X-times the Fun: Madrox #1

If having one of something is good, having more must be better! That is the great thing about Jamie Madrox, the Multiple Man. Jamie can have as many duplicates of himself around as he wants. Why have just one mutant when you can have 2, or 50, or 100?

The new Madrox #1 sees the return of Peter David as the man behind the Multiple Man. Many moons ago, David chronicled the life of Jamie Madrox, along with Wolfsbane, Strong Guy, Havok, and others in X-Factor. One of the great things about that title was the cool ways David found to use Multiple Man's unique powers. Any time Jamie bumps into anything hard enough, a perfect duplicate of himself is created. These dupes have their own freewill, and are able to go away by themselves and do whatever they want, or whatever Jamie tells them to. When the dupes return, Madrox reabsorbs them (Ewwww!) and gains all of their memories and experiences. Pretty cool trick, huh? Madrox can be his own party, and work would be a breeze if you could send a duplicate every day!

In this new series, Jamie has started up his own detective agency, with the suggestive name "XXX Investigators." He uses his dupes to gather information, learn handy skills, and generally help out around the place. He is assisted in the business by former X-Factor team mates, Rahne Sinclair (AKA Wolfsbane) and Guido (AKA Strong Guy). In the first issue, a shocking fate befalls one of MM's dupes, and sets him on the trail of a new case.

Peter David, famed writer of many comics and best-selling novels, is known for finding unexpected ways to approach existing characters. Madrox definitely continues that tradition with Jamie's new career, and the many unique uses for his dupes. David's story, and his excellent dialogue, are complimented by moody art from Pablo Raimondi. The art really complements the film noir style of this story.

If you like mutants, Peter David, detectives, or old Humphrey Bogart flicks, you just can't go wrong by picking up the first issue of Madrox. Even better, it's guaranteed this week as Four Color Fantasies Book of the Week. Though if you want multiple copies, you'll have to pay for them separately. (Smacking people with your comic in an attempt to create copies is not recommended!)