Bishop is stuck in an alternate dimension, and his students are in trouble. Find out if both groups determine what is happening in Bishop: War College #2 by Marvel Comics!

BISHOP: WAR COLLEGE #2

Writer: J Holtam
Artist: Sean Damien Hill, Victor Nava, Alberto Foche
Colorist: Espen Grundetjern
Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Editor: Sarah Brunstad
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 15th, 2023

Previously in Bishop War College: Bishop is determined to protect Krakoa at all costs. As the Captain Commander of Krakoa’s military defenses, Bishop assembled a series of war games to train younger mutants. However, his methods are too aggressive, and he is only allowed one more training day. With the help of Tempo, Bishop teaches the students in a time-warped space in the tunnels of Krakoa. During this training, the Fenris Twins and Orchis attack, and Tempo and Bishop are sent to an alternate universe while the students fend for themselves.

A UNIQUE PLACE

Bishop: War College #2 starts with Bishop fighting the alternative X-Men, who he assumes are frauds. These X-Men have the same traits as the primary team, except they are Black or African-American versions of the original five X-men. He then meets Charles Xavier and this universe’s Bishop, and he is calmed down enough to figure out what is happening. Meanwhile, the Fenris Twins are hunting Bishop’s students before they can escape and warn everyone. Due to Brightswirl, the kids are depowered, but sometimes their powers seem to be affecting their mood and physical characterization. The kids argue about staying and fighting without powers or trying to escape.

The Fenris Twins catch up and quickly take out the kids. During the fight, Cam Long and Amass’s powers go haywire, and Amass absorbs Cam, turning them into a dangerous monster. The new creature begins to rampage and even absorbs Andreas of the Fenris Twins!

LOOKING FOR THE INTERSECTION OF THEMES

Bishop: War College #2 has two different conversations going on. One involves Bishop and the implication of a Black X-Men team. The other involves unprepared students who initially responded negatively to Bishop’s training. Each section has its own themes, but I don’t see the thematic intersection between these two stories yet. There are plot connections, but we are trying to establish Bishop as a more compassionate leader while developing trust amongst the younger mutants. But I think we are getting a lot of exposition where we don’t yet see those connections.

Despite that, I really like the complexity and ingenuity of this story. There are many unique and great ideas within the plot line, and I enjoy the characterization of the main characters. The art and visual character designs are well done, and the colors pop off the page. Great work by the creative team overall.

BOTTOM LINE: ENGAGING READ

Bishop: War College #2 is a fantastic look into the mind of Bishop and his impact on the X-Men team. His story arc has always been a bit tragic and watching him overcome those thoughts and emotions makes for a great story premise. 4 out of 5 stars for Bishop: War College #2.

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