in it. My feelings? "Another Bishop series? Great, just what the world needs!". However, after hearing nothing but praise for #1, I eventually picked up a copy of the first two issues and was blown away!

As you say in your review this is not Bishop's book. Instead it belongs to the many colourful inhabitants of mutant-town, of which Bishop is but one of many. Yes, Bishop features predominantly on the first three covers, but if you took all the scenes with him in from those first couple of issues, they probably only amount to half a book in total.

The only thing I would disagree on would be your comments about the lack of humour in this book. While admittedly not laugh-out-loud funny, I do think there's a certain level of black humour underlining this book: Kaufman using an acid-faced stress-reliever to calm his violent outbursts, the Toad-boy's mother so eager to see him, but only so she can have a lick of his narcotic juices (and yes, that is probably as perverted as it sounds), the two human's heading into a club in mutant-town and claiming it would be "genetic discrimination" if they were turned away for not being mutants!

As you rightly stated in your conclusion, this is not just the best X-books out there at the moment, but "one of the best books Marvel is putting out right now" period!

Airhead · Jul 19, 2004, 12:03 pm

Very nice issue and very nice review!

I really am liking this book and agree with everything in the review.
I like how a lot of people are connected in weird ways (like in Stephen King movies (I love King movies by the way)).
The supporting characters are quite good and I'm glad that they haven't gone Bishop crazy and that they are showing the new characters even more than him right now.
(P.S. Toad boy's mom looks like Gollum! I thought she was going to jump out and say to Toad boy,"My, preciousss.")

Anand Khatri · Jul 19, 2004, 12:18 pm

Excellent issue. The best Reload title out there.

The scene between the Toad boy and his mother was very, very sad. I felt bad for the guy.

The art is great. The writing is ace. All in all a superb book.

btw...Great Review!

Carnage-DVS · Jul 19, 2004, 02:45 pm

Great review. Best X title out there at the moment. Superior to astonishing in every way.

abaddon667 · Jul 19, 2004, 05:00 pm

Maybe its just me, but i think you guys are jumping the gun by calling this the best X-book out now.....I mean, you should at least wait until the first stroy arc is over. I mean, all you've gotten is three set up issues. This could be an excellent story, and its building up to be on, but lets wait until at least one story is done before we start worshipping at this books feet.....the ending could be a huge letdown....

Paul Shinn · Jul 19, 2004, 05:21 pm

The ending could be a huge letdown... but judging by these first three issues, i very much doubt it! And I think the praise lavished upon this title is justly deserved. If you can show me three consecutive issues of any of the other Reload titles that have been so consistently good then go ahead...

Lee Chong · Jul 19, 2004, 05:37 pm

And after all the praise heaped on the book, anyone wanting to read the first three issues and is unable to find a copy, the full synopses can be found here: -

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/db/issues...sp?fldAuto=171

Lee

Great review. Great book.

abaddon667 · Jul 19, 2004, 06:53 pm

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul
The ending could be a huge letdown... but judging by these first three issues, i very much doubt it! And I think the praise lavished upon this title is justly deserved. If you can show me three consecutive issues of any of the other Reload titles that have been so consistently good then go ahead...

Well, i'm sure you'd disagree with me, but i'm much more excited about the first two issues of Astonishing X-men and 3 issues of Uncanny X-men at the moment...and thats not to say District X isn't good, it just hasn't totally hooked me quite yet....

My rating of the x-books that i read....

1. Astonishing
2. Uncanny
3. District X
4. X-statix
4. New X-men
5. Emma Frost
6. Excalibur
7. Wolverine
8. Ultimate X-men
9. Exiles
10. X-men
11. X-men Unlimited

benbacca37 · Jul 19, 2004, 08:45 pm

Just thought I'd add one more line of praise, this has really been the biggest surprise from ReLoad, go pick it up now.

M-Angel · Jul 19, 2004, 08:56 pm

Astonishing is right up there with District X for me, but I cant disagree this book is great in every sense of the word and also the cover has to be my favorite of the reload so far (along with astonishing #2) but the question remains..who is Mr. M? and what exactly is his purpose? cant wait to find out

Vector · Jul 19, 2004, 09:54 pm

Maybe the success of District-X will prompt Marvel to give Hine some other high-profile projects as well. Hine should at least get a raise or something. :p

Erwin Rafael · Jul 19, 2004, 10:12 pm

Quote:

Originally posted by abaddon667
Maybe its just me, but i think you guys are jumping the gun by calling this the best X-book out now.....I mean, you should at least wait until the first stroy arc is over. I mean, all you've gotten is three set up issues. This could be an excellent story, and its building up to be on, but lets wait until at least one story is done before we start worshipping at this books feet.....the ending could be a huge letdown....

well, that's correct. but we're speaking of what is the best X-book at the moment. and i firmly believe that this is it.

