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Iceman by Sina Grace
Iceman, Vol. 2: Absolute Zero
Collects Iceman (2017) #6-11.
The Champions reassembled! Iceman reunites with Angel, Hercules, Ghost Rider and Darkstar, but will even they be enough to protect Los Angeles from a swarm of rogue, haywire Sentinels? All eyes are on Bobby — how will he fare as a leader? And as if that's not enough, Iceman and his younger counterpart must team up — to face their parents! The Drakes have discovered the existence of the time-torn teen, but what are their true motives for engineering a meeting? And as Bobby looks to make his move to the City of Angels permanent, Daken resurfaces — with big plans for Iceman and the X-Mansion! Why has the son of Wolverine been training Bobby's former student? Whatever the answer, it's bad news for the X-Men. Iceman to the rescue!
The Champions reassembled! Iceman reunites with Angel, Hercules, Ghost Rider and Darkstar, but will even they be enough to protect Los Angeles from a swarm of rogue, haywire Sentinels? All eyes are on Bobby — how will he fare as a leader? And as if that's not enough, Iceman and his younger counterpart must team up — to face their parents! The Drakes have discovered the existence of the time-torn teen, but what are their true motives for engineering a meeting? And as Bobby looks to make his move to the City of Angels permanent, Daken resurfaces — with big plans for Iceman and the X-Mansion! Why has the son of Wolverine been training Bobby's former student? Whatever the answer, it's bad news for the X-Men. Iceman to the rescue!
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2018
10 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Sina Grace
227 books145 followersSina Grace’s parents had big plans for their son: Ivy League schooling, professional credentials, a 6-figure income as a doctor– the works! Fortunately for us, he found the wonderful world of comics instead. It was in this world of contradictions that he “matured,” one foot teetering on the edge of academia, the other drawn to the inescapable grasp of an ink-bound fantasy underworld.
At 14, Grace seemingly appeased his parents by interning at Top Cow Productions, under the guidance of Editor-in-Chief Renae Geerlings (his single mother figured at least he was collecting college credit). However the only thing he was collecting (other than comics), was the compulsive habit of drawing unrealistically proportioned, scantily clad women.
At 16, he got a perpetual summer-time job at the Santa Monica landmark: Hi De Ho Comics, where he would be inspired to create Books with Pictures. By 17 he wrote, drew, and self-published his first comic, The Roller-Derby Robo-Dykes versus the Cannibals. His knowledge of disproportionate harlots with weapons came in handy when depicting a story about Robo-Dykes bent on taking over the world. His mother was happy that he was taking interest in girls. The book went into a second printing, and received the praise of Lying in the Gutters critic, Rich Johnston.
Weeks after graduating high school, he was asked by Rilo Kiley front-woman Jenny Lewis to illustrate a limited edition comic book adaptation of their 2004 record, More Adventurous. In the spring of 2006 he was asked to apprentice under comics genius, Howard Chaykin (even though it may not be apparent in Books with Pictures, Grace did learn the function of a ruler and the meaning of a vanishing point).
Between the summers of 2005 and 06, Grace’s partially-biographical indie dramedy, Books with Pictures, went from hand-xeroxed zines to full-fledged, full-sized comic books. Shortly after its debut at San Diego Comic-Con, Diamond Distributors accepted the series into their ordering catalogue, Previews. Grace’s work on the series was met with admiration from bloggers and reviewers alike, and has since taken on several projects for multiple anthologies due in late 2008.
To his parents’ delight, he graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, receiving an undergraduate degree in Literature, with an emphasis on Creative Writing.
Sina Grace recently self-published an illustrated novel about a sorcerer sleuth in Orange County, aptly named Cedric Hollows in Dial M for Magic, his next project will be providing illustrations for Amber Benson’s novel, Among the Ghosts, through Aladdin Books.
At 14, Grace seemingly appeased his parents by interning at Top Cow Productions, under the guidance of Editor-in-Chief Renae Geerlings (his single mother figured at least he was collecting college credit). However the only thing he was collecting (other than comics), was the compulsive habit of drawing unrealistically proportioned, scantily clad women.
