If you’re an X-Men fan, you’ve probably encountered the two schools of thought that drive most mutants. Some wish to live in peace with mankind, or simply live. Others believe they won’t be safe until humanity is wiped off the planet or until mutantkind becomes the dominant species. X-Men #29 delves back into this duality by focusing on two plot threads: Psylocke and Xorn rescuing John Greycrow after learning of the Danger Room, and Kid Omega and Temper hunting for Glob Herman’s attempted assassin.
It’s the latter storyline that feels the most compelling, especially when you consider the two mutants at the core of it. Temper’s entire life has been fraught with people trying to kill and/or judge her, from the Hellfire Club in Wolverine and the X-Men to the Quiet Council on Krakoa. It only makes sense that she’d hit a breaking point with humanity, and Glob lying at death’s door was that point. As for Kid Omega…this is the same guy who coined the phrase “Magneto Was Right.” It only makes sense that he’d employ some of the Master of Magnetism’s more hardcore tactics.
As for the Psylocke moments, the battle-hardened psychic shows a surprisingly tender side of herself when she reunites with Greycrow. While he might be a mercenary and separate from her life in the X-Men, he still loves her and is willing to fight beside her. Xorn also gets the chance to shine, which I’m thankful for; it often feels like writers never really know what to do with him, but Jed MacKay manages to utilize both his gravity-bending powers and his dedication to the X-Men.
Marvel
In fact, MacKay deserves plenty of credit for the emotional stakes he brings to the table. Neither Temper nor Kid Omega are demonized for their actions, as he highlights that they’re teenagers dealing with trauma in the only way they know how. In the same vein, Greycrow helping the X-Men gives them an edge, as the Danger Room isn’t prepared for him or for Xorn. MacKay managed a similar trick during his Avengers run, balancing a sprawling cast of characters with genuine emotional and world-ending stakes; it’s the perfect approach for the X-Men.
Netho Diaz also isn’t afraid to tackle the emotional aspects. He lets characters’ facial expressions do as much speaking as their actual words, especially when Psylocke and Greycrow reunite. These are two of the deadliest warriors on the planet, and yet they embrace with a genuine softness. Likewise, when Kid Omega shouts at someone who’s trying to help him, Diaz highlights the pure anger seeping off of him. Even Xorn manages to express thoughtfulness and resolve, and his head’s covered by a massive iron mask. That’s saying nothing of the sheer nightmare fuel Diaz brings to the table in a subplot involving Beast, though I wish it was saved for another issue.
Sean Parsons and Arthur Hesli also bring plenty of detail to the table with their inks and colors, highlighting just how amazing – and how frightening – mutant powers can be. Xorn’s control over gravity allows him to literally bend laser beams, leaving people shooting at him and Psylocke befuddled as the laws of physics refuse to hold. On the other hand, Kid Omega’s psychic fury as he digs into people’s heads and Temper’s ability to turn guns into molten metal showcase why some people might be afraid of mutants.
X-Men #29 juggles emotional stakes and a pair of dueling storylines, as the mutant team deals with the fallout of the Danger Room’s attack. It also sets the stage for a hell of a final showdown.
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