Exiles #1 Review

[Tim Veselka]

Review
Exiles #1 by Mitch Crane
I really enjoyed the Exiles title when it came out and was a faithful follower for quite some time but I stopped reading just before Mimic dies. So I was a little disappointed that this title picked up some time after his death, I really enjoyed him as a character. Having said that I really enjoyed the sort of farewell he received in this issue and it made me feel a bit vindicated. Blink takes the focus in this issue as rightly she should as the leader of the team this being the number one issue and all.

I enjoy that this was a one and done, though to be honest one of the things I enjoy most about Exiles is seeing this other dimensions and I would have enjoyed it if more time had been taken to show this world and the consequences of the mutant civil war going on. Mitch I think captures the main characters rather well and I hope to see each of them get a focus in the future. Also I hope they can resolve the Proteus situation without Morph dying, he was always my favorite Exile though he needs a good Sabretooth and/or Zarda to balance him out.

The only other complaints I have are nitpicks and just shown so they can be fixed at some point in the future. When Mitch first has Heather mention universe 288 she calls it 228 Also in their first confrontation I think it was Exodus who said “I’m going to got you like a pig”. Nothing that detracts too much from the overall reading experience. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next issues

I’d give it four out of five stars.

Tim Veselka

[Tim Veselka]

Exiles #2 by Mitch Crane

Picking up soon after where the last issue left off the Exiles are reparing the timelines damaged by the arrival of one Axel Asher (that's the Marvel/DC Crossover guardian for those unaware) and it seems in this issue they discover a planet where all of humanity has simply disappeared. Of course for me the best part of this issue is that Morph gets the spotlight. Mitch doesn't leave him as a 2D joke character with nothing more to him than a silly jokester with a monster secretly hidden within. However this brings up a few nitpicks for me (I know I know I ALWAYS have nitpicks) first of all, why hasn't Morph's flying ability been shown here, I'm pretty sure it was well established before the cutoff point, and second I thought that Blink wasn't exhausted by the lengths of her teleports as happened when she 'ported the group to the sidewalk, I could be wrong.

This is another one and done, which are far too rare in fanfic, but I truly feel the issue would have worked best with a bit more exposition and non-Exiles character growth in a two-parter so that the climax would be all the more emotionally powerful. Also the journey to the mansion could have been much more fun with a little more description from their new perspective (trying to leave out spoilers here for those who haven't read this issue).

All that being said, Morph was well characterized and the books overall arc is moving along at a good pace and the story is obviously building up toward a specific confrontation with the thing from Axel's visions. Also it was nice to see at least one non-staple Avenger used as one of their members.

Overall a very solid issue four out of five stars **** (getting a five-star review from me is like pulling hen's teeth)

[Tim Veselka]

Exiles #3 by Mitch Crane

The Exiles visit a world where nearly all of the super humans have disappeared as shadowy creatures stalk the night looking for new young mutants to prey on. The Exiles quickly meet the underrated and under-used Tatianna Caban whom they need to save, but she quickly runs from them.

I liked the use of the main bad in this issue which a lot of people seem to hate because of the way this character was used in Marvel proper, however I say that the character is only as good or as bad as the author in charge of the character. Things are never simple and the Exiles are split up. This issue sees a focus on Sabretooth whom I have grown to appreciate though I think his similarities in powers and personality to 616 Wolverine make him feel a little too familiar.

The characters and world are very well written here and as the series progresses I think Mitch has done a great job of slowly building the story that is coming to fore in this issue and I image the next. Alex Asher here has done some interesting things and it's too bad we haven't had an issue focus on Heather yet, hopefully we still get one (she's not dead, that's all I'm saying).

Again there are a few spelling/grammatical errors but not enough that they detract from the story. Another one and done on this world . . . or is it? Looking forward to reading issue #4.

I give it 4 a half stars out of 5

[Tim Veselka]

Exiles #4 by Mitch Crane

WARNING SPOILERS!!!!!

