X-MEN UNITED #2 – A Blast from the Past

Creative Team – Eve L. Ewing, Tiago Palma, Brian Reber, VC’s Joe Sabino, Stefano Caselli, Federico Blee

Published by Marvel Comics

Catch up with X-Men United #2!

The Story

This comic review is brought to you by the dynamic duo of Megan and Shawn!

Shawn – Eve L Ewing does a really good job setting up this story. I was really curious about the inclusion of Captain America in the story, but Ewing did so in a way that makes sense. I think the thing that I love about this, but that also makes me uneasy, is to see Scott Summers put in this place. The part that makes me uneasy about all of this is Scott being inevitably proven right is much of an X-Men trope as corny jokes are a Spider-Man trope. I love the new dynamics that Graymatter Lane brings to this story. I can’t wait to see where we go from here. I love that Ewing crafts a version of Beast that instantly makes me uncomfortable

Megan – X-Men United #2 has a little bit of everything you’d want in the continuation from the first issue. We see Scott’s jealousy rage on as he tries to pull a fast one over Emma, which shows where his priorities lie. We get to see the different dynamics through mutants who normally wouldn’t work together. Plus, we get to see a team up and these mutants and Captain America that leaves off on a very interesting cliffhanger.

What I love about Eve Ewing’s writing is how effortlessly she’s able to have so many different big personalities in a scene together, and they still shine in their own right. With Emma, Kitty, Prodigy, and Iceman working as a team together, each of their personalities is on full display without watering down the others. The team that’s working alongside Captain America has the same magic to their dynamics as well.

The Art

Shawn – Just another absolutely beautiful issue from Tiago Palma. The lines are absolutely beautiful. It’s one thing to have Ewing come up with the idea of Graymatter Lane, but it’s Palma, along with colors from Brian Reber, that bring it to life. I appreciate that Palma is skilled enough and cares enough about his craft to bring actual details to panels that feature burning buildings. It would be really easy to bury everything in smoke and fire, but Palma shows adept attention to detail, even outlining columns and woodwork in the background. Reber does a beautiful job with colors in this issue. Emma Frost walking through fire is a beautifully drawn and immaculately colored panel. Joe Sabino ensures that the story flows while allowing readers a full view of the art

Megan – There’s simply no losing with this creative team, and this second issue proves just that! Tiago Palma, Brian Reber, and Joe Sabino all bring something to United X-Men #2 that makes it an outstandingly beautiful comic. It’s becoming very clear that Tiago Palma just doesn’t miss when he’s the artist of the comic. Tiago sets the tone immediately with a fiery scene that instantly grabs your attention. The character’s emotions shine brightly and clearly through their facial expressions, most notably Emma Frost.

Alongside Tiago is Brian Reber, who handles the colors of the comic. Tiago and Brian work so well off each other, with the details being highlighted excellently with the colors. United X-Men #2 is a beautiful mix of vibrancy and dark details, and makes the panels practically pop off the page. Joe Sabino wraps the comic in a perfect bow with his work on the lettering, capturing the emotions of the characters and creating an excellent flow of dialogue throughout the comic.

Final Thoughts

Shawn – 9/10. Ewing and Co follow up a really strong first issue with a solid second issue. If the ideal comic leaves you with a cliffhanger and gives you one poster-worthy panel minimum, then this one checks the boxes. I like the direction this story is taking and can’t wait to see where it comes out.

Megan – 10/10. We see some really great team-ups, excellent dynamics, and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. But what really drives this home is the artwork that’s provided by the excellent creative team.

Overall Grade – 9.5/10