This year’s Hellfire Gala upped the body count as Orchis launched an assault on the X-Men and mutants in general. The death toll was high, and that included Bobby Drake, a.k.a. Iceman. So, how’s he starring in his own series? Astonishing Iceman #1 has all the answers as it puts the founding member of the X-Men front and center as part of the resistance against Orchis and its supporters.

Written by Steve Orlando, Astonishing Iceman #1 drops the readers right into the action as Orchis is on the move to rid the world of mutants and Iceman is doing what he can to stop them. While nanotechnology that turns every day electronics into weapons feels a bit too Transformers, the overall story is entertaining keeping things focused and reminding readers “first they came for the mutants…” The story isn’t subtle in what it’s trying to convey reminding readers that bigots don’t stop with one marginalized group.

The focus on Orchis is interesting as well. With their continued attempts to capture/stop Drake, Orlando treats it like it’s any other job. Talks of promotions feels more like an office drone attempting to move up on the corporate ladder than bigots attempting to eradicate an entire group.

Orlando also keeps things interesting by focusing on Orchis a bit too. Yes, this is a battle with tools and technology vs. mutants but it’s also one of perception and manipulation of the public. Iceman is back, and that cuts into the narrative they were trying to sell. How is he back though!? That’s explained and the explanation generally works. There’s something about it that feels like a fairytale, alleviating some of the weight of the situation.

The art by Vincenzo Carratu is solid. With color by Java Tartaglia and lettering by Travis Lanham the comic’s look feels like an extension of Bobby Drake. While the reality of the situation is weighty, the comic still has a bit of a Drake’s attitude of jokes, flair, and excitement.

Astonishing Iceman #1 is an interesting debut that delivers some resistance to Orchis actions but doesn’t create a dark cloud for it to fall under. There’s a decent amount of humor and heart to it all creating a comic that takes a familiar concept but makes it kind of fun.

Story: Steve Orlando Art: Vincenzo Carratu
Color: Java Tartaglia Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 8.35 Art: 8.4 Overall: 8.35 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle