New Mutants #12

by: Zeb Wells (writer), Ibraim Roberson (artist),

The Story: The X-Men’s Alpha squad battle William Stryker and his soldiers, The Purifiers, in order to save Cable and Hope.  Meanwhile, the New Mutants go on  a suicide mission in the heart of Cameron Hodge’s headquarters so that they can buy their fellow X-Men valuable time.

What’s Good: After a perfectly serviceable entry last week that seemed to tread water somewhat, Zeb Wells delivers a fast-paced, exciting installment of the Second Coming saga with this issue.  Yes, the story is back on track, folks, and my faith in this crossover has just been refocused.  Wells has addressed some of my misgivings with the story-line here, and it’s heightened my enjoyment of the story.  In one fell swoop, not only does he explain why Cable continues to ditch the X-Men at every turn, despite reaching them being his primary goal, but he also does what no other writer so far has done: he’s made the villains of the piece actually seem threatening.  Both Fraction and the writing team of Kyle & Yost weren’t able to imbue Bastion and his forces with any attributes that would elevate them above the level of cackling villains.  However, Wells depicts Hodge and Stryker as formidable tacticians.  The military tactics in general, actually, that we see both the X-Men and their enemies utilizing is effective, really conveying the feeling that we’re witness to a war fought by equally intelligent forces.

Ibraim Roberson is not a name on my radar.  That, I’m sure, is about to change.  He has a style reminiscent of Salvador Larroca, yet it still manages to have it’s own unique charm.  His “acting” is well-handled, as well.  There’s a silent moment between Wolverine and Archangel that says all that it needs to, and not only does the artwork service the plot point, but it also manages to speak volumes about what these two teammates have been through together and the secrets they’ve shared.  On a somewhat related note, can someone please write an Archangel-centric issue of X-Men or X-Force  The things this character has been going through over the last two years have been riveting and I’m eager to find out how he actually feels about it all.

Weekly Comic Book Review’s Top Picks

DS’ Top Picks

Pick of the Week: Red Robin #11 – Although Morrison is weaving an exciting web, in my books, all eyes are on Tim Drake. Red Robin #11 delivered action, excitement, danger and guest stars! And surprise (!) Tim Drake is engaged!? Check it out!

Most Anticipated: Brightest Day #0 and Flash #1! It’s a tie! What great a week is it when you get to read two titles by Geoff Johns.

Other Top Picks: Batman #698, Batgirl #9, New Mutants #12, Daredevil #506

Joe’s Top Picks

Pick of the Week: S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 – Packed with enough mad ideas for five comic series and filled with cameos for the lifetime Marvel fan and new characters for the more recent readers, this first issue was damn good.  The sensation I was left with after closing this book was what I always hope to feel when trying a new title out, but rarely ever actually feel.  If you didn’t like this, you just might not like comics.

Most Anticipated: The Flash #1/Brightest Day #0 – The name Geoff Johns has been consistently paired with some great comics over the last few years, and his streak shows no signs of coming to a halt.  And while both Flash: Rebirth and Blackest Night weren’t perfect in my eyes, I still have high expectations for these two new ongoings written by the scribe.  And I mean, really, how can your inner geek not be excited about getting a free Flash ring?!

Other Picks: Secret Six #20, New Mutants #12, Siege: Captain America, X-Factor Forever #2, Punisher MAX #6

Alex’s Top Picks

Pick of the Week: Sweet Tooth #8 -A fantastic new character, a stunning twist, and 22 pages that run the full gamut of genuine human emotions make for an easy pick of the week.  More people need to be reading this book.

Most Anticipated: The Flash #1 -Who doesn’t love the Flash?  With possibly the perfect creative team for this book, there are so many reasons to be excited about this book.  With all the delays Rebirth experienced, I’ve had a serious hankering for a monthly Flash book for a while now.

Other Picks: Brightest Day #0, Daredevil #506, Powers #4, Punishermax #6, Secret Six #20, The Unwritten #12, Fables #94, DMZ #52, The Walking Dead #72

Dean’s Top Picks

Pick of the Week: SHIELD #1 – This is one of the best new comics put out by Marvel in a LONG time.  Fanboy continuity complaints aside, this was a great set-up issue with awesome art.  Now go buy it so that Marvel doesn’t cancel this after 5 issues!

Most Anticipated: New Mutants #12 –  Can’t believe New Mutants would be most anticipated?  Well….it is the next chapter of Second Coming so be sure not to miss it!

Others: Brightest Day #0, Daytripper #5, Forgetless #4, Iron Man Legacy #1, Irredeemable Special #1