Review: X-Men - A Skinning of Souls

When Colossus returns home to Russia with the X-Men, he and his teammates are recruited by a Russian paramilitary outfit in order to investigate a series of disappearances in a small village. After many of the X-Men are incapacitated by the malicious psychic known as the Soul Skinner, it soon becomes clear that the only way to stop their mysterious foe is to re-activate the powers of the innocent Illyana Rasputin – Colossus’ baby sister.

Then, a ghost from the past re-appears, casting doubt on the loyalties of X-Men mainstay Psylocke.

X-Men: A Skinning of Souls collects X-Men #17-24, written by Fabian Nicieza and illustrated by Andy Kubert and Brandon Peterson.

A Skinning of Souls picks up immediately after the events of X-Cutioner’s Song, but also pulls in threads from Bishop’s Crossing and Acts of Vengeance. It is divided into two distinctive arcs – the first of which deals with Colossus’ return to Russia and the X-Men’s battle against the Soul Skinner, while the second sees Psylocke’s allegiances called into question when a woman claiming to be the real Betsy Braddock appears. There’s also a subplot regarding Cyclops visiting his grandparents in order to come to terms with the revelations he’s learned from the villainous Stryfe and the continued tensions between himself and his girlfriend Jean Grey.

It must be said that this collection is not new reader friendly. Its plot relies heavily on prior events, making it continuity-focused. It’s easy to get lost, especially during the second half. The return of the “original” Betsy Braddock, now using the codename Revanche (which is never actually explained), is a direct follow-up to Acts of Vengeance. This means that the reader needs to know the context and circumstances surrounding the already confusing body switch that happened with Psylocke in 1989. Illyana’s de-aging is also referenced, as well as the concluding events of X-Cutioner’s Song. As such, it is absolutely necessary for the reader to have a working knowledge of the X-Men and their canon. Otherwise, A Skinning of Souls loses its weight.

With all of that said, the stories collected here are incredibly engrossing and speak to just how iconic the ‘90s were when it came to the X-Men. Nicieza does a stupendous job writing the characters’ dialogues, especially Jubilee’s. She’s sassy and spunky, but also full of heart. He’s also quite adept at creating organic and relatable dynamics between the characters. At its core, the X-Men are a family and Nicieza keeps that alive here. There’s a tangible closeness between these characters. Of course, it also helps that there’s a large dose of soapy drama to go along with it. One particular standout subplot involves Psylocke’s lustful pursuit of Cyclops, despite the fact that he was with Jean Grey at the time. What makes the storyline all the more juicy is Cyclops’ fantasies of Psylocke, as well as the foreknowledge that Cyclops would later have a rather infamous affair with Emma Frost. Let it be known that for all the hate Emma Frost receives for her turn as Cyclops’ mistress, Psylocke tried it first. It’s also worth mentioning that there are a few tender and rather touching scenes between Rogue and Gambit (whose tumultuous relationship is one of the most iconic within the X-Men canon).

X-Men: A Skinning of Souls gives me everything I need for a nice bit of ‘90s nostalgia – the drama, the action and those legendary Jim Lee-designed costumes! The narrative itself is a bit convoluted, but keeps its focus squarely on developing the characters involved. Andy Kubert’s art is defining of this era and is quite beautiful, particularly when he’s drawing the women. Although, he does have a tendency to draw mouths a little too wide. I’d recommend this collection mostly for the more hardcore X-Men fans or those who are already massive fans of Psylocke (or even Colossus). Otherwise, you might want to read up on preceding storylines before giving this one a go.

RATING: B