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"Weaponized Nostalgia": Marvel's Approach to Redefining The X-Men And Inhumans With ResurrXion

Published Sat, 22 Apr 2017 09:00:00 -0500

Jeff Herron writes for Bleeding Cool from C2E2,

For a panel titled "ResurrXion," my phone could've used some resurrecting. A little advice, if your battery pack claims to come "pre-charged," test it first. But regardless of being a little late coming to you, Marvel's C2E2 panel spotlighting ResurrXion promises the publisher is committed to the X-Men and stressed the fusion of nostalgia and innovation.

The panel included: writers Marc Guggenheim (X-Men: Gold), Charles Soule (Astonishing X-Men), and Matthew Rosenberg (Secret Warriors); artist Ken Lashley (X-Men: Gold); editors Christina Harrington, Will Moss, and Nick Lowe; and Junior Sales & Communications Admin Chris D'Lando. The panelists chatted both X-Men and Inhumans books in the initiative, though the X-Men seemed to be the true star.

Multiple panelists stressed the role of the X-Men in shaping their own fandom and their career paths. Marc Guggenheim recalled his first issue of X-Men—issue 139—a fact that seems to fit with his spotlight on team leader Kitty Pryde. Guggenheim says he relates to Kitty, with her stepping into a leadership role mirroring his own experience in guiding this flagship book. As the writer says, they are "learning together." Kitty seems to really drive his approach to the book, stating that Kitty's voice is what he hears in his head and arguing that he simply takes dictation. To further this, Guggenheim adds, "… we're both Jewish. And cute."

Guggenheim was the first to address the role of nostalgia in the ResurrXion initiative, stating he will be delivering classic "Claremontian" stories. But Guggenheim also stressed that while drawing upon the past, the stories will move things forward; in fact, he is currently laying seeds for stories as far out as issue 20 of the series. Expect a new character to pop up as part of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. (He also stresses there's a very specific reason they call themselves "Evil.") Following the first arc, Gambit will return in an arc entitled "Techno Superior." A heist gone awry will result in "two technologies that should not belong together" overlapping. The result will see the X-Men pushed to their limits, particularly Rachel Summers (aka Prestige). The arc will also see some changes for Colossus, which will flow into the next story drawn by Ken Lashley.

Lashley, a last-minute addition to the panel (he had to leave part-way through to attend a previously-committed panel), will be joining the book with issue seven and admits that Colossus is his favorite X-Man. He says we can probably expect Colossus to appear large and in charge in his art. Lashley also touched upon the theme of nostalgia, discussing his first experiences with the X-Men. He became familiar with the Merry Mutants after trading comics with friends, circa issues 113/114 of X-Men. Lashley's enthusiasm for the book clearly shows. He revealed that he actually cried when getting this assignment as he's always dreamed of drawing X-Men. He also promises future issues will leave fans "blown away" as he is "100% the guy for this job."

Christina Harrington talked X-Men: Blue. She shared that issue two will explore young Jean Grey's reasons for bringing this team together as well as her struggles in trusting Magneto. Harrington promised that even young Scott would warm up to Magneto, who will fill the role of the "new Xavier." She also addressed the recently revealed return of James "Jimmy" Hudson from the Ultimate universe. She promises a love triangle between he, Jean Grey, and Scott Summers. But she also says his story will mimic that of Logan's as he initially joined the X-Men. Jimmy will be working to figure out what has happened to him and where he is headed.

Charles Soule next talked the upcoming "Astonishing X-Men." Soule announced they would be sharing with us details and art not previously released. With the series' approach of tapping different artists for each story, we can expect to see Ron Garney, ACO, Phil Noto, Greg Land, and Ramon Rosanas to provide art among others. Soule continues to promote this approach, stating he has worked to "create something in concert" with each artist. He also promises issue one will start off on an intense note; he likens it to a James Bond film in terms of structure—starting out with intensity and building to an epic conclusion.

Soule also took time to confirm that Shadow King, who recently showed up on the "Legion" television series, will be a focal villain in the book, sharing a cover by Dale Keown. Soule noted the character's importance to both Xavier's dream and the mythology of the X-Men. He says that issue one will be set in London and will be "incredibly intense." Expect the ongoing narrative to be a "puzzle"—one that is intended to leave the reader disoriented. A few pages from issue one were also shared.

Charles Soule also touched on the theme of nostalgia in ResurrXion, calling the approach "weaponized nostalgia." It is classic, but will take the X-Men to a new place. He also gave lip service to the diverse cast and interpersonal relationships which will allow him to run the "soap opera" of the book in many different directions. Marc Guggenheim chimed in to praise Soule's introductions of each character to be found in July's issue one. Soule states he tried to make these characters with complex histories accessible to all readers.

Christina Harrington focused briefly upon All-New Wolverine, stating we can expect to see Laura go to space with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Also, expect the Brood to show up.

Things then took a turn toward the Inhumans side of the initiative. The recently-released Royals #2 was mentioned, noting how it ties into the upcoming Black Bolt solo series. Nick Lowe urges everyone to pick this title up, even those not a fan of the character. He cites both Christian Ward's stunning artwork and the high drama of the series.

Matthew Rosenberg also discussed his Secret Warriors. He describes the book as being about "five people and a dinosaur stuck together" as they would likely face being executed if they fail to work together. He also states the bleak world for the Inhumans will continue to get bleaker. Finally, he revealed his favorite cast member to be Quake. If you're not following her, Rosenberg says, you are missing out on one of the best character's Marvel has. Like all of the panelists, Rosenberg admits to being a huge X-Men fan, though he is on an Inhumans book; like the other panelists, the X-Men are a large part of why he is in comics today.

Revealed yesterday, there was also discussion of Christopher Priest returning to Marvel to pen Inhumans: Once and Future Kings. Each issue will also feature a two-page Lockhjaw story coming to us by Ryan North.

The panel then turned to the audience for questions and comments. One attendee thanked the panelists for their work on this relaunch and proving that Marvel still has faith in the X-Men. The subject was raised of how characters ended up in each series. Guggenheim shares that all of his top choices were instantly approved, despite his expectations. A fan sporting a Cylcops Was Right t-shirt questioned why Charles Soule threw Emma Frost under the bus with IvX. Soule defended the depiction, citing things such as Emma's murder of her sister and her loss of Scott Summers as her anchor as the catalyst for the events. The lucky fan got a change to read Jean Grey #1 for his question. Another fan asked why there was so much reliance upon nostalgia when the convoluted history of the X-books has oft turned new readers away. The panelists stressed that while nostalgia is present, you do not have to know past continuity to follow these new stories. Guggenheim likened his approach to that of John Byrne on his now legendary Fantastic Four run, a mix of getting back to basics and new ideas. "You have to tear it down to build it back up," says Guggenheim. He adds that legendary X-scribe Chris Claremont "was not afraid to constantly blow up the franchise."

Not that they're letting him write any of it, of course.

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