Comic Review: X-Men ’92: House of XCII #1

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Steve Foxe

Artists: Salva Espin & Israel Silva

Letterer: VC’s Joe Sabino

Designer: Jay Bowen

In an unexpected crossover, the X-Men heroes and villains of the 90’s are now leading the mutants of their time to the Krakoa era 30 years early. 

X-Men ’92: House of XCII’s concept is rather simple: What if House of X / Powers of X happened 30 years ago? Steve Foxe takes this concept and does a fine job of making it work. The best of both eras is utilized, leading to very few lows throughout this first issue. The changes to The Five and Orchis are clever and find ways to make Krakoan logic hold up. The twists and turns throughout the issue are also entertaining, especially when it comes to who is playing Moira’s role. 

Foxe’s dialogue feels a little stiff, though it’s charming since it actually fits the dialogue of the era. The pacing throughout the issue is solid as well, with many key HoX/PoX moments covered without feeling too rushed. 

The art fits modern day standards while also maintaining the colors and charms that one would expect from this era. Salva Espin’s art feels original and modern while also emulating the style of the ‘90s series. Fortunately, the sequentials are great throughout, with the large action scene in the beginning of the issue feeling quite kinetic. Israel Silva’s colors add tons of life to the backgrounds throughout the panels. The characters’ colors look exactly how the reader might remember them too. 

Of course, the art isn’t the only part of this comic that fits in with the 1992 time-period. Joe Sabino and Jay Bowen both do a remarkable job at ensuring that the letters, sound effects, and all of the various boxes look displaced. This especially applies to the pages with the creator credits and the info dumps. Tons of bright blues, yellows, and pinks bleed on the pages in the best way. 

It shouldn’t be such a smooth transition, but the Krakoa era works wonderfully in the 90’s. We have the opportunity to see some interesting twists and turns utilizing fan favorite characters. This is another solid X-Men book, even if it doesn’t neatly fit in Destiny of X (Yet).