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Generation-X Second Issues
The second installment of every major comic series is fraught with (excuse the pun) “issues.” A Marvel comic book, even back in the hey-day of the mid nineties, was no stranger to this phenomenon. By issues I usually refer to the unnaturally high dip in sales that accompany a new book. Certainly a book by the name of Generation-X starring obscure mutants wasn’t going to help things along. Sure it had Jubilee, Emma Frost and Banshee. But seriously, Banshee!? Scott Lobdell had some balls.
Generation-X #2 certainly dipped in sales after the series’ freshman issue. Understandably so, it wasn’t enough for the Marvel brass to pull the pin. It was enough to keep the series heading in a direction where the lower decks of the X-Men were the stand-out cast. A cast that Lobdell had assigned in his mission to diversify the X-Men universe. Mutants, as a whole.
In Pursuit of Penance
The standout point of this comic book is its reliance on the pursuit of Penance. A shadowy character at best. Penance does little more than inject a sense of ambiguity in the tone of this issue. Presenting directional cues for this X-team to pursue her. The challenge isn’t there. Its just a task that the Generation-X team have to accomplish at Banshee’s request. So they do it.
As we edge towards the crux of the comic, Lobdell inserts a multitude of quips and jabs as the students grow used to one another. There is little opportunity to dive deep into the psyche of Jubilee and Co. There is more time to establish the group as a class of rejects thrown into the fire together. Smells like Teen Angst.
The Demoralizing Errors of Banshee
Teacher and fellow mutant, Banshee, spends his time concentrating on the faults of the younger Mutants. Less on the skills each Generation-X member possesses. We are forced to accept the pig-headed nonsense of the wailing Scotsman. His faults early on as a leader ultimately lead to the issue’s conclusion and the threat Banshee faces at the hands of Penance. In retrospect of the first issue, a word of to Banshee from the view of the reader: Listen to Emma Frost! She’s usually right.
Despite Banshee’s glowing arrogance, Emma and the students follow hot on the heels of Banshee and his pursuit of Penance. Eventually catching up, the students, specifically Husk, M and Emma are thrown into the fire – forced together once again. Much to the pleasure of Emma Frost but to the chagrin of Husk and M. This volatile teen animosity comes to a head when Husk comes across a trap set by Penance. Leaving in a deep hole in the ground with only Banshee to render assistance.
Leading to the menacing confrontation closing out the issue. Banshee versus Penance. To be continued, says Lobdell. Damn you Lobdell, says the reader. On reflection, this is a filler issue at worst. At best, Generation-X #2 stacks up certain personality conflicts for future issues. Not to mention an epic mutant showdown between the team and this new mutant. Who is she and what does she want? You’ll have to pick up a copy from your local comic book store or through Marvel Unlimited.
How did we rate Generation-X #2? 3.5 Sodas
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