Excalibur (2019-) #13 by Tini Howard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There is a twist at the end of this which basically calls all of the characters’ interactions throughout this issue into question. How much was genuine and how much was just an act? We will, perhaps, never know.
What I do know is that seeing the Braddock twins get one over on her Whyness, the Omniversal Majestrix Opal Luna Saturnye, is deeply satisfying. It also feels good seeing Brian finally get over himself, come to terms with the fact that he’s no longer Captain Britain, and embrace a new role…Captain Avalon.
But let’s go back a step and address an issue others seem to have a problem with: Saturnyne’s powers. Throughout this event the Omniversal Majestrix has displayed certain powers that, supposedly, she has not had before. As far as I can tell, there are three possible explanations for this:
1) Satrunyne has always been a fairly mysterious being. It’s entirely possible that she’s always possessed these powers and abilities but we’ve simply never seen her using them before.
2) The powers are derived from the Starlight Citadel. You have to consider: What’s different about Saturnyne compared to her previous appearances? Well, she now controls the Starlight Citadel and that may well have bestowed certain powers upon her.
3) There is a story yet to be told regarding how Saturnyne came to be in possession of these powers.
What’s not likely is that Tini Howard is unaware that Saturnyne hasn’t previously displayed any powers and has made a huge error.
(Anyway, that’s enough of me responding to the criticisms of other reviewers).
Literally my only complaint here is that Brian’s costume inside the book is not the one he’s wearing on the cover, because the one he’s wearing on the cover is a lot better. But, talking of the art, RB Silva’s work here is sublime, but mention should also be made of the colourist, Nolan Woodard, who really brings the Starlight Citadel to life, in all its glowing, ethereal beauty.
X Of Swords continues to be one of the best crossover events I’ve ever read. Long may it continue (or, you know, at least for another thirteen parts..).
Random Ramblings Of A Ragamuffin 