MISTER X: RAZED #1 Review

Mister X is back! And true to the quirky nature of his strange universe, he’s staring in special holiday issue (um, even though it’s February).

The official description from Dark Horse:

The return of Mister X! Visionary creator Dean Motter returns with a new masterpiece of retrofuturism! Radiant City is a metropolis as mysterious as its alleged creator—Mister X. What should’ve improved the city left it cursed. Now, Mister X must watch over the City of Dreams turned City of Nightmares, keeping vigil during a holiday season that’s anything but jolly.

Fan’s who’ve followed Mr. X prior to this newer launch know the premise well: Radiant City is fallen star and Mr. X, one of the original architects, has an obsessive need to prowl the streets and make things right. In issue #1 or Razed, writer Dean Motter reprises not only his iconic hero, but offers two mini-mysteries which feature not only known players but set a beautiful stage for newer readers just entering the Radiant’s city limits for the first time. The first story concerns a serial killer who’s engaging in religiously-themed murders; the second a deadly couple taking a strange twist on the gift-giving tradition. Each story is tightly crafted, gently interwoven, and only has Mr. X as a periphery (albeit important) player. The result is lovely — Motter is reintroducing us to the strange world he created nearly 30 years ago, but offering new themes, and situations, and dangers, which pull the reader in immediately. The mini-story framework is eminently readable, creating bite-size narratives that engaged and delight.

As most fans know, Dean Motter was an album artist in addition to making kick-ass comics. His eye for design and bold imagery is at work with Mister X: Razed, too. The characters are bold and fun; the cityscape is dark and moody. Motter is a master at using visuals to immerse the reader in the setting, and Razed is no exception. You can almost feel the snow on your shoulders as you read.

Mister X: Razed offers a great new start, to a beloved character. Go grab this thing today.