Exiles #2 Review

Exiles #2

Writer: Saladin Ahmed
Penciler: Javier Rodriguez
Inker: Alvaro Lopez
Colorist: Chris O’Halloran
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Review by Greg Brothers

Just a few short weeks ago we were introduced to the newest version of Exiles. In the first issue, Blink was summoned to the moon by the Unseen through her Tallus. After being told about the mysterious entity that is destroying Earths across the multiverse, Blink is whisked off to start to assemble her team. We meet both Khan, and Iron Lad as the first two members of the team. As the issue comes to its end, the world eater is revealed and raises concerns to the future of the multiverse.

Exiles #2 picks right up with the members of Blink’s team on the run and landing in another version of earth. The team adds its forth member with Valkyrie as the team is able to help her battle an enemy. However, just as quickly as they arrive, they are whisked off to their next version of Earth. It is here where the final member of the team is revealed as a tiny version of Wolverine. Lil Wolvie has his own mystery to solve as the team first arrives. And with the help of Blink, the team helps Lil Wolvie, before, once again, the team is called to the Unseen to have some of their questions answered.

The more serious nature of this volume of the Exiles is once again present in the second issue. Nevertheless, the two new characters and the dialogue between them makes it obvious that humor will be present throughout. Valkyrie has the look and, in many ways, the same personality as Tess Thompson. She is presented as a strong warrior who will not back down from a fight. As popular as the character is in the movies, it is a smart move to bring her into the comics. Lil Wolvie seems to be ripped right from some of the classic X-babies stories and again adds humor to the series.

Ahmed’s strength as a writer is once again on full display in Exiles #2. With what seems like no effort at all, he is able to go from the humorous situations to the serious setting on the Moon. Usually I am not a fan of too much text and at times the speech bubbles do dominate some of the panels, but at no time does it feel overwhelming. Each interaction feels important and helps to show off  both the seriousness of the story and the characters’ unique personalities.

As impressive as Ahmed’s ability to change up writing styles is, I was really impressed with the art team’s work. Each new version of Earth and the Moon has a very distinct look and feel. At no point does it feel confusing or disorienting with the jumps. This is true with the characters’ designs as well. Each is different and makes it obvious that this is a team of completely different people with different experiences.

Verdict: Buy it.

Exiles #2 is just as good as if not better than the first issue. As the rest of the team comes together, the goal of the team and what they need to do becomes clear. Ahmed’s team is full of diversity and within two issues he has started to develop some great characters that really draw you in.