DNX #1 – Future Problems in the Present

Creative Team – Jed MacKay, Federico Vicentini, David Curiel, VC’s Clayton Cowles, Kaare Andrews

Published by Marvel Comics

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The Story

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Megan and Shawn!

Shawn – The Chairman is back. Attempting to usher in the Age of 3K instead of the Age of Revelation, White Beast wants to release the X-Virus in Philadelphia. The most unique thing about DNX #1, is that Jed MacKay manages to make the concept behind the AoR event more interesting than the actual event ever did. The contrasting teams of “X-Men” create a unique combat opportunity where the story feels like it reinforces the distinct difference between the two sides.

Speaking of two sides, I’m really interested to see where this unique team-up between the X-Men and Fantastic Four goes. MacKay writes strong women really well and that is evident in DNX #1 as we see Sue openly state that she is stronger than Magneto. She’s not lying, but in an era where online internet talking heads got into their feelings because Sue was portrayed as the leader in the Fantastic Four: First Steps movie, it was a bold decision to portray Sue so strongly. It’s a move that ultimately pays off well and shows that Sue is not to be taken lightly.

Megan – In DNX #1, we see the continuation of the events from Age of Revelation. The Chairman, who is future White Beast, is here to carry out his plan to drop the X-Virus in present day Philadelphia, causing devastation to the mutants of the world. Cyclops and his team of X-Men are going to put a stop to it no matter what it takes. While all this is happening, Magneto is weaker than ever with the potential of dying. Hank McCoy recruits Reed Richards to help Magneto, but little does Hank know, it’s not going to go as well as he hopes.

It’s very interesting to see more from Age of Revelation after all this time. The stakes feel higher than they did during the event itself, so that definitely adds a layer of excitement to the comic. We also see the different team dynamics at play whether it be Chairman’s very interesting bunch or Cyclops’ X-Men. It feels like there’s going to be a huge shake up in these dynamics as the story plays out and I’m very interested to see where they go.

The Art

Shawn -Federico Vicentini, David Curiel, and Clayton Cowles gave us a really beautiful issue to read and look at. Vicentini’s line work is spectacular. The definition he adds to both iterations of Beast present in this story is astounding. Vicentini is working with X characters that don’t always get a lot of time to shine and does a really great job with them. David Curiel does a beautiful job with colors. The Fantastic Four is really well colored. Curiel really makes Johnny Storm and The Thing stand out. He uses the darker tones well against bright colors like those of Storm as well as Cyclops to draw you into the action. Clayton Cowles helps the story move well allowing the action and narration to pop.

Megan – Federico Vicentini, David Curiel, and Clayton Cowles made this a thrilling issue to read with their incredible artist talents. I loved how well Vicentini was able to illustrate the emotions of the characters so clearly in their body language and their facial expressions. The characters practically told the story themselves. Along with that, we get a couple really good looks at different powersets that made the characters feel larger than life. David Curiel brings a lot to the table with the colors, having a gorgeous amount of vibrancy that contrasts the darker tones and plays off of Vicentini’s drawings excellently. Clayton Cowles handles the lettering and puts the emotions of the characters on full display in their words. You can feel the frustration from the Chairman clearly as well as the X-Men’s overall excitement as they go about their planned attacks.

Final Thoughts

Shawn – 8.5/10. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Age of Revelation arc, but this creative team has already crafted a story that feels more interesting than what was happening in that series. I’m interested to see whether the DNX events will alter things or maintain the status quo.

Megan – 7.5/10. DNX #1 shows that the consequences of the Age of Revelation arc are still at play and there’s no way to see where this is going. This was a beautiful comic full of gorgeous panels that make it hard to turn the page. I’m very interested to see what happens in the next issue as we’re left on a pretty exciting last page.

Overall Grade – 8/10

Let us know in the comments what you thought of DNX #1!