Astonished: My First Real Taste of X-Men

The X-Men are one of the most well-known and popular team in comic book history! Just ask even a casual reader and they can list off at least five members, if not more. They've been referenced in popular culture and have been an impressive force in helping kick-start the renaissance of comic book films we're seeing. Yet, for the longest time, I never managed  to get invested in the trials and tribulations of the source material.

Outside of the odd issue here and there, the various splinter groups including X-Force, X-Factor, and Excalibur always kept me away from the series, fearing the massive amount of material included in learning the origins of all these teams and the current whereabouts of my favorite characters. On a leap of faith though, I decided to take the current status-quo as a solid jumping on point, and I'm quite glad I picked the book I did.

Most of the main cast of X-Men: Blue.

I decided to take a look at X-Men: Blue, featuring the time-displaced O5 team of Marvel Girl, Cyclops, Iceman, Angel, and Beast. This book follows the storyline of Cyclops and All-New X-Men as the team attempts to find their place in a new world that is all too familiar with the X-Men--for better or for worse. In that sense, it is has proven to be one of the best ways, I think, to approach jumping into the complicated world of X-Mythos. As many familiar elements from older or casual fans help blend in with the new direction of the Marvel Universe. Jesse Schedeen of IGN words it well.

It has been interesting to see how the characters interact with each other. I imagine that, for longtime fans of the X-Men that grew up reading this team, the nostalgia is nice. Meanwhile, for newer fans, they get to somewhat understand what helped make the X-Men so popular to begin with while not losing any of the new aesthetics that have drawn them into comics in the first place. The team not only manages to be fun, but also introduces a few welcome wrinkles of these classic characters.

What X-Men team is complete without a Wolverine? From X-Men: Blue #4

While Jean and Scott deal with the legacies left by their older selves, Warren gains a new pair of cosmic wings. Meanwhile, Iceman continues to only scratch the surface of his capabilities and Beast has become enamored with the use of magic--admittedly probably my favorite subplot. The addition of a teenage Wolverine from a different universe rounds out to create a team both unique and familiar. Truly the best of both worlds, with Magneto aiding the team from the backgrounds in place of Professor X (for now).

All things considered, I have always been more a DC guy, as my first two articles can probably tell you. However, I do want to enjoy Marvel books and this is a prime example of a book I can get into from the House of M. It's not devoid of some usual Marvel pitfalls, such as the need to tie into the current big Event. However, even when doing so, X-Men: Blue keeps it's tone and continues it's momentum. If you're a lapsed Marvel fan, X-Men fan, or just want something new to read, this is a book I recommend at least checking out for the first three issues.

How Mera Can Break Out

A lot of eyes have been on Aquaman over the past few years. From one of the most consistently praised series of the New 52, a unique new path to start Rebirth, and one of the most gorgeous books out right now, it's been hard not to become a fan of King of Atlantis. The recently released teaser for the upcoming movie starring Jason Momoa, has also gotten positive attention. With that said, as big a year as it has been for Aquaman, it's arguable that it might serve as more a prelude to a surge in the stock of his partner: Mera!

Mera of Xebel serves many roles in the adventures of Aquaman, but none moreso than his rock. Often, in times of peace, Arthur can be seen reflecting with Mera on their relationship. While Arthur takes the role of strong leader, his red-headed love perfectly embodies the image of the powerful woman beside the man. Even when the two disagree on how matters should be handled and they choose to go about things their own way, it is quite clear the bond the two share is immense.

So, it would seem fitting that with the rise in popularity and attention that Aquaman has been receiving, his partner would find herself in a fortuitous position. DC seems to have a bit of investment in her character. Though Mera is a powerful and well-known figure to comic fans, to reach the upper heights of popularity that hosts women such as Harley Quinn and Wonder Woman, DC would be wise to double down on the Queen. I have three suggestions on that front, myself.

