Writer: Gerry Duggan
Art: Matteo Lolli & Klaus Janson

Colors: Rain Beredo

Letters: VC’s Cory Petit

Publisher: Marvel
Price: $3.99
Release Date: 7/21/21
Reviewer: Soycornholio

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Sins of the Past:

Without even reading Marauders #22 by Gerry Duggan, you can tell something is brewing. Much like Magneto wearing his purple and red outfit, anytime Emma is donning her classic White Queen outfit, stuff is about to get real…Or nostalgic. Luckily for us, we were served a healthy dose of both on a diamond-encrusted platter. Let’s check out why I loved the latest issue of Marauders.

*Spoilers to follow*

Ms. Chantel:

It is no secret the Lourdes Chantel (Sebastian Shaw’s long thought deceased wife) was going to play a role in this issue. Ironically enough, she did not necessarily show up. If you have read Classic X-Men #7 by the legendary Chris Claremont, you probably already know, that she was murdered by Sentinels at the very first Hellfire Gala…Or was she Lourdes Chantel is a deep-cut character from the X-Men’s past. You have to have read Classic X-Men #7 OR read Shaw’s wiki info to even have a clue as to who she was (is?). Duggan reached back into the comic book past and performed an amazing retcon that not only furthered one of the plots in Marauders but Emma Frost as a character.

Emma Frost:

After a particular redhead, Emma Frost is my favorite telepath. She is one of my top 3 favorite Marvel heroes. This issue further cemented my respect for the White Queen. As the Stepford Cuckoos were helping Wilhelmina Kensington, one of the Cuckoos (they all look the same) stated, “Our mum taught us that we need to look out for other women…when men take advantage.” This is the one quote that perfectly sums up Emma Frost. Much like the cover art, Emma uses a lot of men as pawns for her various schemes. Unlike Xavier and Jean (questionable) she even uses her telepathic abilities to get what she wants. But, when it comes to looking out after women, Emma does so…very subtlety. Duggan writes an amazing Emma. Yes, she is vicious. Yes, she doesn’t like carbs. Yes, she is a diamond, but she has a heart of gold. Toasts to the Emma Frost.

Telepathy:

When I think of telepathy, I immediately think of the X-Men. Ever since their debut back in the early 1960s (1963 to be exact) a telepath has always been one of the mainstays of the team. Telepathy plays a strong role in Marauders #22. Besides Prof X. and Emma communicating, it was also used to reveal the truth to Sebastian Shaw. He was able to see (via an amazing flashback sequence that the artists and colorists SLAYED) what happened on the night of the first Hellfire Gala. I would love to see more telepathic flashbacks. With so many telepaths running around, we may never know what is true until one of them reveal it to us. Via telepathy, a skilled writer can retcon numerous past storylines.

Final Thoughts:

I need more issues like Marauders #22 by Gerry Duggan. After a lukewarm #21, the creative team rebounded nicely and provided us with deep X-Cuts and an entire world of new possibilities. Check this issue out. If you are a fan of the Hellfire Club, Emma Frost, Gerry Duggan, OR the Marauders. This issue does not disappoint. Therefore, it has earned the score of:

9.5/10