Marauders #2 is an interesting comic. It’s very much a two-person play acted out between Emma Frost and Sebastian Shaw. And we witness their chess game as pieces are moved around the board to add depth to their machinations.

Written by Gerry Duggan, the comic revolves around Frost and Shaw’s new venture as they deliver Krakoa’s medicine to the world. It’s a dance and game between the two as they use their roles for their own gain in various ways. Digs are made as to their financial status or what they’re trying to do. All of it a waltz for a final panel reveal that’s been choreographed since the first issue. None of the comic is surprising or shocking but it sets up the status-quo nicely focused on the roles, and goals, of each of these two manipulators.

The comic also continues the reverberations of the “death” of Charles Xavier and directly addresses the likelihood of his return through Krakoa’s resurrection. It also has the most realistic reaction, really any reaction, as the team goes out to get drunk and tattoos. It’s a nice moment that makes the characters gel and shows off their personalities.

The art by Matteo Lolli is nice. Along with color by Federico Blee and lettering by Cory Petit, the style is one that differs itself from the other X comics. The body language and facial expressions of the characters really deliver the mood and personalities. There’s also some nice design work and action as the comic balances the more subtle scenes with the more active.

Also standing out in the issue is a letter concerning the naval status of the new mutant nation. It continues to dance around real world issues such as sovereignty and a threat the mutant nation is perceived as. It’s a threat that might be justified based on statements such as one Storm makes in the issue.

Marauders #2 is a solid comic adding more of a focus on the series. It plants a flag as to how it differs from the other series and teases some conflicts to come. Marauders #2 is the play to its sister series’ action flick. It’s a comic whose character interactions makes it stand out.

Story: Gerry Duggan Art: Matteo Lolli
Color: Federico Blee Letterer: Cory Petit Design: Tom Muller
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review