As their name might suggest, the X-Men’s “Science Team”, headed by founding X-Man and scientific genius Hank McCoy (aka Beast), is more interested in scientific endeavors than the typical combat most X-Men usually find themselves in. Yet X-Men #32 puts that mission to the test. Not only is the Science Team dealing with 3K’s former soldier Schwarszchild, who’s been mentally “booby trapped” by the malevolent telepath Cassandra Nova, but they also have to contend with the forces of Department H! In true X-Men fashion, they get blamed for the events at hand, yet have to work together to save the day.
Throughout X-Men #32, Jed MacKay shows how the members of the Science Team often butt heads yet manage to work together. Beast steps up as a leader, directing each of his teammates to utilize their abilities where they’re needed. Despite being irritating at best and an instigator at worst, Quentin Quire puts his psychic powers to good use trying to save Schwarszchild, alongside dreamwalker Ben Liu. Further complicating matters is the resentment Ben holds towards Schwarszchild as 3K previously experimented on him, but as Quentin points out, being an X-Man means fighting to save everyone – even if they hate and fear you.
The real standout of the issue, however, is Magneto. Thanks to a new formula concocted by Beast, the Master of Magnetism is now able to use his powers to their fullest extent. It’s in these moments that Magneto shows how much he’s actually trying to uphold the teachings of his former friend Charles Xavier; as he points out to some of the Department H operatives, in his old days he would have just sent their aircraft spiraling to destruction. The fact that he’s actively trying to save them shows how much he’s actually changed, and I wouldn’t mind seeing more of this Magneto in future installments.
Marvel
Magneto’s display of power feels truly impressive thanks to Tony Daniel’s artwork. Daniel has plenty of pages to draw the Master of Magnetism hovering above the ground, with waves of power radiating from his body and his gaze shrouded by his signature red and purple helmet. That same sense of character spreads to different X-Men, including Beast’s furry blue visage, Xorn’s metallic mask, and Quire’s violent ensemble. Daniel’s best work comes during Quire and Ben’s psychic mission, which features the duo shrouded in violet and blue hues courtesy of Fer Sifuentes-Sijo. If that wasn’t enough, MacKay depicts their entire conversation via telepathy, with Clayton Cowles depicting it in colorful paragraphs based on who’s speaking.
Despite the Science Team’s best efforts, things go from bad to worse toward the end of the issue, resulting in a cliffhanger that truly feels like one. It’s the kind of energy that this story arc needs, especially as it’s part of the lead-up to MacKay’s upcoming blockbuster DNX. When I pick up an X-Men comic, no matter if it’s a standalone issue or a character-defining storyline, it should hook me from beginning to end. This issue is definitely one of those comics.
X-Men #32 throws its current story arc into high gear, as Beast’s Science Team works against the clock to prevent massive destruction. In true X-Men fashion, it features plenty of character dynamics, impressive displays of mutant powers, and a story that will keep fans coming back for future issues.
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