HOUSE OF X #3
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Pepe Larraz
Colorist: Marte Gracia
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Designer: Tom Muller
Publisher: Marvel
Rating:10/10
What can I say about Hickman's X books that hasn't already been said. From the first issue of HOUSE OF X this was clearly something special. The new ideas brought in and the sheer scope of what we were being shown was both thrilling and at times confusing. Along for the ride are two of the most talented artists in the industry R.B. Silva (POX) and Pepe Larraz(HOX). From new costume designs that honor the past while still fresh and new, to the new mission that the entire mutant race has undertaken, this is the most exciting time for fans of Marvel's favorite mutants.
I can't even remember the last time I was this excited for an X-Men book. But it's not just me, it's the entire comic book community. I started working at my LCS a few weeks ago, right after HOX #1 came out, and the buzz surrounding these books is unreal. Every week the amount of people adding the books to their subs, or new customers starting subs because of the book, continues to increase. This has brought people that haven't read in years, back into this wonderful hobby of ours. It's not only been good for X-Men books but the industry as a whole.
I could go on all day about the profound impact these books have had on the industry, but let's get into this review.
We return to the present day, where Professor X, Magneto and Cyclops are formulating their plan to take down the Mother Mold (which is capable of creating Master Molds) to stop the enventual creation of Nimrod. The scene between these three is such a powerful moment and Magneto delivers one of my favorite lines. As Cyclops is set to leave, to take down the Mother Mold with his fellow X-Men, he is understandably a little fearful. But as Professor X assures him that he's doing the right thing, Magneto drops a lyrical/poetic bomb "For you to die, you would have to be forgotten... And no one forgets the founder of a nation." Damn!!!! Hickman you brilliant man! Hickman has gotten each characters "voice" down perfectly and it shows even more with each passing issue.
While the team heads to space, we catch up with Sabretooth who is on trial for events from issue 1 of HOX, enter the White Queen. Emma Frost has been one of my favorite X characters going back to Grant Morrison's NEW X-Men run. The way she makes her entrance was epic, she exudes confidence, elegance and at the same time intimidates everyone in the room. So glad to see her back, it will be interesting to see the dynamic between her and Jean in the coming months.
As the X-Men arrive at the Mother Mold, they attempt to destroy it, but are met with unforeseen circumstances. The group in charge of creating this new Mother Mold, Orchis, still leaves me with a lot of question marks. I'm not entirely sure what to think of them and how they came to be, but I try not to question the genius of Hickman's plan. I know everything is here for a reason and I could spend hours trying to decipher it, but I think it would be easier to do once these series conclude and I can do a full re-read. Until then I'll continue to enjoy every nuance of these books.
Pepe Larraz continues to blow my mind with is stunning visuals. Every page and panel is a sight to behold. From the way he draws Emma Frost enter a room, to the breathtaking scenes in space and the beauty of Krakoa, Larraz is a force to be reckoned with. If you didn't' know his name before this series, you definitely won't forget it now.
With this issue, we are at the half way point. Where things go from here, is anyone's guess. But you can bet that there are plenty more surprises in store for us. If you haven't been reading, what are you waiting for... TO ME MY X-FANS!!!!