Devil's Reign X-Men #1 (spoilers)

[jmc247]

Good Witches and Bad Witches

Summary: We find out that Elektra had been playing the role of bad witch killer hit woman for Kingpin. In the past Emma acted as the good witch manipulator for the obese mob boss.

Kingpin sends his flunkies to the mutant's tree house. Lorna plays with US Agent. Jean makes sure everyone properly knows he is the mayor now and they have to respect his authority and have to give up the tree house rather than fight for it.

Rogue isn't happy and gets a dig in at Emma. The X-Men show up to talk to Kingpin's flunkies. Rogue castigates Rhino for not turning a new leaf after befriending Gambit. Lorna says in a way Electro doesn't understand that she doesn't mind killing her and ending up in the hole but is stopped by Jean.

Emma shows up and saves the day. She makes clear the tree house is legally protected under a UN Blue Helmets like arrangement. Kingpin stands down but comes up with a new plan.

Review:

It was strong start to the mini. It is probably easier to understand if one reads the rest of the background of Devil's Reign. It was an issue of contrasts between bad witch Elektra's way and good witch Emma's way of getting things done. One could draw some of the same parallels between Lorna and Jean in the issue.

I enjoyed Lorna's flirtatious passive aggression with US Agent. The issue is in keeping with the Jean of X-Men Red and she received her new costume. The art by in large got the job done. The issue was above all a tour de force for Emma Frost.