Writer: David Hine
Artist: Lan Medina
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Plot:
In the mutant inhabited slums of District X, NYPD Officer Ismael Ortega is back on the beat. This time however, Ortega is without the assistance of his former partner, the X-man turned Federal Agent, Lucas Bishop. But as Ortega struggles to balance his duty as a cop and the challenges of family life, trouble once again returns to District X, this time emanating from beneath the city itself.
Comments:
The mutant mayhem continues as District X kicks off a brand new story arc. The first six issues of the series managed to garner some rave reviews during its tenure, but the question remains whether or not the duo of writer David Hine and artist Lan Medina can continue their success. If District X #7 is any indication however, the series has a great deal of life left in it indeed.
Issue #7 opens with Ortega and his new partner Nancy, patrolling District X and having a run in with several street kids attempting to sell “vermin”—revolting creatures which are hatched from the skin of their mutant father. Ortega however is feeling particularly low after learning that his former partner Gus has committed suicide—due mostly in part to he and Ortega’s involvement in a mutant domestic dispute gone bad. Ortega’s problems however are further exacerbated as tensions between he and his wife continue to grow, a situation that is only worsened by the fact that his wife is herself a mutant.
Meanwhile the enigmatic Mr. M from the first District X story arc is back on the streets after being absolved of any involvement in the mutant gang war that ravaged the District.
Mr. M however, is apparently given an early exit in this particular story arc as he has a run in with a mysterious young woman who puts three bullets in the back of his head and leaves him for dead.
Finally the issue is rounded out with Ortega and his wife reuniting with Bishop for a leisurely night at an art show, only to discover a bizarre painter whose work may prophesize a deadly new threat to District X.
The entire issue moves at a steady pace, and it is remarkable that writer David Hine is able to convey so much substance, character and story in such a limited space. Hine it seems is taking his time with this particular story arc and is carefully laying out the pieces for what is undoubtedly shaping up to be another entertaining and satisfying story. Where Hine is perhaps most successful however, is once again in his balancing of Ortega’s personal life with the unique mutant action that can only be found in District X. The result is a story with in depth characters the reader truly cares about and an exciting level of action and tension.
Fortunately in the new story arc Hine’s strong script work is once again accompanied by the brilliant illustrations of Lan Medina. Medina once more breathes life into the grim and unforgiving streets of District X and in contrast to most comic books which bombard the reader with senseless splash page imagery, Medina’s economy of style and polished panels only enhance the already brilliant story.
In the end District X continues to prove itself as one of the best comics Marvel has going. Issue #7 in particular is an ideal place for new readers to jump in, but is also sure to please the steadily growing legion of fans, proving once again that when it comes to tales with character, substance and story, X definitely marks the spot.
What did you think of this book?
Have your say at the Line of Fire Forum!