Decimation: X-Men - The 198 Review

Decimation: X-Men – The 198
Marvel Comics
Softcover Trade Paperback
168 Pages
$15.99
ISBN 0785119949

Contributors: David Hine, Jim Muniz, Kevin Conrad, and covers by Juan Doe

Reprints: X-Men: The 198 #1-5 (of 5) and X-Men: The 198 Files

Synopsis: After the House of M (where the Scarlet Witch has a mental breakdown and erases 90% of all mutant powers) and M-Day there are only 198 known mutants with powers remaining. The government has set up an internment camp for their protection at the Xavier Institute under the watchful eye of Valerie Cooper, the X-Men and a squad of Sentinels. Someone is manipulating events behind the scenes and turns this sanctuary into the most dangerous place on Earth to be a mutant.

Pros: Propaganda-esque covers, continuation of storyline from District X and Mutopia X, files on some obscure mutant characters, mature subject matter, somewhat interesting, continued in Civil War: X-Men

Cons: Art is kinda weak, storyline doesn’t quite gel, resolution to Mr. M sub-plot is unsatisfying, Lorelei character is a cheap (seriously, she’s a stripper) Medusa knock-off, some really obscure (read – crappy) mutants survive M-Day with their powers (Bling! and Squirrel Girl, why?)

Mike Tells It Straight: Skip this story unless you’re really into House of M or David Hine’s X-Men sub-plot writing.

TO BUY and Recommendations: House of M District X