I have had the forune (or is it misfortune) of getting to review excellently done but underappreciated books. i get a lot of mail criticizing my reviews as sounding like press releases because i try to sell the book to the audience. however, i can't help it. after years of frustration reviewing quality books that get cancelled because of low readership, i feel that i should do my part as a reviewer to call the attention of people that there's a good book here right now and it might bite the dust if nobody gets to read it. if i wait up to the end of the story-arc to express how i honestly feel about this book (which is, i feel that this is the best X-book out), it could well be too late for the book. Failed X-spinoff because of mediocre sales. It could go the way of the Black Panther, Runaways, Sentinel, The Crew, etc.

abaddon667 · Jul 19, 2004, 10:20 pm

Quote:

Originally posted by M-Angel
Astonishing is right up there with District X for me, but I cant disagree this book is great in every sense of the word and also the cover has to be my favorite of the reload so far (along with astonishing #2) but the question remains..who is Mr. M? and what exactly is his purpose? cant wait to find out

I was under the impression that Mr. M was Bishop, since he has the M tattoo and such.....

abaddon667 · Jul 19, 2004, 10:22 pm

Quote:

Originally posted by Erwin Rafael

well, that's correct. but we're speaking of what is the best X-book at the moment. and i firmly believe that this is it.

I have had the forune (or is it misfortune) of getting to review excellently done but underappreciated books. i get a lot of mail criticizing my reviews as sounding like press releases because i try to sell the book to the audience. however, i can't help it. after years of frustration reviewing quality books that get cancelled because of low readership, i feel that i should do my part as a reviewer to call the attention of people that there's a good book here right now and it might bite the dust if nobody gets to read it. if i wait up to the end of the story-arc to express how i honestly feel about this book (which is, i feel that this is the best X-book out), it could well be too late for the book. Failed X-spinoff because of mediocre sales. It could go the way of the Black Panther, Runaways, Sentinel, The Crew, etc.

Good point, keep fighting the good fight!!!

Mesran · Jul 19, 2004, 11:12 pm

Thats what I thought at first too...Mr M being Bishop that is...

Another great issue! I can see this title lasting well past 20.

Have to disagree on the art rating...it was flawless IMO.

tormented_spawn · Jul 20, 2004, 12:25 am

Quote:

Originally posted by abaddon667
Maybe its just me, but i think you guys are jumping the gun by calling this the best X-book out now.....

oh, he meant best x-book today so technically, it's the best X-book today, so the next day (wherever you guys lived) it's no longer going to be the best x-book. Make sense? Errr, probably not...

I haven't read this issue, but I can't help read the great review. A big high five to Erwin, keeping supporting those underated titles! A friend let me borrow the book to read (I know, I'm not help with the sales) but the way District-X is going, I'm going to buy the trade, if it does come out...

gwangung · Jul 20, 2004, 12:32 am

...tell us we're jumping the gun and wait to see if it'll last.

Then it'll sink just like other quality books like BLACK PANTHER, RUNAWAYS, etc.

dopplegager · Jul 20, 2004, 12:36 am

I like it so far but I'm still not hooked on it yet.

Float On

William Claypool · Jul 20, 2004, 02:41 am

Quote:

Originally posted by Carnage-DVS
Superior to astonishing in every way.

Except sales. I've noticed District X sells a tad less. Just a tad, almost wandering into smidge territory. Actually, if you lined up their numbers, "by a hair" is most accurate. Yeah, "District X, superior to Astonishing X-Men in every way minus sells in which Astonishing wins by a hair." That my friends, is one awesome byline if I do say so myself... and I do.

Erwin Rafael · Jul 20, 2004, 03:05 am

Quote:

Originally posted by Marduk
Thats what I thought at first too...Mr M being Bishop that is...

Another great issue! I can see this title lasting well past 20.

Have to disagree on the art rating...it was flawless IMO.

and apparently, there's a different Mr. M going around.

anyway, about the art rating, last issue's art got 4.5 X's from me, and i think the art this issue is not as sharp (just look at the way Officer Ortega's face changes in some panels). So, relatively, this issue's art was weaker.