At 16, he got a perpetual summer-time job at the Santa Monica landmark: Hi De Ho Comics, where he would be inspired to create Books with Pictures. By 17 he wrote, drew, and self-published his first comic, The Roller-Derby Robo-Dykes versus the Cannibals. His knowledge of disproportionate harlots with weapons came in handy when depicting a story about Robo-Dykes bent on taking over the world. His mother was happy that he was taking interest in girls. The book went into a second printing, and received the praise of Lying in the Gutters critic, Rich Johnston.
Weeks after graduating high school, he was asked by Rilo Kiley front-woman Jenny Lewis to illustrate a limited edition comic book adaptation of their 2004 record, More Adventurous. In the spring of 2006 he was asked to apprentice under comics genius, Howard Chaykin (even though it may not be apparent in Books with Pictures, Grace did learn the function of a ruler and the meaning of a vanishing point).
Between the summers of 2005 and 06, Grace’s partially-biographical indie dramedy, Books with Pictures, went from hand-xeroxed zines to full-fledged, full-sized comic books. Shortly after its debut at San Diego Comic-Con, Diamond Distributors accepted the series into their ordering catalogue, Previews. Grace’s work on the series was met with admiration from bloggers and reviewers alike, and has since taken on several projects for multiple anthologies due in late 2008.
To his parents’ delight, he graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, receiving an undergraduate degree in Literature, with an emphasis on Creative Writing.
Sina Grace recently self-published an illustrated novel about a sorcerer sleuth in Orange County, aptly named Cedric Hollows in Dial M for Magic, his next project will be providing illustrations for Amber Benson’s novel, Among the Ghosts, through Aladdin Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 14, 2018
I really wanted to like this. Iceman has a great power set. However, this was just a bunch of shallow plots while taking a surface attempt at having Bobby deal with realizing he's gay in his thirties. The new mutants created for the series were forgettable. The conflict with Daken was forgettable. All of it just felt very forgettable.
September 10, 2018
I didn't enjoy this volume as much as I did book one, partly because I wasn't keen on the change of artist and partly because I felt the stories in issues eight to ten weren't as strong as the rest of the series, but I'm still really sorry to see this book get cancelled.
I really wish Marvel would give new books longer to find their audience.
I really wish Marvel would give new books longer to find their audience.
January 1, 2019
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first volume but there's still a lot to love here.
I like seeing Bobby embrace his identity more. I was happy to see him get out and start dating... although that didn't go as planned. I love the cameraderie between him and his old team (though Widow being dead was a little baffling). Sidenote, always happy to see Hercules. He's a total babe.
The Daken storyline was interesting -- I think I would have rather seen more of that, to be honest. In a strange way, I think they could have had a really interesting relationship, sort of similar to Charles/Erik's but, you know, actually gay. They differ in belief systems and that's always intriguing to me. But, then there's the whole Daken stabbing ***** so... it wouldn't really work out.
Anyway, I have no clue what's happening with the X-Men. There's 3, 2, only 1 team right now? It's unclear. Anyway, I like what Grace did with this series. It's a shame it wasn't longer.
I like seeing Bobby embrace his identity more. I was happy to see him get out and start dating... although that didn't go as planned. I love the cameraderie between him and his old team (though Widow being dead was a little baffling). Sidenote, always happy to see Hercules. He's a total babe.
The Daken storyline was interesting -- I think I would have rather seen more of that, to be honest. In a strange way, I think they could have had a really interesting relationship, sort of similar to Charles/Erik's but, you know, actually gay. They differ in belief systems and that's always intriguing to me. But, then there's the whole Daken stabbing ***** so... it wouldn't really work out.
Anyway, I have no clue what's happening with the X-Men. There's 3, 2, only 1 team right now? It's unclear. Anyway, I like what Grace did with this series. It's a shame it wasn't longer.
July 12, 2018
Wanted to love it. Disappointed that Bobby's chance to represent turned out to be stupid superhero schlock. Still, I hope it works for some young reader out there who needs some schlock that aligns with their reality just a little.
July 14, 2021
Sadly a substantial drop off in quality from the first volume, which I loved.
Bobby continues his journey to being an openly gayman mutant and develops feelings for a guy from L.A. but the extremely complicated reality of his life (including having an underaged time-swapped version of himself at large) make for a series of hard choices.
