The Chillest Time Trip: Iceman (1984-1985) Review

There’s something quite charming about digging up a decades-old miniseries nobody talks about much anymore and finding out it’s weirder, and more heartfelt, than you expected. We just read the four-issue Iceman miniseries from the 80s, and it’s honestly a strange little gem from Marvel’s past.

A BIT OF BACKGROUND

Iceman, aka Bobby Drake, first appeared in X-Men #1 in 1963 as one of the original five members of the team. He was the youngest of the group and always had a jokey, light-hearted personality. Over the years, he appeared in several X-Men titles and later joined The Defenders, where he worked alongside other outcast heroes. Despite being around since the very beginning, he never really had a story focused just on him until this limited series came out in 1984.

At the time of this miniseries, Bobby was written as very straight (he falls hard for Marge, the mysterious girl next door). But decades later, Marvel finally gave Iceman the representation he deserved. He officially came out as gay in Uncanny X-Men #600 in 2015 (after his younger self was kinda outed by Jean Grey in All New X-Men #40). Marvel didn’t stop there either, Bobby went on to headline his own ongoing solo series in 2017, this time built entirely around him coming to terms with life as an openly gay hero. So yes, reading this older series now definitely feels different, especially knowing what we know (and love) about the character today.

Where This Miniseries Came From

This series was written by J.M. DeMatteis, who fans might know from his iconic runs on Spider-Man (including Kraven’s Last Hunt, which was actually voted the single best Spider-Man story ever in a 2012 CBR poll, and landed at number twelve in a 2017 CBR poll of the greatest comic book stories of all time) and Defenders, where he also wrote Iceman. Before comics, DeMatteis was actually a professional musician and rock music journalist, which is a fun detail that doesn’t come up often. He’s even talked about this miniseries with some self-deprecating humor, joking that since it was his own idea, there was nobody else to blame if it didn’t land. It feels like he had a soft spot for Bobby Drake and wanted to give him something completely unique. The art, by Alan Kupperberg, definitely has that unmistakable 80s Marvel vibe, and it’s worth noting this miniseries also introduced Oblivion, a cosmic entity representing the literal end of existence, who went on to pop up elsewhere in the Marvel Universe long after this story wrapped.

What Is Iceman (1984) About?

The story? Bobby Drake is back home visiting his parents when things take a wild turn. He’s mistaken for the Silver Surfer, meets a girl next door named Marge, and tries to deal with the awkwardness of being a mutant in a world that still doesn’t fully understand him. His relationship with his parents (especially his dad) is tense, and just as he’s trying to find peace, a tiny time machine sends him spiraling into the past. What follows is a chaotic mix of time travel, alternate timelines, and cosmic-level drama involving a being named Oblivion. It all escalates quickly, and Bobby finds himself fighting not just for his future, but for his very existence.

Bobby Drake at His Weirdest and Most Human

We’re big fans of older comics and weird side adventures, so this mini-series was a fun read, even if it got a little messy in the storytelling. Bobby is charming in a very classic Marvel way, full of self-doubt, jokes, and heart. The scenes with his family are actually pretty emotional, and it’s interesting to see his dad struggle with his son’s superhero life, it’s a very human conflict to drop into a story that eventually spirals into cosmic stakes, and that contrast is honestly part of the charm. The love-at-first-sight moment with Marge adds a cute (but suspicious) touch, and even though the time travel plot left us scratching our heads for a bit, it eventually comes together in a surprisingly philosophical way. Plus, Mirage (no spoilers here) is a memorable character that adds a surreal layer to the whole thing. Yes, it’s a bit complicated, but it’s a very cool look at Bobby on his own, and honestly, knowing DeMatteis was juggling his idea completely solo makes the ambition of cramming family drama, cosmic horror, and time travel into just four issues even more impressive.

Final Thoughts

This is definitely worth checking out if you’re into retro Marvel or want to see Bobby Drake at his weirdest and most existential. The four issues were also released in the hardcover X-Men: Iceman Premiere out in 2012.

More X-Men Worth Reading

If you’re in the mood for more X-Men after this trip to the 80s, we’ve covered a few recent series worth checking out. Rogue: The Savage Land sends a powerless Rogue into prehistoric territory alongside Magneto. NYX follows a group of young mutants, including Ms. Marvel and Wolverine, navigating life in New York City after Krakoa’s fall. And Magik finally gave Illyana Rasputin the solo spotlight she’s deserved for decades.

FAQ

Is Iceman (1984) worth reading? Yes, especially if you’re into retro Marvel and curious about Bobby Drake’s first ever solo story.

Do you need to read anything before Iceman (1984)? No. It’s a standalone four-issue miniseries with no required reading beforehand.

Who is writing and drawing Iceman (1984)? J.M. DeMatteis writes the series, with art by Alan Kupperberg, inks by Mike Gustovich, colors by Bob Sharen, and letters by Janice Chiang.

Is Iceman (1984) a one-shot, miniseries, or ongoing series? It’s a four-issue miniseries, running from 1984 to 1985.

Is Iceman (1984) available in a collected edition? Yes, all four issues are collected in the X-Men: Iceman Premiere hardcover from 2012.