Marvel’s From the Ashes era of X-Men is eclectic, with different kinds of stories like NYX to wet all sorts of whistles. In this character-focused team book, a different hero takes center stage each issue, with Ms. Marvel getting the focus in NYX #1. Now it’s time for Wolverine (Laura Kinney) to shine in NYX #2, who has a darker path than most of the other characters in this series.
NYX #2 opens with Wolverine pinning a man, her claws going right through his clavicle. She uses different methods from most heroes, and it shows. She’s trying to protect a mutant who turns out to be with the very guys who seem shady as heck. So begins Laura’s hunt to determine who is at the bottom of this, and you may not see the answer coming.
Kiden is a big part of Laura’s narrative, which we gather from the captions detailing her internal monologue. This is going to be impactful, especially for folks who have read the original NYX series. It adds a harkening back to other times while Laura continues her hunt, befriends another mutant, and discovers the truth about a gang leader.
Ouch!
Credit: Marvel
The art by Francesco Mortarino adds a lot of moody street level drama to the book. Colors by Raul Angulo heighten the stacks of buildings behind Laura at the start, or adds volume to the steam rising in the New York streets. At one point a 9-panel grid is used, but it’s ever so slightly off-kilter, which adds to the intensity of one scene. What takes the cake, though, is the reveal of the supervillain crime lord, as well as the battle damage Laura takes in the fight. Seeing her entire cheek ripped off is unnerving.
I’m not sure the plot of the issue works, though. We see Laura going it alone, finding a friend, and realizing she’s been foolish when she’s way over her head. The book goes to some dark places and then smash-cuts to a cliffhanger that’s all positivity and hope. It’s a jarring change because the book never really shows Laura learning, but instead, going through the paces and changing her mind. For all the stubborn energy she gives off, it’s a surprise how the issue ends.
Similar to the last issue, the rest of the NYX characters aren’t in the book, but they’re even less so here. Prodigy and Ms. Marvel pop up, but the interactions are so brief you can barely count them. This issue definitely feels more like they were stuffed in last minute.
NYX #2 is going to please Laura Kinney fans as it delves into her loner nature while digging up some of her past. Unfortunately, I don’t think it entirely works, especially because of how it leaves her on the final page. Still, the art is great, and the moody nature of Laura in this story has good moments.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login