I wish there had been more of a compelling vision for the series beyond the first arc, it would have been nice to see it continue.
UPDATE: Oh I guess the trades sold well enough to justify Marvel bringing the title back later, this time featuring stories with Spidey and Firestar! I'll have to check it out.
Bobby continues his journey to being an openly gay
I wish there had been more of a compelling vision for the series beyond the first arc, it would have been nice to see it continue.
UPDATE: Oh I guess the trades sold well enough to justify Marvel bringing the title back later, this time featuring stories with Spidey and Firestar! I'll have to check it out.
July 7, 2018
This second and final volume of Sina Grace's Iceman pretty much follows with the strengths and weaknesses of its predecessor.
That means we get a very personal and thoughtful story of an older Iceman coming out, including: Bobby gets a boyfriend (#6-7); Bobbies have dinner with his parents (#8); and Bobby gets past his parents' prejudice (#11).
And we also get somewhat shallow plots, but this time at least they're a bit stronger than last time around. The Champions reunion in #6-7 is particularly great as is the attack on the school in #9-10. The usage of existing characters, including those Champions, Idie, Daken, and Kitty is all strong, but unfortunately all of Grace's new mutants, like the spitting girl and the traitor boy and the bathrobe guys, are totally forgettable. I don't think we'll see them again.
Still, this book has more strengths than weaknesses and it's a shame to see it go. (But word is that Grace is returning with a "new" series due to the strength of bookstore trade sales.)
That means we get a very personal and thoughtful story of an older Iceman coming out, including: Bobby gets a boyfriend (#6-7); Bobbies have dinner with his parents (#8); and Bobby gets past his parents' prejudice (#11).
And we also get somewhat shallow plots, but this time at least they're a bit stronger than last time around. The Champions reunion in #6-7 is particularly great as is the attack on the school in #9-10. The usage of existing characters, including those Champions, Idie, Daken, and Kitty is all strong, but unfortunately all of Grace's new mutants, like the spitting girl and the traitor boy and the bathrobe guys, are totally forgettable. I don't think we'll see them again.
Still, this book has more strengths than weaknesses and it's a shame to see it go. (But word is that Grace is returning with a "new" series due to the strength of bookstore trade sales.)
April 1, 2019
Hands down my favorite moment in this comic was when Bobby's sort-of-but-not-really boyfriend was doing the whole romantic standing outside the second story window thing... only to be tackled by Colossus. Be careful who you woo in New York, you might be tackled by a giant Russian made of metal.
December 31, 2023
3.6/5.0
The leadership aspects of Iceman are something that many X-Men aren't accustomed to seeing, so this feels somewhat refreshing.
The leadership aspects of Iceman are something that many X-Men aren't accustomed to seeing, so this feels somewhat refreshing.
October 10, 2019
Good stuff, this and the first volume.
The focus of the series on Bobby, aka Iceman, dealing with (the aftermath of) coming in terms with themselves relatively late in life. Their relationship with their parents refreshingly unsimplified, feels real and genuinely frustrating a struggle (even heart-wrenching on occasion). Their juggling of romantic relationship aside the superhero gig is dealt in a satisfyingly believable manner as well.
Also, a brief tangent plot presents the fact, that not all mutants maybe want to get labelled and shipped off to special wards to be trained assoldiers to the cause superheroes is quite on point; anyone preferring a quiet life away from constant fighting and confrontation of warring sides should be entitled to it, what ever their genetic encoding.
Was this too real an approach for a superhero comic? Or why didn't this series last longer? Pity.
The focus of the series on Bobby, aka Iceman, dealing with (the aftermath of) coming in terms with themselves relatively late in life. Their relationship with their parents refreshingly unsimplified, feels real and genuinely frustrating a struggle (even heart-wrenching on occasion). Their juggling of romantic relationship aside the superhero gig is dealt in a satisfyingly believable manner as well.
Also, a brief tangent plot presents the fact, that not all mutants maybe want to get labelled and shipped off to special wards to be trained as
Was this too real an approach for a superhero comic? Or why didn't this series last longer? Pity.
June 15, 2023
5/10:
This volume is nowhere near as strong as the first outside of Iceman embracing his identity, both as a Mutant and a gay man. I like the moments we get with the Drake family, but there’s just so much that doesn’t work and feels like forced character inclusion (Daken and Amp).
