Scott Summers Arrested? The leader of the Alaska based X-Men is in jail. During a brawl with Agent Lundqvist, both were arrested. With Cyclops away, Magik takes the leadership reigns. Her first order of business? Take care of Trevor Fitzroy and The Upstarts once and for all!
X-MEN #21 by Jed MacKay, Netho Diaz, Sean Parsons, J. P. Mayer, John Livesay, Fernando Sifuentes and Clayton Cowles pits the young team against the social media psychos!
Let’s take a closer look at where events play out now!
X-MEN #21 by Jed MacKay, Netho Diaz, Sean Parsons, J. P. Mayer, John Livesay, Fernando Sifuentes and Clayton Cowles (Marvel Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
This chapter seems centered around an unlikely lead. Jennifer Starkey is a new Mutant due to 3K’s actions. Having this transformation wears on her soul. The writing reflects that as her thoughts crash another mutant’s direction. Seeing Kid Omega provide his type of compassion eases readers into the upcoming conflict. It is a new look for the snarky telepath. The time is dashed quickly as Magik calls her shot.
MacKay ties back to a previous issue on her motivations. Magik’s dialogue provides a twisted way of justifying the offensive attack. In execution, her plans fall very short. Readers watch as the X-Men walk into a virtual trap. As the action commences, the story takes a few turns. Starkley and Juggernaut are put into uncomfortable spots. The writing fits their frustration inside the fast moving action. Once the conflict leads to its’ finish, a few drastic measures are taken. It leaves much to be resolved. With the upcoming “Revelation” event looming, its’ uncertain when this will have complete closure. Until then, the team has much to process from their rash decisions.
Diaz and the art team open with a near full page of Staley in the sunset. Her time with Kid Omega covers her mounting frustrations. Readers can’t escape the worry on her face. Even in vain, Omega’s attempts to pride support fail to help. Their spirits change as Magik proposes her plan. A simple panel of smiles and hands raises lights the ticking emotional timebomb.
With a full page shot, the team enters for battle. Pacing moves very quickly as the groups clash. The art locks in on the building rage of Juggernaut. Even with his helmet, readers can see it rising. No one steals the show more than Staley here. Close up of her eyes as she transitions her fear into anger leads to a solid near full shot. The moment never lets readers escape her emotions pouring out. It reluctantly ends the conflict in certain degrees. Another X-man’s brutal message is sent via a disturbing half panel. Not even an X-Villain’s visit to a shocking location can top that moment. The final page raises some questions before closing the door. With “Revelation” en route, it should be something to see how this all factors in.
OVERALL GRADE: 8.5
With Cyclops away, Magik decides to play. The result turns deadly as her team walks head-on into danger. MacKay spotlights the evolution of a new mutant with the writing. Diaz and the art team balance the conflict with the huge emotions weighing in. Action, Drama and Heroics.. What else could you want more from the X-Men?
Let me know your thoughts on X-Men #21 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!