It’s Synch’s time to shine in X-Men #18, out this week in comic book shops. After reeling from living in the Vault for god knows how long, he’s on the official team with Wolverine by his side. They’re lovers after falling in love in the Vault, but now with two Wolverines running around, Gerry Duggan sets the record straight on how these Lauras will coexist.
Even though Synch is on the cover, this issue is very much Wolverine’s. That said, he’s so closely tied to the Wolverine that escaped the Vault one can see how he helps frame the story. From his perspective, we see Laura, who is now older and far different than the resurrected version. This issue opens with a reminder of how this came to pass and is currently a problem for the Quiet Council to discuss. They won’t kill one or the other Wolverine–they both have a right to live–but if one perishes, do they bring that one back?
It’s an intriguing concept showing how the X-Men writing team continues to explore what it means for the mutants to be immortal. Further intriguing is seeing Laura talk to Laura. They don’t hate each other, but they certainly don’t like each other, yet they still need to work things out. Their scene together is juxtaposed beautifully with their hacking and slashing vampires. What better way to air grievances for Wolverine than while shedding the blood of an enemy?
C.F. Villa draws the heck out of this issue with great effects, action, and character acting. The book is bright as heck, thanks to colors by Matt Milla. Villa tends to add a bit of noise on the edge of characters to help show their sudden movement. It’s a cool touch that isn’t overly used. Then you have Jean Grey’s powers looking quite cool in space with a protective pink border around her that also has a chaotic edge.
Synch has to have the coolest power.
Credit: Marvel
If the story wasn’t obvious enough, the visuals make it clear Wolverine is the central focus of this issue. One page has both Wolverine characters slicing and jumping around, cutting a vampire beast in multiple places. You’ll fully believe Wolverine’s foot blade is a worthy weapon and not silly. Villa makes you a believer! The cliffhanger, which is unrelated to Wolverine but worth pointing out, will send a shiver down your spine.
Outside of Wolverine talking to Wolverine, we get a subplot involving Orchis soldiers getting rescued by the X-Men. It’s a nice small mission to give the team something to do while showing off their incredible abilities in space. There’s a nice message tucked away here about why we help our enemy, and at the end of the issue, a reminder Beast is the worst.
Again, Milla’s color is exciting in these scenes, like how Iceman’s powers light up his face and body or Jean’s pink powers making a striking show.
A single-page scene with Jean and Beast is a bit unclear, though. Beast is upset there are two Wolverines running around, and no real decision is made about them. Instead the conversation switches to Beast being the worst and we’re then sent to the cliffhanger setup.
Spread throughout the issue are nice character moments and callbacks. It’s nice to see the X-Terminators story crossover here, and Jubilee getting her bubblegum popped more than once is a nice treat.
There’s very little to complain about in X-Men #18. It’s filled with Wolverine action, offers an interesting problem surrounding the immortality of mutants when unexpected wrinkles arise, and delivers some team-based action too.
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