We’re a week away from Age of Revelation kicking off, which means a big shift is coming in X-Men #22. We know Doug has plans to “fix” things, but in the latest issue, writer Jed MacKay and artist C.F. Villa focus on the team dotting i’s and crossing t’s. Call it some house cleaning in Cyclops’ team before all hell breaks loose.
Cyclops once again ends up being the most compelling character, but what else is new in a MacKay X-Men comic? The issue begins with Cyclops in jail, ready to leave once the situation is cleared. He’s playing nice with the locals and authorities because he knows he needs to keep the peace to have his team in Alaska. When Magik shows up, you can instantly see she disagrees with Cyclops playing nice.
Before the two can get back to headquarters, MacKay and Villa check in with all the characters of the team. Magneto and Kid Omega are playing chess, Glob is tending to chores, and Juggernaut is helping. One of the major conflicts of the issue is between Beast and Juggernaut.
Nice introduction for Magik.
Credit: Marvel
Some interesting points are made, which also jive with Magik’s take earlier in the issue. The question is, are casualties are a given as the X-Men are at war, or do the X-Men never kill? The fact that Beast points out – under his breath, with Juggernaut walking away – that the X-Men would have killed him if they had his point of view, is a good one.
Outside the house, the issue concludes with a satisfying Doug’s first encounter. Given what we know so far, especially after X-Men #19, the tension is legit. It’s in Doug’s swagger that he seems extra dangerous, even if he’s new to being confident in his power.
There’s also a good check-in on the new mutants. One can see that MacKay isn’t dropping them, or any of the X-Men’s subplots, anytime soon. We’re gearing up for an Age of Revelation pause more than anything.
The art by Villa is excellent, with interesting layouts, such as when Magik appears in the police office. I also like how Cyclops’ visor is extra chunky. Character acting is great, with the Juggernaut scene also standing out. When Juggernaut is pissed, Villa draws him in mostly in shadow with the slits of his eyes creating a foreboding look. And yet, Beast stands tall. The size difference is also well done between them.
X-Men #22 isn’t explosive, but it’s an essential breather before the storm. The issue spotlights character tensions, sharpening the stage for the Age of Revelation. MacKay and Villa keep the book engaging through sharp dialogue and expressive art.
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