Blake · Jul 20, 2004, 04:39 am

It makes me depressive looking at this review after not liking the first issue for being for too slowly paced and giving up on it after that......

Carnage-DVS · Jul 20, 2004, 07:24 am

Are you saying sales are an indication of how good a book is? That arguement can be destroyed in so many ways. Let's look at some reasons why astonishing is selling more than District X shall we?

1. Hyped, high profile writer on it.
2. Main X-title book.
3. More hyped than District X

Some of the best books coming out today have bad sales. Your arguement that sales=quality are weak, flawed, and wrong.

D4773T · Jul 20, 2004, 08:47 am

Im not supporting this book after the issue six if bishop is not the main character. I bought this book to support Bishop which is the only male black character on the xmen and to put him on the cover but not in the book is a slap in the face to fans of Bishop.

Jul 19, 2004, 12:18 pm	#5
Anand Khatri Funky Fresh Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Flushing, New York Country: Posts: 2,489	Excellent issue. The best Reload title out there. The scene between the Toad boy and his mother was very, very sad. I felt bad for the guy. The art is great. The writing is ace. All in all a superb book. btw...Great Review! __________________ Check Out My Latest Reviews! New X-Men #45 / The Ultimates 3 #3 / Wolverine #63 / Cable #2 "Either you're the one erasing or you're the one being erased." ~ Jim Carrey

Jul 19, 2004, 05:00 pm	#7
abaddon667 Mutant Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: kansas city Country: Posts: 647	Maybe its just me, but i think you guys are jumping the gun by calling this the best X-book out now.....I mean, you should at least wait until the first stroy arc is over. I mean, all you've gotten is three set up issues. This could be an excellent story, and its building up to be on, but lets wait until at least one story is done before we start worshipping at this books feet.....the ending could be a huge letdown.... __________________ Why did you taunt him, Miss Frost? I took no pleasure in his pain. Didn't you Sooraya? Well, don't fret. I took enough for both of us.

Jul 19, 2004, 05:21 pm	#8
Paul Shinn Slayer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: London Country: Posts: 1,002	The ending could be a huge letdown... but judging by these first three issues, i very much doubt it! And I think the praise lavished upon this title is justly deserved. If you can show me three consecutive issues of any of the other Reload titles that have been so consistently good then go ahead... __________________ "The only time we ever get to be happy in life--like, one hundred pecent blissful--is when we're little kids. Because we're too stupid to know how worried we should be." Runaways (vol. 2) #14

Jul 19, 2004, 08:45 pm	#11
benbacca37 Human Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Crown Point, Indiana Country: Posts: 180	Just thought I'd add one more line of praise, this has really been the biggest surprise from ReLoad, go pick it up now. __________________ Top 5 Books: 1) Cable & Deadpool 2) Astonishing X-Men 3) Ultimates 2 4) Fables 5) New Avengers

Jul 19, 2004, 08:56 pm	#12
M-Angel Mutant Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Guadalajara Country: Posts: 586	Astonishing is right up there with District X for me, but I cant disagree this book is great in every sense of the word and also the cover has to be my favorite of the reload so far (along with astonishing #2) but the question remains..who is Mr. M? and what exactly is his purpose? cant wait to find out __________________ Stay True, Stay Metal.

Jul 19, 2004, 11:25 am	#2
James Groves Jedi Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: England Country: Posts: 3,777	Great review Erwin, i absolutely loved this issue!! District X is the best Reload title by far, surpassing Astonishing quite easily really. Loved the way Toads mum ran in to greet Toadboy but instead of greeting her son, she started licking him instead!! I felt so sorry for the lad! Loved the effect the toad pills/stickers had on the human girl. Loving Frankie as a chracter, both funny and intimidating at the same time. I love the way its a mutant story but its nothing like the core x titles and deals with trying to further this tired idea and progress it rather than let it stagnate. Good artwork, good story, looking forward to the next issue!!

