Review: Extraordinary X-Men Issue #7

ComiConverse contributor, Sammy Rendon, reviews the latest installment in the Extraordinary X-Men series: Extraordinary X-Men #7, which he deems a fitting entry that also works well as a stand alone comic.

Extraordinary X-Men Issue #7 is a strong and emotional issue that displays the power of comic books to convey feeling. It does what other single issues fail to do; leave you feeling satisfied at the end without creating suspense for a future volume. It is also an essential issue because Extraordinary X-Men Issue #7 is setting the stage for The Apocalypse Wars crossover event. For those who have not read any Extraordinary X-Men issues, this is a great jumping on point. So, let's get right into this months Extraordinary X-Men; Issue #7.

Backstory:

Terrigen mist was distributed across the globe. This is the mist that has given birth to the Inhuman race. It has also crippled mutantkind. The terrigen mist prevents new mutants from forming. The Extraordinary X-Men consist of; Storm, Iceman, Magik, Colossus, Cerebra (in the form of a sentinel), a teenage Jean Grey, "Old Man" Logan, and the latest inductee, Nightcrawler. Who in Extraordinary X-Men; Issue #5, the others found in a shell-shocked state.

Credit: Marvel Comics

Synopsis:

Extraordinary X-Men; Issue #7 begins with Jean Grey and Storm deciding to face Nightcrawler's demons literally by entering Nightcrawler's memories to try and find the source of his all-consuming fear. Meanwhile, the rest of the Extraordinary X-Men have traveled to the inconsistent Weirdworld via a portal that Magik and mutant student Sapna discovered. While attempting to rescue refugees, the Extraordinary X-Men come across Rhinosaurs. In the middle of their fight, they find Sunfire; who was on half of the Scott Sommers attacks that put mutantkind into hiding. With Storm now the leader of the X-Men school of mutants after the death of professor Xavier, Storm has formed the  Extraordinary X-Men in hopes that they can create a strong enough presence to make mutants part of the world again. But with Storm inside Nightcrawlers mind, has the only leader bitten off more than she can chew?

Credit: Marvel Comics

Review: 

Extraordinary X-Men #7 stands alone. Even if this is your first issue of Extraordinary X-Men, there is something here for you. I stress this jumping on point because for me I feel this is the main X-Men title. Although the All New X-Men is probably the flagship X-Men title run, this series, from writer Jeff Lemire and artist Victor Ibanez, is more mature, familiar, and engaging.

As soon as this issue starts it wastes no time setting up the story. Storm and Jean begin where Xavier found Nightcrawler, in Germany. But it isn't actually Germany because they are wandering through Nightcrawler's memories. The story then jumps to Weirdworld where the rest of the X-Men are. It's great seeing all of the characters reactions to this world because it displays their unique personalities.

The X-Men are then in even more trouble. They have just defeated some absurd creation that could only exist in Weirdworld when they find themselves now fighting a majestic ghost. Thankfully Extraordinary X-Men are a versatile group and, since Magik rules Limbo, she is familiar with other worldly creatures.

The source of these ghosts is a wizard who had very little story time but who gave a lot of vague information. Foreshadowing the future saying there will be "the fall of kingdoms" the wizard also refers to Sapna saying "not even the little girl will be able to save you." With "the fall of kingdoms," the wizard might be talking about the upcoming Apocalypse wars, or something even worse.

How important is Sapna? Her first appearance was in issue #1. She got sick from the Terrigan mist, and, because of her mutant powers, her parents neglected her. Magik began to look after her after that.

Magik and Cerebra teleport the refugees, Firestorm and the remaining X-Men back to  X-Haven in time to witness Jean and Storm come back from roaming Nightcrawler's memories, after they found the source.

Credit: Marvel Comics

Nightcrawler protected a part of Germany. Under his protection, dozens of mutants were killed. He was filled with guilt, terror and for one of the first times, questioned his god. Nightcrawler is then embraced by Jean Grey in a great full, final page panel just to be reminded that Apocalypse Wars are coming and their will be no  time for the Extraordinary X-Men to catch there breathe.

Credit: Marvel Comics

Overall, Extraordinary X-Men Issue #7 was a great end to a story arc that still worked as a stand alone comic.

Easter Eggs:

One thing I like to look for in comic books is the hidden references that the artist or writer sneak in. Extraordinary X-Men is no stranger to paying homage, check out the photo below; from Extraordinary X-Men Issue #2

Credit: Marvel

There is also the scene above where Jean Grey is wearing the Uncanny X-Men outfit that Storm refers to as "Retro." Nightcrawler's outfit and facial features are also the older version from the late 70's early 80's.

While Jean and Storm were in Nightcrawler's mind, they ended up on a ship. The miniature versions of Nightcrawler would "BAMF" all around the ship while Nightcrawler was wearing a pirate costume. This  reminded me of the 1995 Fleer Ultra haunted Mansion series trading cards.

Banter: Another Plus

One great part in this issue is the banter between Iceman and Logan. This type of back and forth is great comic relief that works well and Lemire has made this these characters have their own way of delivering lines even though their dialogue reminds me a lot of The Human Torch and The Thing. In Extraordinary X-Men #7 the roles are reversed, and it is "Old Man" Logan who irritates the teenage Iceman. One instance is when Logan says "I'm too old for this $%*^#" at least three times and it irritates Iceman.

With Sapna and the Xavier look a like at Storm's press speech in a past issue, Extraordinary X-Men is on to something huge and I'm looking forward to where these comics go.

If you found any other easter eggs or have any comments on Extraordinary X-Men #7 we'd love to hear about it in the comment section below!