Mike Allred, Laura Allred and Peter Milligan reach the end of X-Statix in the second volume of the Marvel Omnibus published by Panini Comics.
Peter Milligan, Mike Allred, and Laura Allred brought to an end the series that transformed superhero comics (especially mutants) at the beginning of the current (if we ignore the recent revival of the comics by the writers) century. Thanks to the rescue by Panini Comics for this deluxe edition, we can finally enjoy X-Statix in the second and final volume of the Marvel Omnibus line.
Dynamic postmodernism
In this second volume we find nothing more surprising than what we saw in the first. The authors have already made clear the tone and objectives and lack of limitations (more or less) of everything they say with this series, so what we have here is more of the same. And, in this case, this is good news.
Milligan and Allreds continue to play with the sleeper genre from a postmodern perspective, bringing these unlikely creatures down to the real world and confronting the problems of fame, becoming an image driven by economic interests. Second or third level everything has to do with their polite motivation to exploit their power.
But the writers weren’t content with this satanic version of the various X-Men teams of the time, but went ahead and played with media clichés to directly show the dynamics and formulas that had existed throughout the years. Publication type, they are teasing them, using them as a tool to advance the plot. Cynical, yes, but effective.
On several occasions, the satire goes beyond that and forgets the terrain it plays on to reflect our reality in a critical look at the superficial and inconsistent aspects of society in this century driven by technology, reality TV and celebrity. With the right hairstyle. But that’s what makes this comic so different from anything else you’ll find published by Marvel Comics, isn’t it?
The controversy with Lady Di
Throughout the issues covered here, we find many direct and indirect references to various pop culture personalities in all areas, but no aspect was as famous as Lady D herself. Perhaps if the comics in which he appeared had not been published six years after his death, the impact would not have been as great.
Unfortunately, the controversy reached the British royal house before the first appearance was published, and so the House of Ideas was forced to censor (more or less) the story. That’s why the girl on the cover of this volume is a brunette instead of a blonde with a crown on her head…
Being a good Englishman, Milligan found the idea of introducing this character into the game and the wave of free publicity so funny, that he didn’t seem to have much trouble following the order and making the necessary changes. Change the character.. He must have broken after making some changes that will not fool anyone: a slight change in appearance (hair color), name (Henrietta Hunter) and profession (she is now a pop star) did not prevent any reader from clearly recognizing him. This feature with the Princess of Wales.
But aside from this controversial part and following what will be the end of the group, in this volume, along with other associations of the change and some special parts, dupe, that giant green potato, as the main character: who served as the videographer of the group and whose nature is a mystery.
Alfred, all good
What can be said about Allred’s marriage that hasn’t already been said? The pairing of Mike and Laura is one of the best things that ever happened in the Ninth Arts. In their pop style, these artists have achieved an indescribable magic in each page, the result of a mixture of amazing simplicity in line, vivid flat color, striking character design and a narrative based on static figures. Fill in the vignettes as if they were more like a collage than a series. And the amazing thing is that the result of all this is wonderful. It has no emotion.
But his success goes beyond the purely visual, as the missing element to turn his work into something special is the ability to create emotion for his characters. All of this makes this work (and practically everything they do together) a graphic masterpiece that you can enjoy from start to finish on every page.
But the Allreds aren’t the only ones here. We have to highlight the fact that there are two artists in the picture whose names sell funny on the cover, who lead the issues representing Darwin Cook and Marcos Martin. It would be difficult to find a volume that brings together such quality artists…
This series was a milestone in comics history due to its bold and creative approach to the genre. Fortunately, this wasn’t a definitive end, but some of the characters of this group (the few that survived) remained in the crowded Marvel Universe, not to mention their recent revival thanks to the X-Cellet series, becoming an unwanted complement to this amazing volume where the original authors began their work.
As for the amazing edition, the deluxe size Marvel Omnibus – X-Statix 2 published in hardcover by Panini Comics contains 704 full-color pages measuring 18.3 x 27.7 cm. and the American version of X-Statix 6-26, Wolverine/Doop 1 and 2, X-Statix Presents: Dead Girl 1-5 and material from X-Men Unlimited 41, I Heart) Marvel: My Mutant Heart and Nation X 4.
It also includes an interview and commentary by Lydia Castillo and original coverage of all issues included in the series, as well as an extras section at the end. The recommended retail price for this size is €70 and it goes on sale in October 2023.
Marvel Omnibus – X-Statix 2
One of the most important titles of the early 21st century, the publication of all the stories has been completed.
Peter Milligan and Mike Allred have reinterpreted what it means to be a mutant in the Marvel Universe in the most revolutionary way.
Between the X-Statix’s battle with the villains, Dead Girl’s face-off with Marvel’s Greatest Dead, and more.
Authors: Mike Allred, Peter Milligan, Laura Allred, Marcos Martin, Nick Derrington and Darwin Cook.