This week, Alex Paknadel and Rogê Antônio wrapped up their Cyclops miniseries, concluding Scott’s arc with the Reavers in the wilderness.
For all that the series answers, several questions are left hanging in the air, starting with the newly introduced Uru metal. As primarily an X-reader, all I know is that this is the first time I’ve encountered this mythic metal, but I’m curious to see if will appear anywhere else in the future as these materials so famously do within the Marvel Universe. While part of me wonders how Pierce managed to pick it up and build this massive infrastructure with it completely unknown to anyone else, I can’t deny that the final confrontation wasn’t worth the wait.
Scott’s appearance and rescue of the kids is a highlight of the issue, perfectly embodying what makes Scott such a leader. Another thing I loved in this interaction is how Paknadel plays with and honors all sides of Scott’s character. A boy scout on the surface – and perhaps in the past – Paknadel doesn’t shy away from the ways Scott has shed that persona and come into his own over the years. It’s always a treat to see Scott pick up that confidence and test his foes.
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It’s in this final confrontation that Antônio is able to showcase the breadth of Scott’s powers, giving that awesome optic-blast,, no-holds-barred panel.
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Seeing the kids tag team in and help Scott is another highlight of the issue, allowing the kids to feel more like characters themselves than plot points in this issue. Scott’s message of him being the X-Man so the kids don’t have to is the perfect look at his character, someone who takes the burdens so no one else has to. Someone who takes the fall because he wants better for others.
As a character study, this book is an excellent look at Scott and, as a lifelong megafan of this character, I was pleased with the story Alex Paknadel and Rogê Antônio ultimately told.
