REVIEW: ‘Empyre: X-Men,’ Issue #2

Empyre: X-Men #2 is published by Marvel Comics,  written by Gerry Duggan, Ben Percy, and Leah Williams, with art by Lucas Werneck, colors by Nolan Woodard, and lettering done by VC’s Clayton Cowles. Empyre: X-Men #2 is a side story of the larger Empyre comic run currently being told, where Marvel heroes are teaming up to stop the invasion of the Kree/Skrull Armada.

Empyre: X-Men #2 picks up directly after events in Issue #1, where we see fellow X-Men, Angel, Magik, Penance, and Multiple Man, investigating the issue with the Genoshan Krakoa Gate. All while, they’re trying to drive back undead mutants, a result of Scarlett Witch trying to right the horrendous wrong she had done, and an invading plant alien race known as the Cotati. The X-Men also come in contact with a mysterious team of elderly botanists known as Hordeculture who apparently can use the Krakoa Gates. This is quite the issue, especially seeing as the gates can usually only be traversed by mutants.

This issue is action-packed and equally funny. It keeps the momentum of the previous issue and cranks it up to ten. Duggan, Percy, and Williams write a fantastic issue in this story arc, while eloquently adding in comic relief. With Werneck’s art and Woodard’s coloring, Hordeculture is definitely an interesting band of characters that I hope to see more of. The best way to describe these new villains would have to be like watching a rated R version of The Golden Girls.

With plenty of laughter to be had, the mission at hand is still a dangerous one and the silly banter between our main characters does not detract from it. The X-Men and Hordeculture don’t know why the Cotati are here and why zombie mutants are running amok but towards the issue’s end, Magik has an idea. She is the true M.V.P. and star of the issue. The way she’s drawn and the way we see the use of her powers is magnificent. Werneck and Woodard really show their talent in making our heroes pop. Full page panels of the action or a single character is a sight for sore eyes, especially at the end of the issue when the calvary arrives.

I appreciated the lettering done by VC’s Clayton Cowles. The entire issue was a breeze to follow along with. There were a lot of sound effects going on and, coupled with Werneck and Woodard’s talent, I could actually picture and hear certain scenes in my mind, further sparking the imagination. The way the zombie mutant’s speech was scribbled and, using prior knowledge of how zombies sound, I was able to form an idea of how the zombie characters spoke.

Empyre: X-Men #2 is a wild ride and it doesn’t stop. It’s a perfect storm of action, mystery, and humor. The art and coloring are so good that it looks like it could pop right off of the page. This side story is great for those that have not picked up the main storyline. This will definitely whet your appetite, leaving you wanting more.

Empyre: X-Men #2 is available now wherever comic books are sold.