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Creative Team – Jed MacKay(writer). Sean Parsons(inker). VC’s Clayton Cowles(letterer). Netho Diaz(penciler). Marte Gracia & Fer Sifuentes-Sujo(colors). Ryan Stegman, JP Mayer & Marte Gracia(cover artists). Derrick Chew, Julian Totino Tedesco, Rogé Antônio & Marcelo Maiolo(variant cover artists).
Published by Marvel Entertainment
“Secrets behind the X-Men’s new home revealed! While the X-Men attempt to unravel the globe-spanning conspiracy arrayed against them, Temper and Magik work to investigate one closer to home. Merle, Alaska holds more secrets than just the ones kept within the Factory, and the two mutants must leave the safety of their headquarters and hit the streets for answers.”
Anti-Mutant Problems
The X-Men have been fighting their fair share of battles after the fall of Krakoa, but one ongoing battle has yet to persist, the humans. The anti-mutant humans who like to spend their time outside of the Factory with picket signs that say things like “die mutants” and “no more”. Of course, this will always be a problem for the mutants, especially with them thinking there’s a mutant contagion that’s going around. But as the X-Men find out from Hank, there is no mutant contagion, instead, someone has created a process to artificially force the activation of the X-gene.
Big Power in a Little Girl
Of course, it has to be Cassandra Nova. Who else could it be? While the X-Men try to find the next steps they have to take, Magik and Temper have their own plans to see through. While the anti-mutant brigade was outside of the Factory, Temper noticed the small child with them flashing her the hand signal, the Midnight Bark, indicating she’s a mutant. So Magik and Temper must figure out what to do, should they help her? Should they ignore it as it could be a clever trap to make the mutants look like kidnapping villains? All they know is that there’s a young mutant in trouble and it’s their job to help any way they can.
The Writing
Jed MacKay started X-Men #6 setting the tone for what’s to come, the war between humans and mutants. I really enjoyed that the focus was more on Temper and Magik, and I feel both are pretty underrated.
I think a constant theme of this comic would be vulnerability. We see a young mutant with a mother who’s as anti-mutant as you can get. We see Hank feeling less than adequate as he is missing years of knowledge that’s very needed with the X-gene activating. You also see the new mutants who are uncomfortable with not knowing what’s next for them as this is a whole new world for them. I think MacKay handles all of these emotions extraordinarily well and still gives us the classic X-Men vibes we all love.
The Art
The artists of X-Men have done a masterful job throughout this entire run, and the sixth installment is no exception. The impressive amount of detail that goes into each panel is astounding. But add that with the toned down colors with the occasional burst of color, and it’s picture perfect. I think the artwork of X-Men #6 matches the tone incredibly well, so much so that it only elevates the already entertaining storyline.
8.6/10
This article was written by me, Megan from Vigilante Vibes: A Marvel Podcast! If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of X-Men #6, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!
