The Secrets Of X
Overview
Intrigued by the capture of Katherine Pryde, Legacy offers her services to discover what secrets she knows of the world outside of Fortress X. With her help rejected by Magneto, Legacy takes independent steps. Using her powers to reproduce other mutants' powers she infiltrates the Brig where the mystery deepens; Blindfold from regular Earth-616 continuity is a prisoner. Danger pursues Legacy, but during the escape she encounters the unconscious Xavier & is unable to control his immense telepathic powers upon absorption. Although Legacy manages to escape, Magneto gives the order to take her down as an enemy of the mutants.
Meanwhile, Basilisk reveals to Frenzy that he has been collecting dogtags from humans who have died in battle. He's grown restless because he's managed to find two identical tags, from two extremely different human beings.
The Good
Mico Suayan's cover is glossy, but a little too muscular to the point that Legacy almost resembles one of the porn stars that Greg Land may have sketched. However, it perfectly sums up the action inside the issue. Meanwhile, the internal art by Steve Kurth might not be my favourite style, it somehow encapsulates the finer elements of Clay Mann's style while maintaining his own strengths. Unlike other cross-overs where different artists on different titles disrupt the flow of the story, Mr Kurth's work is the perfect partner to aid Mr Mann's style creating a cohesive narrative.
My concerns that this would be a 'Rogue'-centric story are founded, but the way that the story is told allows the reader to become Legacy. To share her concerns, fears and tactics. Mike Carey's pace keeps the story flowing along at a decent pace; not too slow & never too fast. All the while mystery thickens, by throwing in more questions than answers. How long has Blindfold been in the Brig? why is Katherine Pryde held in solitary confinement? Who sent her outside with the digital camera? What did she see out there? Why were the photographs all blank? Why aren't there any free telepaths in Fortress X? Just what is outside the Force Walls?
Personally, there were so many aspects of this issue that I could rave about, but I want to focus on a select few favourites:
Stand-Out Moment: Legacy & Magneto/Magneto & Rogue
So far, there's only one real 'comparison' moment, where the Age of X gives a nod to the Age of Apocalypse and sticks two fingers up at it. When Legacy offers to use her powers to siphon off Pryde's memories & Magneto refuses, it is the complete opposite of when Magneto pushed Rogue to look into Bishop's memories. At the start of the Age of Apocalypse we knew exactly what had gone wrong & why the world was so warped beyond recognition. However, Mr Carey doesn't want to give too much away. Yet another piece of the mysterious puzzle.
Stand-Out Moment: Legacy & Box
The politics of mutant life don't bother the man who thinks of himself as more machine. Yet the scene between Box & Legacy is heart-warming. The way he gently holds the digital camera exudes the same teasing warmth that Legacy offers him with a kiss in exchange for the loan of his powers. There's a respect between the characters, and a little flicker of the old Rogue who used to steal kisses along with powers. It isn't sexual or sleazy, instead it feels sensual yet heart-warming. A reminder of humantiy & friendship in the middle of a cold deadly world.
Stand-Out Moment: Blindfold In The Brig
Poor Ruth has been terrified before the Age of X even started. Yet somehow she has slipped through the cracks between 'realities'. There's a moment when Legacy is genuinely torn between caring for this mysterious girl and moving on with her own mission. Blindfold is the classical seer from Greek mythology, who can see what is wrong with everything but no-one heeds her warnings. Her seemingly crazy rants are bizarre to Legacy, but add to the mystery for the reader. With hints of scar tissue and amputations, we're left guessing what she means even more than Legacy is.
Stand-Out Moment: Legacy Running While Phased
This is something that can be so easily missed. Or dismissed as silly comic book art. Yet if you look back at the way Legacy runs through Danger's drone while phased, you'll see the strange way her legs and arms are extremely emphasised in the running pose.
It's a stroke of genius on Mr Kurth's part! Legacy is running exactly like Kitty Pryde while in a phased state. It's such a subtle, but brilliant interpretation of her powers. And a little giggle for long standing fans of the X-Men.
Stand-Out Moment: The Cliffhanger Ending
When the order is given to bring Legacy "in", we're given a snapshot of the strike-force who are going to hunt her down. A deliciously redesigned and darkly colourful version of the New Mutants. Or rather, the team that aren't New Mutants but would have been if Xavier had founded a school for Gifted Youngsters.
The teams intentions are summed up in Moonstar's expression. Seemingly they are chomping at the bit to join the hunt. They're physically recognisable, yet tense, angry and seemingly a little unhinged. Just what is it about Moonstar that she is often turned into a sadistic hunter in alternate realities?
The Bad
In all honesty, there was none. This was a stellar issue from start to finish. Colourful in more than just the colour palette. I sincerely doubt that the rest of the Story Arc can keep up this calibre story-telling, but if it does then I'll be a happy bunny.
Verdict - 5 out of 5
There are so many clues, but somehow I can't seem to piece it all together. Mr Carey has me hooked and desperately wanting more. I can't wait to see what mysterious past Legacy uncovers in the future.
