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The time for celebration is upon us, as Kate Pryde has finally returned from the dead at last. After being burned at sea by her friends and family in the latest issue, Kate made her return almost immediately afterward.
What’s first for the newly-living Red Queen? Marauders #12 is written by Gerry Duggan, drawn by Matteo Lolli, colored by Edgar Delgado, and lettered by VC’s Cory Petit, with designs from Tom Muller. The main cover is provided by Russell Dauterman and Matthew Wilson.
Kill Shaw
Firstly, how about that cover? Dauterman and Wilson have had one hell of a cover run on this book so far, and they’re not letting up. Kate has her signature curly hair back, a change from her previous Marauders design, and is also sporting new tattoos. The best thing about the cover is also the worst thing, and that’s that it is essentially just the last page of Marauders #12.
Usually, I’m not a fan of that and would say it’s a spoiler, but here at least, it is not only emblematic of Kate’s new direction starting this issue, but reinforces this character design as one that will be consistent. It also works better as an image on the cover than in-story. It’s a display of intent and power, but in the story, it’s just used to show the reader what’s coming without “telling” them and feels awkward and out-of-place. That is really my only complaint with Marauders #12, otherwise, this is a fantastic issue.
X of Swords will be going on when the next issue hits, but we know now that when the book returns afterwards, Shaw will be the target of the Red and White Queens, rather immediately even. We are not made privy to the actual plan they will enact, but it’s teased to be something special, and most importantly, satisfying for Kate and Emma. With resurrection on the table, killing mutants seems pointless, so I too am very interested to see what they have planned.
Welcome Home
Kate was greeted by Emma and everyone she rescued during her time with the Marauders before her death. It’s charming, mostly due to the soft and emotional expressions Lolli delivers with Emma and Kate. They look so imperfect, so authentic, but still beautifully drawn. The mood is pretty high for a lot of Marauders #12, and Delgado’s warm and vibrant colors really reinforce that throughout the issue.
Storm leading the ritual following resurrection during House Of X and Powers Of X, was one of the most interesting changes to the dynamic of the X-Men to me, so I’m thrilled to see her at it again here. There is something so uplifting and joyous about the way she conducts herself and addresses the crowds. It’s such a fitting role for Storm and excites me to see mutants embracing their new culture with consistency.
The Elephant In The Room
Amazingly, it is not the fact that Kate returns to the team that is the most significant part of Marauders #12. No, we get something fans have long hungered for. After literal decades of subtext, Kate Pryde is finally confirmed to be bi-sexual. The situation it’s revealed in is less than ideal, as I do not at all recommend or condone randomly kissing your tattoo artist on the mouth without consent. But alas, people aren’t perfect, and neither is Kate.
It’s the first step in what will hopefully be a long journey of Kate discovering her sexuality, and learning more about herself. Not only is it incredibly promising for her future, but the precedent it sets for other X-characters to come out as well, even just as far as the reader is concerned, is very exciting. This is exactly the direction the X-books should be headed in, embracing change for the positive, and spending more time developing characters like Kate, who have been mismanaged over the years fairly egregiously.
Should You Read Marauders #12?
Duggan is still nailing the core of the characters he’s writing here. The authenticity of their voices, and the emotional reactions they have, fall right in line with their character. Lolli makes the issue memorable, as he renders everyone so expressive and lively. There’s so much energy in these pages despite the lack of action. Delgado only further enhances what Lolli brings to the table, making for one hell of a package from this creative team.
It’s just a fine effort from all involved. In general, Marauders continues to be one of the most consistent books among the current X-line. This issue just felt good, and more than that, satisfying even. While there isn’t an abundance of exciting events occurring here, the payoff that will come down the line will be worth everything established here. Shaw will be killed, Kate will be gay, and next month, there will be swords! These are very exciting times to be an X-fan, especially a Marauders fan.