This time I have to include spoilers to comment on this particular issue so be forewarned. The Exiles now have to contend with Alex Asher being in control of the Crystal Palace while Heather has disappeared altogether. I loved how the mission control style is immediately different and it shows the ways it affects the exiles. The Exiles have never - to my knowledge - been purposely split up when they were teleported to another dimension, kudos for making that small change as it made things immediately come into focus as far as their Crystal Palace challenges

The focus seems to be equal parts Spider-man and Zarda, which makes for an interesting issue as Miguel is a scientist and more thoughtful while Zarda is obviously a warrior. The history of this reality is interesting as I have rarely seen the Eternals used in this way. Another kudos in that last issue was a "gritty street" story and this issue is a "cosmic adventure" just reminds me what kept Exiles fresh for so long.

There were a few small spelling errors but less than previous issues. I liked this twisted version of Reed and thought it was interesting point that this Reed was somehow scientifically held back by his nastiness. I also enjoyed how Mitch had Miguel comment on how strange it was that Reed had stretching powers in this universe as well as I had the exact same question. Best part of all of this for me is I am finally getting a chance to read a more prolonged arc from Mitch and I am loving it

I give this issue 5 out of 5 stars, maybe not perfect but close enough for this fan!

[mitchcrane]

Wow five out of five?!. Thanks so much for reviewing my Exiles! What a nice surprise. Your reviews and the recent "Year in Review" have inspired me to churn out some more stories :-)

I'm glad you're picking up on some of the little things I'm doing, like having Alex Asher split the team up upon arrival; something that's never been done deliberately in Exiles.

Good pick up on Morph's flight ability, maybe there's a reason he couldn't fly...or maybe I completely forgot :-P

Yes I always thought it was funny that in every world most characters always end up with the same powers, or very similar. What if Peter parker had been bitten by a radioactive mosquito instead of a spider?

A lil bit of trivia, in each appearance by Reed Richards in Exiles, I noticed he always had a different hair style, so in this appearance I deliberately made sure to note that he had wild messy hair and a big beard, just to keep the tradition going.

[Tim Veselka]

I'm soooo glad you've been inspired to write more as I am rapidly approaching the most recent issue and I want more NOW

It's been fun seeing Axel in charge and notice all the little differences between he and Heather, he uses the Timebroker to communicate for example etc makes you appreciate Heather's subtle importance to the whole team.

Then what would have peter called himself the Amazing Mosquito-man just doesn't quite have that same "ring" to it.

I never noticed Reed's changing hair, I love little bits of trivia like that and you include these little details in Exiles which is part of the reason it has been growing on me so quickly! Hurry and write another!

-Tim

[Tim Veselka]

Exiles #5 by Mitch Crane

(SPOILERS WARNING)

This story continues as the Terran Empire launches a final deadly assault on the last vestiges of the Shi'ar Empire. Again Spider-man 2099 and Zarda shared the focus of this issue which I felt espescially appropriate given the ending.

This issue is practically one big battle broken into stages but after the great build-up last issue and the sheer size of the consequences of the outcome of this battle it was perfect. This story arc is easily the best of Mitch Crane's Exiles yet. Action aplenty and yet plenty of characterization and emotional buildup. In fact I have to say best Line in the series yet: (He locked eyes with Richards. “You don’t get to hurt anyone anymore,”). When this was said I literally felt a surge of triumph and excitement so Mitch you're obviously doing something right!

What does pain me about this issue is the death scene, very well written, it just sucks that we're 5 issues in and we already have to say farewell to someone, but this is Exiles and if the no-death streak lasted much longer people would start to ask questions. I'm just glad this character had some great characterization before it happened so that we really felt the death. Also creepy Morph is creepy, if only someone had been able to cure him, I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that he won't have to die but you won't see me holding my breath!

I think I only noticed one small spelling error, well written and well edited! Yet again another 5 star out of 5 review! Keep it up Mitch!

