Chilled To The Bone: Reviewing ‘Astonishing Iceman’ #5

Things have gotten quite toasty during the Fall Of X, as the iciest of mutants battles the fires of bigotry. A final battle with the abhorrent Mr. Clean will claim more than just the icy palace the former X-Men called home.

Everything ends with Astonishing Iceman #5 from Steve Orlando, Vincenzo Carratù, Java Tartaglia, and Travis Lanham.

A miniseries that structurally felt quite messy, would logically have a conclusion just as messy. Except, things aren’t that simple. Within this issue we get a taste of sorts of what might have been, were this mini not 4/5 made up of came guest roles, deep cuts, and forced romance. Here in this issue, the final one of course, I, at last, buy the struggle Iceman is going through and the relationship between him and Romeo.

Basically, it’s almost a full-issue fight scene, and it looks pretty good.

Carratu does an excellent job at creating true motion on the page. Framing/panel choices that allow the action to flow across the pages, are easy to follow while still having that tiny bit of appropriate chaotic energy. Even though most of the events take place in one space (the ice palace) things feel unique and energetic. Even the pages where characters are just monologuing to one another have great movement and power.

Color-wise things are mostly toned down, icy if you will, before the more vibrant and powerful color tones begin to fight their way in as the danger/action increases. Tartaglia creates a cold atmosphere with the blues and purples dominating various scenes. Allowing Clean to be the contrasting (antagonizing) color focus on many pages, similar to the threatening tones of Orchis panel colors.

There are a ton of words here, as Iceman and Clean have a lot to say. Lanham makes it all work on the page, bringing the right emphasis and focus on the right time. Letting volume, intent, and tone become quite clear with each uttered word. I love the use of sentence case in comics. It allows instantly recognized natural tones to exist within the pages so that the other levels are just as clear. We can feel and hear the maniacal glee from Clean (followed by his cold realizations) just as much as the pain of Romeo and the humor turning to cold determination from Iceman.

Orlando has quite a clear habit since coming to Marvel. Too many books become laden with deep-cut references and remembrances from Marvel stories past. As noted, this book suffered from that too. This issue though gives off vibes of when Orlando is at his best. Most of the Fall Of X books ended in abrupt ways (resolutions that often are not resolutions), but this might be one of the few where at least the abrupt ending fits. It’s a full circle moment, as Iceman is back to trying to reform/come back, but one that at least allowed for character development/growth before turning around.

That’s something at least.

Astonishing Iceman #5 is now available from Marvel Comics.