Nightcrawler (Vol. 3)

(Marvel, 2004–2006)
™ and © Marvel Entertainment Group

At the risk of crowding the stands to the point of diminishing returns, Marvel releases yet another solo series starring a member of the Uncanny X–Men. Fortunately, it’s one of the better such titles on the stands (at least so far), thanks to quick pacing (not always a given at Marvel these days), a tightly constructed mystery story, and drop–dead gorgeous art by the always great Darick Robertson. (In fact, it’s hard to believe Robertson’s prodigious talents aren’t being utilized on a more bankable character, such as Spider-Man.)

The grisly deaths of 13 children in a psychiatric ward prompts Storm to send Kurt “Nightcrawler” Wagner to the institution to investigate, since it appears that the killings may have been the work of a teleporter. Not surprisingly, the sole survivor (a 10-year-old boy who witnessed the horrible happening) is terrified at the sight of the blue, devil–like Nightcrawler, giving the story its only flaw in logic. Perhaps a more eye–pleasing character like, say, Storm herself, would’ve been a better choice to talk to a kid.

— Brett Weiss

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