Dark Web: X-Men #2 is a fun book that tries to capture the best parts of Madelyne Pryor’s Inferno arc, but doesn’t give itself enough room to breathe. Dark Web thus far has been a fun event, building up on the tension from the Madelyne Pryor story that started in Hellions. But as Dark Web: X-Men #2 makes clear, it doesn’t seem to know what to do with itself at times.
The book is by far at its best when it focuses on Maddie, capturing the essence of the character both by portraying the tragedy of the Goblin Queen and also embracing the absolute camp that she brings. Maddie’s segments of genuine grief are really good, capturing her complicated fight with herself over everything that’s been done to her. When she talks to Alex, Duggan seems to really understand the dynamic they have, with her often softening around him but ultimately choosing to carry out her plans instead. It reminded me of a classic Inferno scene.
Marvel Comics
When the book focuses on the segments of Jean and Illyana trapped in Maddie’s spell, Rod Reis really gets to show off how talented he is. The issue meanders a bit in these segments, which truthfully could have been shortened down, but Reis doesn’t miss a beat with his artwork in these pages. Reis is a really talented visual storyteller, and this segment’s high points are all thanks to him.
Marvel Comics
The drama between the Summers brothers feels manufactured and unnecessary, with everything prior to Duggan’s X-Men run showing the two on good terms. But it does end on a good note, with Alex setting out to do his own thing on a team more suited for him. The Krakoan era team of X-Men was never the right for him (not like Hellions was) so it’s nice to see that story at least come to a good conclusion (for now). Hopefully, his departure also means a more interesting choice can take his spot on the team (I’m just saying, both Siryn and M were on the ballot this year).
It’s nice to see Jean finally getting her chance to shine during battles after the early Krakoa era severely underutilized her, but Duggan’s Jean still feels a bit surface level. Maybe it just seems like underwhelming Jean content because we just had her A.X.E. issue, which was phenomenal Jean Grey content that highlighted her complicated relationship with herself and how she reacts when she’s pushed. But Duggan’s Jean feels more like junk food — Jean’s pages will be sure to tell you she’s the most powerful mutant ever and she’ll have another feat people can use for a “who would win” Twitter poll, but it’s not really anything of substance for that character.
Like Alex, however, Jean’s scenes with Madelyne are also her best. Jean has a temper on her and is quite honestly a steamroller of a woman, but that’s something I love about her. Her approach to Maddie was so bold and so Jean, pushing her around the minute she comes to. Jean’s got fire to her, and it’s nice to see writers remembering that.
Jean’s reaction also promises an equally great response from Madelyne, which I can’t wait for.
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