I do really appreciate that Ghost Rider, Hercules, Darkstar, Angel, and Iceman all met up with one another in order to remember their fallen comrade Black Widow. It shows that the connections these heroes make aren’t always overlooked by writers.
This volume is nowhere near as strong as the first outside of Iceman embracing his identity, both as a Mutant and a gay man. I like the moments we get with the Drake family, but there’s just so much that doesn’t work and feels like forced character inclusion (Daken and Amp).
I do really appreciate that Ghost Rider, Hercules, Darkstar, Angel, and Iceman all met up with one another in order to remember their fallen comrade Black Widow. It shows that the connections these heroes make aren’t always overlooked by writers.
March 24, 2019
The second half of this run wasn't as strong as the first, but it was still really fun! I think many of the problems here stem from the fact that the series got cancelled, and Sina Grace had to hurriedly tell the story he wanted to. It was good, but I wish it'd had more time to breathe and more issues to come! Sad to see it go. 4/5 stars.
February 11, 2019
Grace continues to do a fantastic job of diving full-force into the many changes that the X-books have brought Bobby's way through the previous few years. The comic balances character action perfectly, and the art is solid and consistent.
I love the fact that this book deals openly and clearly with Bobby's being gay--a decision at the core a character's being that has to be reflected in the text especially when made as late and in as startlingly over dramatic and comic-like fashion as Bobby's was--but doesn't allow it to define Bobby or the book anymore than a given other character being straight defines theirs. Grace avoids both extremes this isn't a gay rights protest comic, but, appropriately, neither is such a crucial decision tossed in and then backgrounded as light coloring to reinvent a long running character.
Just as emphasized and just as interesting is Bobby's continuing development as an adult and a leader within the larger X-men family. This book deals nicely with that, and without turning Bobby into anything other than himself--which is to say his leadership style doesn't clone any of the many other X-Men team leaders we've seen in this book since the '60s--he is clearly growing into a new role.
I love the fact that this book deals openly and clearly with Bobby's being gay--a decision at the core a character's being that has to be reflected in the text especially when made as late and in as startlingly over dramatic and comic-like fashion as Bobby's was--but doesn't allow it to define Bobby or the book anymore than a given other character being straight defines theirs. Grace avoids both extremes this isn't a gay rights protest comic, but, appropriately, neither is such a crucial decision tossed in and then backgrounded as light coloring to reinvent a long running character.
Just as emphasized and just as interesting is Bobby's continuing development as an adult and a leader within the larger X-men family. This book deals nicely with that, and without turning Bobby into anything other than himself--which is to say his leadership style doesn't clone any of the many other X-Men team leaders we've seen in this book since the '60s--he is clearly growing into a new role.
April 6, 2020
Fun! A little dumber than the first, but the art was consistent. It's a shame this ended. I feel like it could have glided nicely through good character bits and goofy superhero crap and stayed strong, but I guess we'll never know. At least there's the 2018 run.
December 10, 2018
These are great and I am kind of bummed that I am caught up. I will definitely be continuing with the series.
June 5, 2022
3.5
Better than the first volume, but I really don't care for the parents stuff.
Better than the first volume, but I really don't care for the parents stuff.
December 24, 2019
Seeing a gay man write a gay character and getting right is what makes this book great. It feels like I’m seen. Iceman feels more confident and comes into his own here and it’s gorgeous.
August 5, 2022
3.5 stars
September 8, 2024
Wow, what a drop from the first volume to this one.
I really enjoyed the first volume of this series since it was so well written and the dialogue felt so genuine and professional. Which makes the reason why I didn't like this one really odd since it was due to the underperforming writing. The writing format that was established in the first volume was just gone along with what made it so good. It just felt like a generic and dull comic after so much was explored during the first one. It was still funny at least or maybe I just laugh at everything.
I did not like the art that much either and the direction of the series got lost on me. Giving Bobby a boyfriend who is so mediocre and then doing nothing with that storyline is just so pointless and a wasted opportunity. The dialogue was not that great either, some of the things Bobby says are questionable.
