Poor Reptil. He seems like such a well-adjusted kid, but he's got some real sadness in him. This is his focus issue, and once again Christos Gage makes time for character study, some nice team dynamics, and a great classic villain.
Reptil has been through some rough stuff, and when he doesn't exactly bond that wonderfully with his childhood heroes who make up the Academy staff, he meets with Jessica Jones/Jewel, who shares some of her hardships. The two have an unlikely bond, but it's nice to see these different parts of the Marvel U intertwine, especially since few folks besides Bendis really use Jewel.
The team interaction is pretty amusing; Reptil is trying to do his job as newly elected leader. He keeps tabs on his crew. He tries to lead them in battle. He spies on them. And he tries to hook some of them up. Let's say he's still learning his boundaries.
The fun part of the book hits when the team takes on Mentallo, a fun villain we haven't seen in awhile. I miss all those old Fixer/Mentallo team ups, this level of villain is so neglected nowadays! He actually does a pretty good job taking out most of the team, even those on the move (formerly a weakness of his). But Reptil turns the tables almost too far when he finally changes 100% into a dinosaur. Not much a brain to control there.
Mike McKone's art is solid, but inconsistent due to a multitude of inkers. It looks like Tom Raney is drawing the next issue. I hope this is a rotating art team situation, I'd miss McKone's art if he's gone for good.
I really enjoyed the first arc of this title, Gage spent some quality time with the new recruits, and they have a lot of potential. I hope the book sticks around long enough that the teachers get some good panel time too. Hank Pym, Tigra, Speedball, Quicksilver, they deserve to star in the book too!
Good
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