Second Evolution
Louise Simonson and June Brigman deliver the next part of the Evolutionary War crossover in Mind Games. The story stars the New Mutants as they attempt to free their former team-mate Magma from the High Evolutionary as the Hellfire Club also convene to do the same thing.
Simonson, who also wrote the first chapter of Evolutionary War, delivers a slightly more consistent story this time around. While it still doesn't quite hit the main story arc, it makes sense as both a tie-in and part of the Evolutionary War. With that said, there seems to be a missed golden opportunity to have some sort of confrontation between Magneto and the High Evolutionary. Not only do their goals touch upon each other but the High Evolutionary is also linked to two of Magneto's children. It's a shame this was overlooked but I understand if Simonson maybe felt she had already done a similar thing with the great High Evolutionary and Apocalypse stuff in the first chapter.
Another thing worth noting is, unlike the X-Factor issue, Simonson injects more individual personality across the gang of New Mutants. The relationship and camaraderie feels a lot more natural and sincere, whereas her X-Factor seemed like strangers thrown together in battle. Of particular note is in this issue, Danielle Moonstar receives a significant power upgrade from the High Evolutionary's machines.
Brigman's art is for the most part good. Oddly enough the one thing that looks off is the High Evolutionary. Which is a shame as in doing a story about the High Evolutionary, the one thing you want is an artist who can draw the lead villain well. Nevertheless, the rest of the art is fine. I did notice that for some reason Selene has red hair, which makes her look like Maddie Pryor, but that's the colorists fault rather than the artist's.
I think this issue works good as both a New Mutants issue and an issue of the Evolutionary War. Although, much like the last 3 parts, this one doesn't really pertain much to an overarching story. In fact, much like the Silver Surfer and Punisher issues, the High Evolutionary doesn't make much of an appearance here. Relegated to one page in his own storyline seems odd, but his presence is certainly felt more here than in the Punisher story. This is a good story and by extension I suppose a good part of the Evolutionary War. Even if it again feels like an aside, it's an enjoyable and logical aside.