X-Men Origins: Emma Frost Comic Book Review

X-Men Origins: Emma Frost #1Erica gives this comic three starsX-Men Origins: Emma Frost by Valerie D’Orazio

I think D’Orazio and I have the same viewpoint on Emma Frost. Almost none of this comic rang untrue to my interpretation of who Emma is. She’s very much a self-made woman, sculpted by her life, but rising into her diamond form. However…

D’Orazio went after the really obvious story for Emma’s origins: the influence of men in her life. Namely her growing up in a rich family with a hard-as-nails, domineering father, Winston Frost, and her romance/partnership with Sebastian Shaw. The very last line of this comic has Emma crediting everything she is to her father: that he made her into a “very successful woman.” I almost felt like this was more a story about Winston Frost than Emma.

Plus, I completely disagree with the angle of abuse shown from Sebastian Shaw to Emma. Or put another way, I don’t see Emma submitting to Sebastian without a clear angle. I couldn’t figure out if that was D’Orazio’s view of the Sebastian/Emma relationship or if it was just sloppy writing. I’m not one to argue for authorial indent, but I wouldn’t mind hearing what D’Orzaio’s point-of-view is. In an essay, not a comic book.

D’Orzaio touches on Emma’s connection to her students. However, I’d make the argument that Emma becoming a teacher had a more profound effect on her life, considering they’re the reason she does become a hero instead of villain. Oh, she’s still very much Emma. But is now using her powers for good instead of evil.

As far as the art, Moline’s drawings are both interestingly geometrical and grotesque. Sometimes I like it, and sometimes I didn’t. I don’t think he fits the “comic genre,” but that’s okay. If nothing else, he certainly knows how to draw the imposing father figure.

I’d had a lot of hope for this single issue as I adore Emma Frost. But the story just didn’t share anything new about Emma.