Alex Paknadel and Rogê Antônio’s Cyclops #3 left off with Scott alone with one of the Reavers and Mei in the clutches of Donald Pierce once again. Cyclops #4 picks up exactly where the story left off, leaving no time to dilly-dally.
As the story starts with Mei and the other young mutants, I keep expecting Mei to have her big break in some tactical regard, showing what she’s learned from her interaction with Cyclops yet again and emerging as one of the next generation’s young heroes. Mei is a fun character and I’ve enjoyed her scenes so far, but as I was seeing her interact with the other mutant kids in this book – many with vibrant, visible mutations – I found myself wishing that these characters would be used more in these stories.
Marvel
While Mei is reunited with the other young mutants, Scott is left alone with Tearjerker, the Reaver he eviscerated in the last issue. There’s always something I love about Scott when he’s on the edge of his rope and just done – and that’s exactly where he’s at now. Scott doesn’t mince words or try to play nice; he says exactly what he’s thinking and doesn’t care to spare Tearjerker’s feelings. Once again, Paknadel nails Scott’s voice and mannerisms in a way that is such a pleasure to read.
Rogê Antônio has proved to be quite a good artist in the action sequence department, delivering once again in a scene with Scott in battle. In reading this series, I’ve felt as though Antônio’s art stands out most in these action sequences or with the Reavers when it comes to the body horror aspects of those characters.
As the story progresses, the final fight with Pierce is on the horizon, and Paknadel ends the issue on a note that proves this story is just beginning.
Cyclops #4 maintains the series’ momentum by blending high-stakes action with Alex Paknadel’s sharp characterization of a weary Scott Summers. Rogê Antônio’s artwork excels during visceral combat and body-horror sequences. Overall, the chapter successfully captures Scott’s grit while setting the stage for the next phase of the narrative.
