We’re back with another X-Men issue this August! What a treat! After saving Ben Liu recently, it seems the X-Men are starting to make a name for themselves in Alaska. While Cyclops is out grabbing a bite to eat with Agent Lundqvist, his X-Men have their hands full with unwelcome house guests. That said, the primary focus of this issue is Scott Summers, the aftermath of Scott Summers v. The United States, and how the X-Men got their new home. Seems like a lot? Well, buckle up, because this issue is a thrilling story all the way through.
Marvel Comics
The story focuses on Cyclops and Agent Lundqvist’s conversation. It hasn’t been long since relocating to Alaska, and the forces that be are already making their anti-mutant agenda relatively clear. Simply put, the X-Men aren’t wanted there. Or frankly, anywhere. While some readers were curious how Jed MacKay was going to approach Scott Summers’ feisty personality, myself included, this issue sets the record straight. And good grief does Scott set the record straight too! While it seems Scott’s going to be busy this year, finding conflict with Gail Simone’s Uncanny X-Men and Avengers in December, MacKay wastes no time using the present to clarify for the reader, and the United States, how this iteration of X-Men is going to be spearheaded. And although this is sure to cause some problems down the line, the exchange couldn’t be more riveting. MacKay’s scriptwriting is top-notch here, as Scott’s raw emotion is on display while he works diligently to protect mutantkind.
The other part of this story is about how the X-Men handle some unwanted visitors. Through this process, MacKay continues to introduce readers to the varying dynamics this team will carry. Seeing Magik and Juggernaut work together again is an absolute treat, as the pair make quite the dynamite duo. Additionally, Temper finally takes center stage, showing she is a force to be reckoned with in her own right. While the first arc reaches its halfway point, almost every member of Scott’s team has now been able to distinguish themselves at one point or another, showing why they were selected for this team. All but one. While Magneto’s presence is ever ominous, it’s becoming more and more obvious that his role is meant to be a secret. That said, there is one not-so-throwaway line that Cyclops tosses at Agent Lundqvist that may point toward his role on this team; if that’s the case then it’s best not to get on his bad side. Altogether, the issue does a strong job of balancing the two stories while acclimating the reader to the team’s strengths and weaknesses.
Marvel Comics
This issue is extraordinarily expressive. Here, penciler Ryan Stegman, inkers JP Mayer and Livesay, and colorist Marte Garcia deliver a whopper of a story. This story balances an aggressive conversation at a diner with a fast-paced action story rather well, and a big part of that is the art. So much of the story is dependent on the emotions of the characters properly being conveyed to the reader. Two moments convey this rather well. The first is when Scott really puts his foot down when talking to Agent Lundqvist. The pair exchange heated words in a way that seems to ripple off the page as if the two are next to you shouting. This in part is thanks to Stegman’s thick line work, which helps the scene feel far more realistic. Another moment is when Magik and Juggernaut charge into battle together and the reader can see the world through Magik’s eyes for but a moment. This sequence feels all the more exciting thanks to the deep ink work and explosive colors on the page. Altogether, the story is beautifully depicted all the way through.
X-Men #3 is a great story that picks up some of the momentum lost in the prior issue while further accelerating the plot. This issue does a splendid job depicting how Mackay interprets Scott’s leadership qualities and what the upcoming conflict this team may face will look like. Furthermore, this is overall a strong step in the right direction for this new era of X-Men comics.
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