X-Men has been a team-focused book, to say the least, with Cyclops stealing the show’s most issues. In the last issue, Cyclops threatened the nuclear option if mutants were pushed too far, and in X-Men #11, things get personal. The source of conflict is a big mystery, but we know one thing from the start: It’s from outer space.
After X-Men #10 was largely a speech from Cyclops, X-Men #11 is a return to team-focused action and strategy and a breath of fresh air. Once again, writer Jed MacKay does a great job using Cyclops to keep the team on their toes. He’s making orders, thinking quickly, and maximizing this tight little group to get the job done.
Cyclops’ command of the team is captured well by artist Netho Diaz through his expressive facial work, Diaz conveys the emotional core of the team’s struggles, from moments of triumph to Cyclops’ rage over tough situations. Magik and Juggernaut continue to be a great bit of comedy as well, with both acting like little kids.
Outside of the characters, Diaz continues to bring a highly detailed 90s feel to the art. It’s at times glorious, with the team moving fast, using their powers, and looking great while they do it. There’s some stunning stuff throughout, be it Beast talking in his slightly weird upside-down way and three splash pages to get your blood up.
These little moments in the background with Magik and Juggernaut really add to the scenes.
Credit: Marvel
Outside of the high level of detail, Diaz often frames the action with dramatic angles and fluid motion that heighten the tension and excitement of the moment. Diaz also excels at showcasing the unique powers of each character, with intricate detail in his line work that brings optic blasts, telekinetic shields, and explosive fire in vivid panels.
The issue opens with a ship crashing into Earth. Whatever it is that pops out screams “Flark,” which is a good hint as to who or what it could be. After a brief scene with Beast that helps build up a new character, Jen Starkey, the story moves fast with plenty of action.
That action is largely due to an alien threat, although one could argue Cyclops was rash when confronting them. It’ll become obvious when you read the book, but for a master strategist, he probably should have listened to his father. Then again, it’s his dad, and we’re all a bit irrational with family when things get heated.
X-Men #11 offers a satisfying mix of teamwork, action, and humor, showcasing Cyclops as both a leader and a flawed hero. Netho Diaz’s expressive, high-energy art style perfectly complements the story’s stakes, while Jed MacKay’s script maintains momentum with tense confrontations and strategic plays.
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