Share this
Creative Team – Jed MacKay(writer). JP Mayer, Livesay, Ryan Stegman(inkers). Ryan Stegman(penciler). Marte Gracia(colorist). VC’s Clayton Cowles(letterer). Ryan Stegman, JP Mayer, Marte Gracia(cover artists). AKA, Chris Giarrusso, Mayes C. Rubeo, Jonay Bacallado(variant cover artists).
Published by Marvel Entertainment
Be sure to also catch up on Uncanny X-Men #6 here!
With all the excitement going on in the Nerd Initiative Bullpen, it’ll take two NI reviewers to break down X-Men #8. This review is written by Nerd Initiative’s editor-in-chief/ODPH Podcast, Ken and yours truly, NI Brand Advisor/Vigilante Vibes Podcast, Megan Nichole.
Inside Greymalkin (Possible spoiler warning)
In X-Men #7, Henry McCoy, AKA Beast, was attacked! He was taken to be a prisoner in what once was the X-Mansion, Greymalkin Prison. Cyclops, the leader of the X-Men of Alaska, is forming a plan with his team to bust Beast out of Greymalkin. The prison is lead by Corina Ellis, who has big plans for Beast’s future, and when I say “big”, I mean terrible. Ellis plans to sell Beast to Terra Verde, followed by a show trial, and then topped off with the execution of our favorite blue giant.
Meanwhile, Jubilee and Calico are also in Greymalkin as they were attacked, abducted, and taken as prisoners in Uncanny X-Men #6. While the X-Men from Alaska are on their way to save Beast, they’re unaware that the Louisiana X-Men on fast approaching to save Jubilee and Calico.
The Writing
Megan: Jed MacKay really sets the tone well and keeps that energy high throughout X-Men #8. There are so many moments while reading this comic that you felt the emotion pouring from the page, such as when Beast was being attacked, or when Calico owned being a mutant like the rest of the prisoners. This really was an excellent part one of the Graymalkin raid, and I’m excited to see what’s next, especially since it’ll mean all our X-Men are fighting together.
Ken: MacKay lights the match for an explosive opening chapter. The current state of Hank McCoy is a unique one. Seeing Cyclops reaction to his capture makes the emotionless X-Man “human” for a brief moment. The writing echoes his yearning to keep this version of Beast around. This leads him into acting reckless in planning strategy. It’s a new look that is refreshing to see play out.
The saga at Graymalkin puts an unlikely trio together. Calico is a new mutant that seems to be buying in to her true nature. The standoff with the guards is a standout moment. It becomes the catalyst providing a needed distraction for the X-Men. The action moves swiftly as the rescue is on. There are many moments fans will be amped about. None will be greater than the closing page. A full page issue provides a reunion that carries many scars behind the masks. Great start to the crossover.
The Art
Megan: The artists showcased their talents to the highest extent possible when creating X-Men #8. JP Mayer, Livesay, Ryan Stegman, Marte Gracia, and Clayton Cowles made the comic look as hard hitting as the story is, and that stayed consistent throughout the read. Something I really appreciated was how well they portrayed the characters emotions through their facial expressions. You could tell how truly enraged Cyclops was about Beast getting taken for prisoner, or how proud Calico was to admit to herself and everyone else that she is, in fact, a mutant.
Ken: Stegman and the team welcome readers into Beast’s capture with a haunting full page. This is countered with Cyclops’ building rage to events. The emotion being shown really stands out. It leads into a homecoming that no mutant wants to see. Graymalkin is no longer a home. The images show the insufferable state it has now become.
Calico’s stance mirrors the mutant sentiment to Corina Ellis’ prison tactics. The half page panel speaks volumes to the readers. Once the X-Men crash the party, it’s full speed ahead. The full page shot of the team dealing with the guards will have the audience buzzing. As if this wasn’t enough, just wait for the final page. A full page image clearly beams with emotion as the chapter concludes. Brace for the incoming conflict!
Final Thoughts
Megan: X-Men #8 was a hard-hitting comic book all around. With the hatred that Corina Ellis has for the mutants, it’s hard not to find yourself emotional for the X-Men and the other mutants in the prison. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
9/10
Ken:The X-Men are sprung into action as their comrades are imprisoned. MacKay’s writing drives home the team bond while the stakes are high. Stegman and the art team deliver on the intense action and emotion filled ramifications of this latest adventure. Who else is ready for round 2!