The whole thing just ended in a dud for me. The last issue was better but there wasn't any resolution in general. I expected more interactions with the parents or something that explored the drama or story that was set up at the beginning. Maybe it is because the comic got canceled and there was no time to add a satisfying ending, but the whole thing just ending so disappointingly.
I really enjoyed the first volume of this series since it was so well written and the dialogue felt so genuine and professional. Which makes the reason why I didn't like this one really odd since it was due to the underperforming writing. The writing format that was established in the first volume was just gone along with what made it so good. It just felt like a generic and dull comic after so much was explored during the first one. It was still funny at least or maybe I just laugh at everything.
I did not like the art that much either and the direction of the series got lost on me. Giving Bobby a boyfriend who is so mediocre and then doing nothing with that storyline is just so pointless and a wasted opportunity. The dialogue was not that great either, some of the things Bobby says are questionable.
The whole thing just ended in a dud for me. The last issue was better but there wasn't any resolution in general. I expected more interactions with the parents or something that explored the drama or story that was set up at the beginning. Maybe it is because the comic got canceled and there was no time to add a satisfying ending, but the whole thing just ending so disappointingly.
June 26, 2018
Much better than Vol. 1, but still victim to many of the same issues. While the covers are excellent (Kevin Wada), the interior art is still muddy and inconsistent (Robert Gill), detracting from the overall experience. There are some compelling story moments throughout the volume, but Daken's presence still feels incredibly token, due to being another queer mutant. The Daken/Iceman rivalry just isn't something that I wanted to explore, especially since both characters have many other existing relationships that weren't given enough time. Minor appearances by other queer characters were well done, but for the most part, they were just used for filler dialogue in group settings. I was glad to see Rictor, but the issue that he was featured in was pretty weak overall. I'm not surprised the series was canceled and I'm even more surprised that Marvel is bringing Sina Grace back for new volume this fall.
October 5, 2018
1) Iceman Vol. 1: Thawing Out ★★★
*3.5
If you're looking for an X-Men comic with a great (or even consistent) plot then this isn't for you, but if all you want is some slice-of-life Bobby Drake you've come to the right place. Bobby is my favourite X-character and it was so nice to read about him just navigating everyday life.
*3.5
If you're looking for an X-Men comic with a great (or even consistent) plot then this isn't for you, but if all you want is some slice-of-life Bobby Drake you've come to the right place. Bobby is my favourite X-character and it was so nice to read about him just navigating everyday life.
March 14, 2018
I'm all in for character diversity and inclusiveness, so I was looking forward to reading this series. Unfortunately, the writing is terrible and I had the impression that I was reading some bad fan fiction. The mediocre art didn't help either.
January 8, 2023
Grace continues his track of giving Iceman, one of the most underused and unappreciated characters in the X-Men cannon, direction and, therefore, appeal with clever character interactions and thrilling action.
July 12, 2018
Really enjoyed reading this. Loved how Grace gathered up most of the queer X-Men for appearances in this volume.
January 30, 2020
More of the same from the first volume.
March 14, 2020
[Okay, this is a review of all three volumes of Sina Grace's Iceman run, since I read them all in one go so y'know]
So, Iceman's gay. He's always been gay. But it took the time-displaced Jean Grey outting him to make him actually deal with it. That's a lot to unpack for anyone, but for an omega-level mutant like Iceman, it brings with it omega-level problems.
Honestly, this is the kind of book mainstream publishers like Marvel and DC should do more of. There are books like this out there from other companies, yes, but to have a book where the main force driving the story is Bobby coming to terms with himself is such a huge step forward. The plotlines where Grace explores Bobby's newly accepted queerness and navigates the world of being a gay man is super interesting, and it feels authentic (which should be a surprise since Grace is himself a gay man). The involvement of Bobby's parents, and the way ex-girlfriend Kitty Pryde reacts also feel truly real.
It's the actual X-Men stuff that feels a bit more forced. Each of Grace's arcs only really lasts one or two issues aside from the Mister Sinister plot in volume 3 that kind of threads its way through the entire mini-series, but even the shorter story structure doesn't help what is mostly lacklustre villain plans. Daken's idea of villainy seems clever at first but relies on some odd one-dimensional characters created just for this series, and while Bobby's way of defeating his enemies is usually innovative given his powerset, I'd rather just forgo all this and get back to Iceman's journey of self-discovery.
