X-Men Red #3
As Vulcan challenges Tarn for Brand’s purposes, the Brotherhood makes their own plans in X-Men Red #3, by writer Al Ewing, artist Stefano Caselli, colorists Federico Blee and Fernando Sifuentes, and letterer Ariana Maher. This issue is better than the last, and that’s saying something.
After Cable awakens in the Arbor Magna, Thunderbird confronts him. They leave and are met by Manifold, ready to discuss Abigail Brand. Meanwhile, Brand’s new plan involves using Vulcan to kill Tarn and take a seat on Arakko’s Circle. The Brotherhood discusses this, and Magneto comes to a decision about what he’s going to do. In the end, the whole thing is decided by combat as all of Arakko sees what Vulcan and Magneto are made of.
If the last issue was amazing, this one is even better. From the first page to the last, Ewing is just showing off. The plots, the dialogue, the characters, it’s all top-notch. This issue is a clinic in how to write an X-Men story, one that other writers could take notes from. It’s masterful, the kind of work that only someone of Ewing’s caliber could pull off.
Ewing understands the characters in this book, especially Magneto. The way he writes the character is wonderful. He captures both the man and the legend, Max and Magneto. His Storm has always been great, and she shines in this issue as well. There’s just so much good to say about this issue. It’s action-packed and moves forward the chess game between Brand and the Brotherhood.
Caselli has the goods with this issue. The Brotherhood meeting sees Caselli’s character acting really selling the scene, especially when it comes to Magneto. The close-up panels on his face really get across what he’s feeling in those moments, as do the ones with Sunspot when he challenges his former headmaster. It’s a wonderfully written scene that works so much better because of Caselli. The fight scene at the end is amazing as well. It’s hard-hitting and brutal, and the end is amazing. If Ewing is writing a perfect Magneto, Caselli is definitely drawing one.
X-Men Red #3 is a clinic in character and plot. It’s thrilling, and that’s even before it gets to the fight scene. Ewing has hit a new gear with this book, and it shows on every page. Caselli’s heart is phenomenal, bringing the script to life beautifully. This comic is perfect.