Jul 19, 2004, 11:31 am	#3
Paul Shinn Slayer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: London Country: Posts: 1,002	As I've said countless times over in the District X thread, when this book was first announced, it was not possible for me to be any less interested in it. My feelings? "Another Bishop series? Great, just what the world needs!". However, after hearing nothing but praise for #1, I eventually picked up a copy of the first two issues and was blown away! As you say in your review this is not Bishop's book. Instead it belongs to the many colourful inhabitants of mutant-town, of which Bishop is but one of many. Yes, Bishop features predominantly on the first three covers, but if you took all the scenes with him in from those first couple of issues, they probably only amount to half a book in total. The only thing I would disagree on would be your comments about the lack of humour in this book. While admittedly not laugh-out-loud funny, I do think there's a certain level of black humour underlining this book: Kaufman using an acid-faced stress-reliever to calm his violent outbursts, the Toad-boy's mother so eager to see him, but only so she can have a lick of his narcotic juices (and yes, that is probably as perverted as it sounds), the two human's heading into a club in mutant-town and claiming it would be "genetic discrimination" if they were turned away for not being mutants! As you rightly stated in your conclusion, this is not just the best X-books out there at the moment, but "one of the best books Marvel is putting out right now" period! __________________ "The only time we ever get to be happy in life--like, one hundred pecent blissful--is when we're little kids. Because we're too stupid to know how worried we should be." Runaways (vol. 2) #14

Jul 19, 2004, 12:03 pm	#4
Airhead Metahuman Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Michigan... Country: Posts: 356	Very nice issue and very nice review! I really am liking this book and agree with everything in the review. I like how a lot of people are connected in weird ways (like in Stephen King movies (I love King movies by the way)). The supporting characters are quite good and I'm glad that they haven't gone Bishop crazy and that they are showing the new characters even more than him right now. (P.S. Toad boy's mom looks like Gollum! I thought she was going to jump out and say to Toad boy,"My, preciousss.")

Jul 19, 2004, 02:45 pm	#6
Carnage-DVS Metahuman Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Nevada Country: Posts: 218	Great review. Best X title out there at the moment. Superior to astonishing in every way.

Jul 19, 2004, 05:37 pm	#9
Lee Chong Zombie Join Date: May 2003 Location: Leeds Country: Posts: 22	And after all the praise heaped on the book, anyone wanting to read the first three issues and is unable to find a copy, the full synopses can be found here: - http://www.uncannyxmen.net/db/issues...sp?fldAuto=171 Lee Great review. Great book.

Jul 19, 2004, 09:54 pm	#13
Vector Not Really Here Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Austin, TX Country: Posts: 514	Maybe the success of District-X will prompt Marvel to give Hine some other high-profile projects as well. Hine should at least get a raise or something. :p

Jul 19, 2004, 11:12 pm	#17
Mesran Mushroomhead Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Sydney Country: Posts: 2,444	Thats what I thought at first too...Mr M being Bishop that is... Another great issue! I can see this title lasting well past 20. Have to disagree on the art rating...it was flawless IMO. __________________ aka Marduk, SMASH!, Mad Manfred & Hatebreed Have an interest in the Unexplained? Cryptozoology? Conspiracies? Astronomy? Then check out - www.unexplained-mysteries.com. "You are not a beautiful and unique snowflake. You are the same decaying organic material as everything else." - Tyler Durden

Jul 20, 2004, 12:32 am	#19
gwangung Chibi Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Seattle, WA Country: Posts: 13	...tell us we're jumping the gun and wait to see if it'll last. Then it'll sink just like other quality books like BLACK PANTHER, RUNAWAYS, etc.

Jul 20, 2004, 12:36 am	#20
dopplegager Greastman that ever lived Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Rockland County NY Country: Posts: 332	I like it so far but I'm still not hooked on it yet. Float On __________________ I want my two dollars.

Jul 20, 2004, 04:39 am	#23
Blake Epic Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Perth, AUSTRALIA BABY! Country: Posts: 115	It makes me depressive looking at this review after not liking the first issue for being for too slowly paced and giving up on it after that...... __________________ Number one supporter of more bunny deaths in X-men books.

Jul 20, 2004, 07:24 am	#24
Carnage-DVS Metahuman Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Nevada Country: Posts: 218	Are you saying sales are an indication of how good a book is? That arguement can be destroyed in so many ways. Let's look at some reasons why astonishing is selling more than District X shall we? 1. Hyped, high profile writer on it. 2. Main X-title book. 3. More hyped than District X Some of the best books coming out today have bad sales. Your arguement that sales=quality are weak, flawed, and wrong.

Jul 20, 2004, 08:47 am	#25
D4773T Banned Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: NEW YORK Country: Posts: 614	Im not supporting this book after the issue six if bishop is not the main character. I bought this book to support Bishop which is the only male black character on the xmen and to put him on the cover but not in the book is a slap in the face to fans of Bishop.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)