If you ask a dozen comic book readers who their favorite member of the X-Men is, you’ll likely get a dozen different answers. Some people may be drawn to icons like Wolverine or Storm. Others choose lesser-known mutants like Sunspot or Cannonball. I’m personally a fan of Kitty Pryde. But one character that doesn’t quite make it onto your favorites list is Nathan Summers, the time-traveling mutant soldier known as Cable. David Pepose and Mike Henderson aim to change that with Cable: Love and Chrome #1.
Love and Chrome begins with Cable on a mission to stop a doomsday cult from weaponizing time travel technology. However, an attack from a mysterious figure leaves him stranded in a war-torn future. To make matters worse, most of the world’s population has been infected with a techno-organic virus. This virus gives Cable a metal arm and is the only enemy he has waged an eternal war with.
Peopose has a knack for digging deep into the mindset of his characters, whether in his new film The Punisher or Space Ghost, and that continues with Love and Chrome. When fighting doomsday cults, newfound enemies, or those threatening the residents of Salvation Bay, Cable can strategically use his superpowers (and his loud horn) to turn the tide. But above all, Peepos establishes Cable as a man who faces his end without fear. “If I’m destined to die alone…I’ll die standing,” he says in one panel.
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Henderson doesn’t skimp for a minute on the artwork, making each battle feel big (but not overwhelming) and unique. The opening showcases how Cable successfully utilizes telekinesis (summoning one of his weapons) and telepathy (convincing the Doomsday Warrior to activate a grenade), resulting in a spectacular explosion. Masu. Later, another battle tumbles Cable into the timestream, which Henderson describes as a mastrom of lightning and flame. I also love the way he draws Cable’s metal arms. It is depicted as a collection of metal bolts and sheets, further indicating that Nathan continues to fight the virus coursing through his veins.
Rounding out the art team are Arif Prianto and Joe Sabino, who bring a unique flair to the post-apocalyptic world. Prianto lights up the background in a reddish-orange color whenever an explosion occurs, and dyes Cable’s uniform the same blue that is standard in all of his costumes. Prianto and Savino also come up with a unique interpretation of the power of cables. Red text indicates using telekinesis, blue text is reserved for AI Belle.
The most unique thing Love and Chrome does is give Cable a match in the form of soldier Avery Ryder. She has shared a lot with him since the jump. She fights a seemingly endless war, deals with a techno-organic virus, and is determined to keep fighting no matter what. It’s no wonder they’re attracted to each other, and that’s the most interesting part of the book. Up until this point, the only stable relationships Cable had had were with members of X-Force or his adopted daughter Hope. The way he connects with others emphasizes the “love” in the series’ title.
Cable: Love and Chrome #1 gives Nathan Summers a new mission and a new love interest. And most importantly, give the reader a new perspective on his character. If you’re looking for an entryway into the world of the X-Men or dig time-travel romance, start your new year with this comic.
‘Cable: Love and Chrome’ #1 will change the way you look at Nathan Summers
Cable: Love and Chrome #1
Cable: Love and Chrome #1 gives Nathan Summers a new mission and a new love interest. And most importantly, give the reader a new perspective on his character.
Nathan Summers has a new mission and a new love interest, which adds a new dynamic to his character.
Pepose’s script highlights the war Cable is fighting against evil and against time itself.
Henderson makes each fight scene large and yet visually distinct.
Prianto and Sabino work with background effects to highlight the power of cables in a unique way.