[Tim Veselka]

Exiles #6 by Mitch Crane

The Exiles start a new mission on an Earth where six gods rule their realms with iron fists. I have to mention once more one of the reasons I love the Exiles and particularly Crane's version of them is that you can have literally any type of story or world you desire. We've gone from a horror-induced street tale to a cosmic adventure and now onto a high fantasy. I especially love that he uses the Marvel-owned D&D weapons in this issue.

Longshot seems to have taken the focus this issue but to be honest his time in the spotlight was short and almost inconsequential so that I felt like no one grew during this particular one and done fantasy. After the death in last issue there wasn't really any time given to the deceased which I can understand but seemed unrealistic to me as especially the character's best friend should be mourning to some degree.

I enjoyed this storyline but again felt it could have been much more powerful if sufficient time had been given for character and world growth, but that is also a major difficulty in writing a title such as the Exiles and really this series is great. One minor complaint is that in this issue the Exiles come off as dicks and made me disconnect from them some.

Overall a good one and done but after his excellent previous issues it feels a bit enemic but still well worth a read and the last scene made me smile

[Tim Veselka]

Oops I forgot to write my stars in there 3 and 1/2 stars out of 5 which is still darn good so what are you waiting for? Give it a go!

[mitchcrane]

Thanks Tim. Issue 5 is one of my favourites. People that have read this before have been begging me to kill off Power Princess for ages, but I decide that killing the character people don't like has less impact. You kill the one people love, including this author. I mean if the author loves them then they're garanteed to give them a good death. Which I think they did.

In issue 6, I really struggled with Longshot, which is funny, since he's one of my favourite characters. How did the Exiles come accross as dicks?

I already have ideas formulating in my mind for the next couple of issues. We'll see more of what's happened to heather, as well as a look into who exactly Jade Nova is. And can you say...the Marvel Lanterns?

[Tim Veselka]

You know as much as Power Princess would irritate the hell out of me in real life I find her very intriguing as a character. The fact she is such a strong and powerful woman in a male-dominated multi-verse and continues to think of herself as an equal/superior is intriguing. Plus I love it when she surprises men like Ikaris makes me grin all the way down in my gut.

The major character death was done very well, I really did feel for him and his teammates. (Sorry I don't like having spoilers in my responses if it can be helped)

Longshot is someone that I think would be hard to get in his mindset, not only has he always had luck on his side which I think would make you a very unique personality but he is also very naive when it comes to the ways of the world which is also hard to convey, at least for me.

The thing that made them seem like dicks was the way they handled Jade Nova, I totally understand their reasons however I would think they would have the heart to consider that Jade Nova is being controlled/manipulated just like them and keep their suspicions to themselves at least until further evidence confirms or denies it. Maybe I'm just reading too much into it but if I had to risk my life next to someone every day I wouldn't treat them like a black sheep right out the door. Again sorry if that doesn't seem fair for the review I still thought the issue was GREAT just personally felt they would react differently to that situation.

[Tim Veselka]

I'm surprised to say that I am VERY interested in finding out more about Heather she was a character that just never caught me in the Marvel proper's Exiles, but you've done a great job of showing her importance and what makes her such a great Exile/Mission Control.

Marvel Lanterns?!? Why haven't you finished writing this already? Consider me interested!

[mitchcrane]

Haha I've started writing Issue 7, but have gone away for the weekend so haven't gotten very far. Knowing someone is actually reading your work helps provide motivation lol.

The Exiles were dicks to Jade Nova because Axel put her on the team, as far as they're concerned she's a plant/insider working for him. Longshot was on her side though. There may be a lil jealousy on Power Princess' part too, since she's getting flirty with Longshot lol.

Think you'll read any of my other stuff?

[Tim Veselka]

Yeah I'm excited for the next issue I totally understand about people reading your work as a big motivator, I feel the same way. I plan on going back and reviewing your Starjammers series once I finish reviewing "Winter Guard". I remember quite a bit of it from the Lab and really enjoyed it so I am excited to see where you have taken it since! I'm hoping to hit at least a couple titles from each imprint. I'm glad you enjoyed my comments!