Marvel’s New Mutants follows the younger generation of mutants in the Marvel Universe as they navigate the tribulations of life. Shela Sexton, aka Escapade, has just joined the New Mutants after being recruited by Emma Frost in Marvel Voices: Pride (2022) #1. Escapade still isn’t entirely in control of her powers and is apprehensive about life in Krakoa. She has reluctantly taken up life on the island nation, hoping to prevent the death of her best friend, Morgan Red, as seen in a premonition by Destiny. Written by Charlie Jane Anders with art by Alberto Alburquerque, Ro Stein, and Ted Brandt, colors by Carlo Lopez and Tamra Bonvillain, letters by Travis Lanham, and design by Tom Muller and Jay Bowen — New Mutants #31 thoughtfully explores trauma as a new story arc begins.
This issue will be many readers’ first exposure to Escapade, and she shines as a new addition to the world of mutants. Her powers — being able to switch places with other people momentarily, talents and powers included — present a lot of unique storytelling opportunities. The issue puts a strong focus on her relationship with Morgan Red as she begins to adjust to life on Krakoa. Readers get a strong sense of her concerns and primary personality traits. She isn’t fully on board with the idea of Krakoa, which is an exciting angle to see explored.
Anders handles the themes at play here deftly. The Lost Club, one of the younger generations of the New Mutants, have all been through an extreme amount of trauma, and this issue explores the effect that has on all of them. Each character processes what they’ve been through in different ways, but their support of each other is the backbone of the story. At the end of the day, they are also all teenagers, and the wit that comes with that adds some much-needed levity to this intense story.
Alburquerque handles the majority of the art, with Stein and Brandt handling a “Young Shela & Morgan” bit that adds up to a total of six panels. Alburquerque’s art is fun and energetic throughout. A good portion of the issue consists of characters just sitting around talking, but facial expressions and body language are rendered in an engaging way. Each character’s personality practically jumps off the page. Stein and Brandt’s art for the “Young Shela & Morgan” bit is adorable, drawing inspiration from classic cartoon strips.
Lopez’s colors are excellent. Krakoa is a lush paradise, and the colors represent that vividly here. Character costumes, in particular, stand out, making it easy to discern where primary players are in every panel. Lanham’s letters are strong from cover to cover as well. Escapade’s narration box is a unique yellow and blue combination that helps distinguish her voice. Both Lanham’s lettering and Muller and Bowen’s design are also highlighted on a page that depicts a text message exchange.
This issue starts a brand-new arc for New Mutants and introduces new characters to the world. It has a lot on its plate, but the end result is quite an enjoyable read. Heavy themes and the threat of future traumas loom large, opening up a lot of potential for growth among the cast. While the issue doesn’t shy away from its serious undertones, it also embraces being a fun teenage adventure. With New Mutants #31, Anders and the rest of the creative team deliver an exciting start to a new chapter in the New Mutants’ history.
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