Spider-Man and the X-Men #02

by King on April 20, 2015

Spider-Man and the X-Men #02 Main Image
Writer: Elliott Kalan
Artist: Marco Failla
Colorist: Ian Herring
Publisher: Marvel
 
So, recap: Spidey is now a teacher for a class of young X-Men at the Jean Grey Academy, is not on the best of terms because of the events of AvX, and in the course of his first day/field trip managed to get his class abducted by two very pissed off dino-humanoids. Oh, and one of the students is apparently a traitor but we don’t know who yet. In other words, this comics is progressing at a pretty quick pace, so hold on tight.
 
Shark Girl has apparently gone rogue and sold out the rest of her team in order to team up with her dino-compatriots (actually, I don’t even think sharks are reptiles), which leads to a rather awkward exchange of two literally ancient reptilians pining for the affections of a teenager. As awkward as that might seem, don’t worry because this is actually a decent issue. Spidey gets a lot more “sit-down time” with the kids and it makes for some more convincing dialogue and narrative. That and the fact that Spider-Man gets to fight freakin’ dinosaurs spells a win for the fans.
 
But back to what I was saying, this issue does a lot better in terms of pertinent dialogue that actually allows for Spidey to connect with his students, as well as to gage their strengths and weaknesses, especially considering the circumstances and high-stress of the situation their all currently in. Failla’s art style also impressively enough makes this book feel as though you’re watching a Saturday morning cartoon rather than reading a somewhat forced “whodunnit” story, although Kalan’s writing lends itself brilliantly to this tone though ‘quippy’ dialogue and comedic scenarios.
 
I still can’t say that I’m too much a fan for the current pacing of the series as this issue’s conclusion immediately segues into the next “event,” but if Kalan and team can find their sweet par tin pacing, narrative, and dialogue, then this series could shape up to be a damn fine read.  

Our Score:

8/10

A Look Inside