Welcome to a very special edition of Parlay Points!
This entry marks a milestone and turning point for the Children of the Atom. It is crazy to think that we have now arrived at legacy #700 for the Uncanny X-Men. Through the rich history, they have kept readers engaged with their heroic adventures. None might have been as polarizing as their current arcs.
The Krakoan Era has just concluded. It's time to say goodbye one last time before the relaunch begins in the summer of 2024.
X-MEN #35 by Gerry Duggan, Al Ewing, Kieron Gillen, Joshua Cassara, Phil Noto, Lucas Werneck, Leinil Francis Yu, Walt Simonson, Mark Brooks, John Romita Jr., Scott Hanna, Jerome Opeña, Luciano Vecchio, Stefano Caselli, Sara Pichelli, Romulo Fajardo jr., David Curiel, Laura Martin, Sonia Oback, Marcio Menyz, Matt Hollingsworth, Matthew Wilson, Chris Claremont, Salvador Larroca, Guru-eFX and Clayton Cowles (Marvel) ties up loose ends before Mutantkind rises from the ashes.
Let's close the door on Krakoa with a look at this special milestone issue.
X-MEN #35 by Gerry Duggan, Al Ewing, Kieron Gillen, Joshua Cassara, Phil Noto, Lucas Werneck, Leinil Francis Yu, Walt Simonson, Mark Brooks, John Romita Jr., Scott Hanna, Jerome Opeña, Luciano Vecchio, Stefano Caselli, Sara Pichelli, Romulo Fajardo jr., David Curiel, Laura Martin, Sonia Oback, Marcio Menyz, Matt Hollingsworth, Matthew Wilson, Chris Claremont, Salvador Larroca, Guru-eFX and Clayton Cowles (Marvel)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The milestone opens up with a quick recap of the history of the X-Men. In nine panels, readers walk from the beginnings to the shocking choice of Charles Xavier. Choosing to bend to Orchis will to save mutantkind backfired as his students rose to the occasion. Xavier turns himself in for his crimes. His troubles have only just begun…
As an armed convoy transports him away, Wolverine gets in its’ way. This is no rescue mission. Logan is out for punishment. His quest is stopped by someone who wants to speak with Xavier first. Magneto disposes of Wolverine to have a long overdue heart to heart about the end of Krakoa.
Meanwhile, the X-Men head back to what is left of Krakoa after the fall. Kafka is waiting and has much news for the Children of The Atom. Readers watch as a major revelation takes place. Once a choice is made, some mutants are not on board. The conflict is perfect for a certain mutant who returns. Apocalypse is back on Krakoa. He doesn’t waste time in making his presence felt. How will he handle the revelations as well?
What happens next is a lasting battle for the ages. The fate of Krakoa is decided once and for all. Left in its’ wake is a new direction for the remaining mutants. A glimpse into certain futures leaves one thing this era needs: Hope. It also leaves a shocking conclusion for one character as the Krakoan legacy is not soon to be forgotten.
With the amount of talent here for the 700th issue of Uncanny X-Men, it is clear this is an end of an era. Charles Xavier proves to be a looming presence throughout the issue. The conversation with Magneto feels like a passing of the torch. Roles also feel reversed with one notable quote thrown in the mix. It is a needed area for the transition to move from this era to a new one. This leads into a eye-raising closing arc which proves nothing will be the same as it was.
The Krakoa piece doesn’t hold back on give fans strong moments. With one major revelation, it clears up one of the era’s darkest hours. Apocalypse enters the story with anger and confusion. His role in this era was a major point of surprise. Seeing the era slip away causes a natural reaction for the powerful mutant. Its’ fallout leaves readers knowing changes are on the way. This sets up an engaging playing field from a dream that most woke up from.
The art showcase comes through with the middle section of the chapter. There are some full page action images that will delight readers. Action scenes hold nothing back. There are a few images that level up in the brutality. One character shows a side of violence rarely seen. Considering the parties involved, it reflects the anger of loss with Krakoa’s fall.
Xavier and Magento’s conversation is filled with frustration and bitterness. The old friends reactions to each others quips display this, esp. Xavier. The realization of what he’s done conveys his acceptance of defeat. The emotions of loss carry into the conclusion. The series of panels saying goodbye mirror the loss of a dream. It departs with a series of images tipping the changes in the new landscape. The art leaves readers with a noteworthy closing panel that should play a bigger role down the road.
FINAL POINT: 8.9
With an oversized finale, the Krakoan era is put to rest. Stacked with an all-star line-up of creators, the writing lines up final goodbyes and new beginnings. Images of intense fighting to somber realization of a fallen dream will have fans attention. One dream is over, what will rise from its’ ashes?
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