Build Relationships

Mera revealing that she lacks real connections without Arthur. - Justice League #24

Mera has been an important part of the Aquaman mythos for a long time. However, outside the oceans, Mera has never had much in the way of lasting relationships with people. The co-workers at the Daily Planet, Wayne Enterprises Employees, and Amazons make up the collective supporting cast of the Trinity. Characters like Jimmy Olsen, Alfred, and Athena all add something to the backgrounds of Superman, Batman, and Diana. Mera, despite being a fifty year-old character, lacks that.

No character can be an island. To put it simple, Mera needs some friends. They don't necessarily have to be separate from the friends of Arthur, but part of making a character interesting is giving people something they can't get anywhere else. Who does Mera talk to when things aren't going well with Arthur? Who does she spend time with when Arthur is away with the League? We've gotten glimpses of what that life is like. Tula, for example, has played a large role in helping run the kingdom and seems to think highly of Mera who, in turn, trusts the young woman greatly. And of course, there's Salty, the Aquadog!

Mera is not a person loved in Atlantis, and the surface is skeptical at best of Atlantians. Given the Underworld storyline regarding mutants, it wouldn't be a stretch to see those looked down upon because of their genes as somewhat kindred spirits. Characters like Dolphin, Lagoon Boy, and Sheeva could all fall into this realm. While not something that will happen over night, it would be interesting to see new sides of Meras' personality around her friends.

More Solo Adventures

Mera is more than capable of dealing with foes on her own. - Throne of Atlantis (2015)

While having friends to talk issues out can add to Mera's personality, let us not forget that action is a big part of what draws fans to comics. Thankfully, Mera is a woman of action! Mera has been known to take part in many of Aquaman's adventures, but it would be interesting to see someone as powerful as Mera take matters into her own hands more often. 

From Atlantis, to the Justice League, to Aquaman himself, Mera has shown herself to be a fearless warrior when the need arises. Her Hydrokinesis has proven to be a difficult ability to face down, which makes one wonder what kind of obstacles you could throw at a woman who can move the ocean? 

Her twin sister Siren comes to mind as a worthy opponent, as she exhibits similar powers. The same could be said for her ex-Husband Nereus. Outside of other Xebel natives, Ya'Wara who shares similar powers to Aquaman (though with land animals,) is quite the ferocious foe herself. Her apparent jealousy of Mera over her relationship with Arthur and her inability to be with him have seemingly put her at odds with her former allies and could prove an interesting duality. Seeing Mera get the chance to cut loose and show off what she's capable of on her own could be really fun and offer an opportunity for new stories to be told.

Build on the Hype & Show Her Off

The full depths of Meras' power have, seemingly, yet to be tapped. (Images from Aquaman #26 & Justice League #24)

Many would make the mistake of assuming Mera shares her power set with Arthur. While they share similar biology however, Meras' Hydrokinesis has proven to make her one of the most powerful women in the DC Universe. Her Xebel blood and abilities have the elders of Atlantis concerned that she could potentially end not only them, but the world in a worst case scenario. She is considered perhaps the most highly skilled Hydrokinetic ever recorded by Atlantis.

In her encounter with the Justice League, Batman assumes Aquaman taught her how to deal with them, following handily defeating them in Justice League #24. She explains that she didn't learn from him, and reveals she has been trying to destroy the magical barrier around Atlantis for days. Vulko comments that nobody really gets how powerful she is. It's a bit scary to think about, but intriguing as well.

These are the kind of feats and statements that get people curious to see more of what a character is capable of. What characters she'll interact with, who can stand alongside and against her, and what crazy feat could she pull off next? What is the Red Queen's breaking point, and what consequences would it have for her and the people around her? 

Conclusion

Mera has a lot of the characteristics of a character capable of having her very own, passionate fanbase. She has a unique look, an interesting and versatile set of powers, and a backstory ripe for exploration. The only thing that really has to be done is to give her a bit more of my aforementioned qualities to get people truly invested in her and give her current fans something new. With Aquaman releasing next year and Amber Heard to play her in the live-action Justice League film, a solid reception could be just the catalyst to set these things in motion.

