REVIEW: ‘X-Men: Before the Fall – Mutant First Strike,’ Issue #1

Milford, New Hampshire is an unassuming town most would never be able to find on a map. But that doesn’t stop it from becoming the target of a terrorist attack and one that, at first glance, appears to be the work of mutants. Before the dust can even settle after the brutal blast that changes the town and its people forever, Krakoa has a response team on the way to try to save as many lives as possible. Led by Krakoan Captain Commander Bishop, the team seek to save lives, prevent further violence, and learn the truth behind the attack in X-Men: Before the Fall – Mutant First Strike #1, published but Marvel Comics, written by Steve Orlando, art by Valentina Pinti, colors by Frank William, and letters by Travis Lanham.

Mutant First Strike #1 plays like a tale of two books. On the one hand, much of the story feels like a simple setup for the upcoming ’Fall of the Mutants’ event. It showcases how far the enemies of Krakoa are willing to go to frame those the, as well as the overwhelming response that the mutant nation can muster. The best part about this side of the story is how much the focus is kept on investigation and disaster relief. We all know that many mutants are powerhouses where combat is concerned, but seeing how many can show up to restore and preserve, as opposed to just destroying is a fantastic angle for this book.

Due to the heavy emphasis on rescue/disaster control in his book, Orlando’s dialogue is mechanical at times. This isn’t a flaw, though it could feel that way. With many confused and scared, and mutants initially to blame, everyone keeping a level head is important. Showing just how much control the team maintains, even as some come looking to cause trouble, is critically important, even if it doesn’t always lend Mutant First Strike #1 the most personality driven dialogue. This level presentation is maintained well through the skillful and balanced delivery of the issue’s dialogue by Lanham.

Where the writing often delivers the emotion in an intentionally measured way, the art steps in to help push it forward. Pinti and William combine their efforts wonderfully on lines and colors respectively to provide all the emotion and strain many in the town, as well as on the rescue team feel. Despite being able to save so many, the book’s art reminds us that losing any will always take its toll.

The second tale that Mutant First Strike #1 tells is far less uplifting than the one that fills most of its panels. While the mutants work tirelessly to aid and help, media spin doctors, and hate groups fill the world around them with misinformation and lies. Even though the people of Milford are on the team’s side by the end of the book, no one who opposes mutants cares what they think, even though they supposedly speak out of concern for the town’s people. It’s tragically real and mirrors how so much of the world’s media functions that it hurts. While I often miss the more optimistic eras of the X-Men, where the dreams they fought for were real and growing, this more brutally honest depiction of humanity is far more meaningful given the state of the world we live in.

Mutant First Strike #1 manages to deliver both setup for the coming challenges Krakoa will face in the near future, as well as delivering poignant commentary on the media and how easily hate can spread through our world.

X-Men: Before the Fall – Mutant First Strike #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.