After the end of X-Manhunt (go read X-Men Monday for an exit interview), X-Men #14 kicks off a new story arc and a brand new threat. Multiple threats, in fact, as writer Jed MacKay and Ryan Stegman unveil their 3K X-Men future threat. As the cover implies, Kid-Omega is in big trouble, and a missing human prepares the entire team for war!
X-Men #14 opens with Cyclops calmly drinking a coffee and taking a meeting with the local police officer, Chief Robbins. MacKay continues to write Cyclops well as a leader in every facet that comes with it. In this case, a good listener and a person who cares. He shows how he’s tactical later in the issue, but mostly, he’s the “man in the chair,” so to speak.
Robbins has convinced Cyclops to help find Piper Cobb, who Beast checked and determined isn’t a mutant. Something is fishy, and the mystery is resolved nicely by the end of the issue.
Meanwhile, MacKay and Stegman continue to develop new mutants like Jen, who can change into different animals. Her gung-ho, youthful spirit and nifty powers are apparent. Ben also gets some page time, and one can see he’s a little more akin to Magneto’s ways of doing things, at least how Magneto used to do things.
Cyclops is the man in the chair.
Credit: Marvel
A major player in this issue is Temper, who shows her heroic grit and gumption to act. A key scene between her, Magik, and Jugernaut is good, especially with the ongoing sibling relationship between Jugs and Magik, which is so fun to read.
The art by Stegman, with inks by JP Mayer and colors by Marte Gracia, is fun and dynamic. Vehicles are particularly cool in this issue, as well as a new villain reveal. The name of this character paired with the design is kind of silly, but in a fun comics sort of way. The gun Stegman draws is up there with anything Cable has pulled out.
The mystery villains are mainly in the shadows. A significant supervillain on the X-Men side is revealed, but their intentions remain mysterious. Given that the 3K X-Men aren’t a cover for another two issues, we’re likely waiting on the next issue for some reveal. Their inclusion is more of a crumb, with much of this issue about the attack on Kid-Omega — seen on the cover — more than anything else.
X-Men #14 effectively starts a new arc with compelling character moments, an intriguing mystery, and dynamic artwork, setting the stage for a bigger conflict ahead. MacKay’s writing keeps the team dynamic fresh and engaging, while Stegman’s art ensures the action feels bold and kinetic. While the issue holds back on fully revealing its big villains, the breadcrumbs laid here promise an exciting payoff in the coming chapters.
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