Thoughts

A lot feels like it has changed in the X-universe since Dave Cockrum last worked in it. The main X-men title – with Smith and then Romita Jr on art – has embraced an eighties aesthetic, both in fashion and panel dynamism. While in the sister title, Sienkiewicz is bringing experimental art to the table.

So the immediate feeling when you start reading Nightcrawler is that it has almost a retro feel to it. Even though it was only a few years ago this was the main art on the title, it feels like taking a giant leap back.

BUT then, as you read the issue, you start to be reminded of all the great things about Cockrum’s art. The dynamic ships and the intriguing alien character designs. And one of his greatest creation – Nightcrawler – is thrown into a universe with all of this – and more.

So while at first the art style might jar – but the end I am loving this comic.

Fun Panel

Beautiful alien floating ship needed? Better Call Cockrum.

Any Googling

As frequently happens on this readthrough – the appearance of a reference to another comic leads me into a google search to find out more. Here the editor points out that Nigthcrawler had a previous adventure in “Bizarre Adventures” – a black and white bi-monthly title that Marvel produced without limiting themselves to Superhero content.

Diggout out the story reveals a very strange affair where Nightcrawler and the Vanisher – both teleporting heroes – find themselves in a universe of almost exclusively females. Who want to screw them loads. Nightcrawler being Nightcrawler decides he does need to head back to our universe. Although, curious, remarks that he hopes one day to return.

Nightcrawler is a surprisingly sexy character, a swashbuckling charmer who nonetheless has the heart of a nice Sunday school teacher. It’s therefore incredibly odd to have him dropped into the comci equivalent of a sci-fi soft porn storyline. That doesn’t really go anywhere. Maybe there’s an X-rated cut of this hidden in the old Marvel building where Cockrum got to tell the horny story he really wanted to here?