The art's also all over the shop. Alessandro Vitti and Edgar Salazar share the first volume, but neither of them make much of an impact - Vitti's art feels clunky and rushed, and Salazar's is sleeker but unrefined. Then there's Robert Gill on Volume 2 which is better, but still not up to par compared with, say, his Valiant work. Finally Nathan Stockman tackles Volume 3, but he also seems all over the place, undetailed and overly sloppy - check out Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows or Spidey and you'll see that he's usually far more impressive.
Iceman is a tale of two halves, and one is far better executed than the other. I wish this book was a) around longer and b) better balanced. Either remove the superheroics entirely and just give me a slice of life X-Men book, or give me some superhero plots that feel just as important s Bobby's journey should be.
So, Iceman's gay. He's always been gay. But it took the time-displaced Jean Grey outting him to make him actually deal with it. That's a lot to unpack for anyone, but for an omega-level mutant like Iceman, it brings with it omega-level problems.
Honestly, this is the kind of book mainstream publishers like Marvel and DC should do more of. There are books like this out there from other companies, yes, but to have a book where the main force driving the story is Bobby coming to terms with himself is such a huge step forward. The plotlines where Grace explores Bobby's newly accepted queerness and navigates the world of being a gay man is super interesting, and it feels authentic (which should be a surprise since Grace is himself a gay man). The involvement of Bobby's parents, and the way ex-girlfriend Kitty Pryde reacts also feel truly real.
It's the actual X-Men stuff that feels a bit more forced. Each of Grace's arcs only really lasts one or two issues aside from the Mister Sinister plot in volume 3 that kind of threads its way through the entire mini-series, but even the shorter story structure doesn't help what is mostly lacklustre villain plans. Daken's idea of villainy seems clever at first but relies on some odd one-dimensional characters created just for this series, and while Bobby's way of defeating his enemies is usually innovative given his powerset, I'd rather just forgo all this and get back to Iceman's journey of self-discovery.
The art's also all over the shop. Alessandro Vitti and Edgar Salazar share the first volume, but neither of them make much of an impact - Vitti's art feels clunky and rushed, and Salazar's is sleeker but unrefined. Then there's Robert Gill on Volume 2 which is better, but still not up to par compared with, say, his Valiant work. Finally Nathan Stockman tackles Volume 3, but he also seems all over the place, undetailed and overly sloppy - check out Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows or Spidey and you'll see that he's usually far more impressive.
Iceman is a tale of two halves, and one is far better executed than the other. I wish this book was a) around longer and b) better balanced. Either remove the superheroics entirely and just give me a slice of life X-Men book, or give me some superhero plots that feel just as important s Bobby's journey should be.
June 8, 2020
2.5
More of the same, just like Iceman, Vol. 1: Thawing Out. I really don't know the Champions at all (or what happened to Black Widow here), but ignoring them, Absolute Zero follows the same writing pattern of Vol. 1: quick introductions, distraction by Zach (and Daken), and Bobby feeling a little bit like a secondary character in his own title. The story very much happens around him and he has no control or agency over any of it.
The movie prop Sentinels was a pretty good plot device. It should have been fleshed out more.
Bobby's parents wanting to start over again with young time displaced Bobby was a pretty good plot device, and should have been fleshed out more.
Daken was a total tool, who came and went, but Michaela was a cute baby X-Men and I love Oya! But their involvement and the whole thing with Daken should have been fleshed out more.
And speaking of coming and going. Judah was a one volume intro (introduced at the beginning, gone at the end). Sigh, I hate those.
Weak ending with Mr. Poklema who was able to be reasoned with so quickly for a hermit/hoarder/recluse (but I love Rictor; I haven't seen him since X-Factor!), a non-sequitur page from Uncanny X-Men #600 which I'm not going to look into, and then the ending with Bobby and the phone-call with his dad, which was really sweet, but made the book just end where it started. So, yeah. This book took Bobby nowhere.
More of the same, just like Iceman, Vol. 1: Thawing Out. I really don't know the Champions at all (or what happened to Black Widow here), but ignoring them, Absolute Zero follows the same writing pattern of Vol. 1: quick introductions, distraction by Zach (and Daken), and Bobby feeling a little bit like a secondary character in his own title. The story very much happens around him and he has no control or agency over any of it.