It will be interesting to see how DC handles Mera moving forward. The current arc has her separated from the man she loves and showing her signature ferocity, but her interaction with the the Justice League could be a hint of bigger things to come for the hydrokinetic. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes.

Superwoman: The Future of Lana Lang

Spoiler Alert: This post contains spoilers for Superwoman #12. If you care about this and you don't want to be spoiled, be sure to go read this issue beforehand.

I recently took the time to catch up on Superwoman this week. Issue 12 is the third part of the Rediscovery arc, focusing on Lana Lang rediscovering her confidence as a hero, her love for the people in her life, as well as dealing with the whirlwind of emotions that cloud her mind on a regular basis.

As a reader of Superwoman from the first issue, I have been curious as to where Lana would find herself in the Superman family moving forward. Superwoman has been a series that has dealt with some heavy topics that haven't always let Lana come off as the most rational or fair person. Oftentimes, the redheaded genius pushed friends away and seemingly put her own needs above the needs of those heroes typically protect. Still, for what it represents, I have always felt as though Lana and Superwoman as a character/concept have a lot to prove with this series.

For most of her time as a character in recent canon, Lana has been seen as perhaps the first love of Clark Kent. A confidant, friend, and link to his days growing up on the Kent farm in Smallville, and throughout the days of the New 52, we have seen all of those roles challenged and strengthened. Coming to grips with the loss of her parents and her conflicting feelings regarding John Henry and Clark have colored her in a less than decisive light. She can feel, at times, unappreciative of the people around her.

However, I think these are the traits that, if toned down a degree, can help Superwoman make a lasting impact on the Superman Family and mythos as it's most human member, alongside Kong Kenan. To date, Superwoman has been at odds with Lena Luthor and currently faces Skyhook. Each formidable foes, but more often than not, we've seen Lana battling her inner demons. Depression, anxiety, sadness, anger, and confusion seemingly bring more despair and torment to the heroine than Ultrawoman ever could. Which isn't unlike how many people go through life.

While the Superman family walks the line of duality quite often, as the stories of American Aliens, Kara and Clark are purely alien from a physiological standpoint. Characters, like Lana and Kenan though, represent something different. While Superman might be the paragon that people strive for, Superwoman and New Super-Man embody why Clark is that ideal. It has nothing to do with being as powerful as a locomotive or the ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound.

Lana "dealing" with her issues in Superwoman #8.

Lana can do these things and more, but she deals with decidedly human issues in decidedly human ways that Clark, for better or worse, doesn't. That is what makes me curious as to where K. Perkins will take her. She draws parallels to New 52s' early interpretation of Supergirl, who handled things in a very Kryptonian manner, culminating in rage so great, she became the Red Daughter of Krypton: A powerful member of the Red Lantern Corps. While I doubt Lana will reach rage that great, it is something that would prove to be cathartic for Supergirl and her series.

What that means is, when all the rage and anger had finally left Kara, and her stories began to develop her relationships with her Earth friends, her book became a far more enjoyable read that I don't think anyone foresaw. I like to think that DC can do the same for Lana. But while Kara was able to let her rage go through simply giving up her Red Lantern ring, the path Lana takes should be more complicated--the same as any body else dealing with such heavy issues in their life would have.

Superwoman has to show Lana making the effort to repair her relationships. To apologize to the John for keeping him at arms length despite their relationship, to Clark for blaming him and his wife for "ruining her life," and perhaps the toughest thing anyone can do, apologizing to herself for making things so much harder than they should have been and not knowing that she always had people to turn to, who can make things better.

I feel like this moment in Superwoman #10 was a bit premature, but would love to see it touched on later.

While the emotional struggles of Lana have been an intriguing read, it needs a payoff. It needs to come full circle. Lana needs to gradually learn to move forward as a person for her trials to have real meaning. Not only would this allow new writers the chance to focus on other aspects of her personality, but the symbol of mental health that Lana could be is inspiring to think about.