Apocalypse and the xtracts #3

By Tim Seeley, Salva Espin and Israel Silva

The Age of X-Man has been going on for a little bit now, and things are not perfect in the mutant utopia. This is true of the books coming out to depict the huge crossover. There has been much criticism of this storyline, and it isn’t all unwarranted. Some books are better than others, that will always be the case. Apocalypse and the Xtracts is a title that focuses on the rule breakers. The characters that refuse to give in to the ideology and embrace touch. We’re 3 issues in, and pieces are starting to fall into place. Where things go from here is anyone’s guess.

Tim Seeley is a name that you usually hear from fans when they talk about an underrated writer. Seeley usually injects energy and good story telling into any book he writes. Apocalypse and the Xtracts seem like a perfect fit for him since it deals with Omega Red, who is an energy vampire. Seeley does some interesting things this issue. We have 3 events going on in this issue; Dazzler and Unveil take on the afore mentioned Omega Red, Kitty and Colossus have a discussion, and Eye Boy and Genesis attempt to fix what is broken. Seeley shines with the conversation between Kitty and Peter. It doesn’t feel forced, and both characters are starting to get an idea of what was. This of course gets interrupted by En Sabah Nur. Seeley also gives us a glimpse of who En Sabah Nur really is. The battle between Omega Red and he ladies show us that he is not some push over villain. Omega Red is back, and he is taking names. This has been one of the more interesting tie-ins to the event, and Seeley has given us just enough to keep us wanting more.

The pencils this issue are handled by Salva Espin with colors by Israel Silva. Espin turns in a fine performance on this issue. One of the noticeable details about Espin’s work in the book, is that the eyes on his characters are very engaging. As Genesis speaks with Eye Boy, Genesis has these interesting and drawing circular eyes. Colossus also has these almond eyes that just seem to get your attention. One panel that also sticks out involves Genesis as he sees a vision from the past. Omega Red and Apocalypse are in the background, and Espin draws them flawlessly. They look sinister and mean, which is exactly how they should look. The colors by Israel Silva are extremely important here. He is tasked with the job of making this book feel trippy and fun. Silva uses bright colors, especially with Unveil. Her cloud that follows her is bright and enjoyable every time she’s on a page. Dazzler holding a light made hammer also leaps off the page at you. The pencils and colors really make this book feel like a 70’s throwback. You could probably put on some Greatful Dead and it would put you in the mood as you read this title, for the most part.

Apocalypse and the Xtracts is one of the better books to come out of the Age of X-Man. The colors and fun vibe to the series make it a favorite to read. Tim Seeley continues to make his books engaging, and we really have to question what will happen next.