The movie prop Sentinels was a pretty good plot device. It should have been fleshed out more.
Bobby's parents wanting to start over again with young time displaced Bobby was a pretty good plot device, and should have been fleshed out more.
Daken was a total tool, who came and went, but Michaela was a cute baby X-Men and I love Oya! But their involvement and the whole thing with Daken should have been fleshed out more.
And speaking of coming and going. Judah was a one volume intro (introduced at the beginning, gone at the end). Sigh, I hate those.
Weak ending with Mr. Poklema who was able to be reasoned with so quickly for a hermit/hoarder/recluse (but I love Rictor; I haven't seen him since X-Factor!), a non-sequitur page from Uncanny X-Men #600 which I'm not going to look into, and then the ending with Bobby and the phone-call with his dad, which was really sweet, but made the book just end where it started. So, yeah. This book took Bobby nowhere.
November 26, 2025
As Bobby comes to terms with who he is and who he's supposed to be - he still has to deal with the superhero shenanigans that come with being an X-Man.
Iceman has always been one of my favorite X-Men. Not only was he funny and cool (no pun intended), but his powers were inventive and super useful in a lot of the X adventures. Him being gay is interesting, and I definitely think it should be explored, but I feel like Sina Grace kinda uses it as a crutch of sorts to fall back on when the book needs some kind of "home base" to fall back to. Him being gay should be kind of an exploration of his identity, but it shouldn't really be the complete focus of his character now, in my opinion.
For example, Daken attacks because.... I guess just cause he's a dick? And the way Bobby stops him is to surprise kiss him which makes Daken just stop and disappear? Like... what? He couldn't have... i don't know, frozen him? I like the fact that Sina Grace has Bobby explore his sexuality with new partners and the inherent comedy of meeting a new person plus finding things out about yourself was enough for that aspect of the book. But he still is a veteran and has proven himself to be one of the best X-Men ....well, ever. Him being gay shouldn't define him now, in my opinion.
Either way, looks like this was the last volume of this series. I'm eager to see Iceman back in the X-books!
Iceman has always been one of my favorite X-Men. Not only was he funny and cool (no pun intended), but his powers were inventive and super useful in a lot of the X adventures. Him being gay is interesting, and I definitely think it should be explored, but I feel like Sina Grace kinda uses it as a crutch of sorts to fall back on when the book needs some kind of "home base" to fall back to. Him being gay should be kind of an exploration of his identity, but it shouldn't really be the complete focus of his character now, in my opinion.
For example, Daken attacks because.... I guess just cause he's a dick? And the way Bobby stops him is to surprise kiss him which makes Daken just stop and disappear? Like... what? He couldn't have... i don't know, frozen him? I like the fact that Sina Grace has Bobby explore his sexuality with new partners and the inherent comedy of meeting a new person plus finding things out about yourself was enough for that aspect of the book. But he still is a veteran and has proven himself to be one of the best X-Men ....well, ever. Him being gay shouldn't define him now, in my opinion.
Either way, looks like this was the last volume of this series. I'm eager to see Iceman back in the X-books!
February 23, 2019
This book is a lot of ways better than the first in that it was a lot less preachy. And as I've said in reviews of many other books I've read and reviewed over the years just because it espouses things I agree with doesn't mean it can't become annoying and preachy.
The first arc, which ties into the ending of Secret Empire, deals with an almost forgotten portion of Bobby's history: The Champions. In particular, the team revives albeit briefly, to have a private memorial for the late Natasha Romanova. And then you get a meet cute with a guy in L.A. and The Champions taking out what turn out to be fake Sentinels produced by a woman who wants to make a reputation for herself as a prop builder. And in the end, Bobby finds away to help and get her to help her reputation without violence or committing a hate crime.
The second arc is a major plus. It continues and more or less finishes the stories that were started in the last book. The arc with Daken and Zach come back in a big way. The downside is that it does the whole 'introduce a vague new direction' halfway through. Only to have Marvel announce the cancellation the title so it spends the next two issues undoing the planned new direction.
But otherwise this was a very strong series.
