A review by ashlightgrayson
Extraordinary X-Men, Volume 1: X-Haven by Jeff Lemire

adventurous challenging dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I haven't picked up an X-men comic in a while and I was very happy I chose this one. The storyline follows the aftermath of the conflict between the X-men and the Inhumans pertaining to the Terrigen mist as well as the events of the Death of X storyline. It's really upsetting to see the X-men being feared so much because of Cyclop's actions. There is one specific scene where Jean goes on a date which is interrupted when she realizes there is a group of humans attacking a mutant outside. In the midst of her interfering, her date realizes she is a mutant and his interaction with her became so discriminatory so fast. There was a complete change in demeanor from that character the moment he realized what Jean was. He was super nice and endearing to her before then. Unfortunately, that's pretty accurate for how interactions like that go down in real life. Everyone is nice until they realize you are "one of them". 

The consequences of the Terrigen mist are also coming to a peak. It turns out that it's not just deadly to mutants, but that it also sterilizes them. Mutants are a minority to begin with, so it's even more distressing that this is happening. We have Mr. Sinister showing up to create more chaos as if the end of mutants as we know them isn't disturbing enough. He uses morally questionable methods, as usual. It does make for some interesting fights and plot points, though. At the end of all of this, some important members of the main team are finally reunited after so many obstacles. I'm interested in seeing how the X-men deal with all of these new changes and work together to move forward.
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