The first arc, which ties into the ending of Secret Empire, deals with an almost forgotten portion of Bobby's history: The Champions. In particular, the team revives albeit briefly, to have a private memorial for the late Natasha Romanova. And then you get a meet cute with a guy in L.A. and The Champions taking out what turn out to be fake Sentinels produced by a woman who wants to make a reputation for herself as a prop builder. And in the end, Bobby finds away to help and get her to help her reputation without violence or committing a hate crime.
The second arc is a major plus. It continues and more or less finishes the stories that were started in the last book. The arc with Daken and Zach come back in a big way. The downside is that it does the whole 'introduce a vague new direction' halfway through. Only to have Marvel announce the cancellation the title so it spends the next two issues undoing the planned new direction.
But otherwise this was a very strong series.
December 22, 2025
This was a vast improvement over volume one. Now that we've moved past Coming Out Fanfiction 101, Grace actually gets to give characters personality rather than just shoving 1980s Movie-Of-The-Week dialogue into their word balloons. While the plot isn't, by any stretch, original or interesting, it at least feels more like a story than an illustrated outline.
Basically, this is Marjorie Liu's Astonishing X-Men story about Northstar and Kyle, but told slightly better and with more realistic dialogue and background characters.
Also, I'm not sure I love Robert Gill's art, but it is nice to see Grace paired with an artist who knows how to draw faces. The shadows were questionable, but I'll take it over the garbage art in volume one.
While I'm not sure the Daken/Iceman angle works in this book, it's an interesting concept. Since the writing improved so vastly between volumes one and two, I'll cross my fingers that this plot got better before the book ended.
Based on the reviews I've read, if you liked volume one, this isn't going to work for you. Personally, I found this volume had much more depth and understanding of character than the previous volume, and better understand how this series won a GLAAD award despite what I think was an incredibly disappointing start.
Basically, this is Marjorie Liu's Astonishing X-Men story about Northstar and Kyle, but told slightly better and with more realistic dialogue and background characters.
Also, I'm not sure I love Robert Gill's art, but it is nice to see Grace paired with an artist who knows how to draw faces. The shadows were questionable, but I'll take it over the garbage art in volume one.
While I'm not sure the Daken/Iceman angle works in this book, it's an interesting concept. Since the writing improved so vastly between volumes one and two, I'll cross my fingers that this plot got better before the book ended.
Based on the reviews I've read, if you liked volume one, this isn't going to work for you. Personally, I found this volume had much more depth and understanding of character than the previous volume, and better understand how this series won a GLAAD award despite what I think was an incredibly disappointing start.
October 16, 2018
With this second Volume, I can see why this solo title didn't last long. Not that it was bad, but Iceman really belongs as an integral part of an X-Book instead of off doing his own thing.
Visiting Los Angeles has Bobby attempting to connect strongly with someone romantically, especially since his recent coming out. Too bad a rogue group of old sentinels has other plans! Calling together a team he used to be a part of (the Champions, though they can't really call themselves that now because of the other team), Iceman reunites with Angel, Hercules, Darkstar and Ghost Rider. After the battle, Bobby begins a relationship with Judah, which has him considering moving permanently to LA.
Back home, Bobby's parents have found out about the time-displaced Iceman and want to meet him, which results in a hilarious dinner! But why does Daken have his sights set on the X-Mansion? Has he submitted to his 'Apocalypse Seed' finally?
Glad that Marvel is allowing the character to stretch himself, and I've always enjoyed Iceman as a character. Recommend, but be forewarned that this Volume seems a bit disjointed at times.
Visiting Los Angeles has Bobby attempting to connect strongly with someone romantically, especially since his recent coming out. Too bad a rogue group of old sentinels has other plans! Calling together a team he used to be a part of (the Champions, though they can't really call themselves that now because of the other team), Iceman reunites with Angel, Hercules, Darkstar and Ghost Rider. After the battle, Bobby begins a relationship with Judah, which has him considering moving permanently to LA.
Back home, Bobby's parents have found out about the time-displaced Iceman and want to meet him, which results in a hilarious dinner! But why does Daken have his sights set on the X-Mansion? Has he submitted to his 'Apocalypse Seed' finally?
Glad that Marvel is allowing the character to stretch himself, and I've always enjoyed Iceman as a character. Recommend, but be forewarned that this Volume seems a bit disjointed at times.
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