When stories have heroes and villains, readers would for each to be formidable. The hero must be imposing but good at heart. The villain must amoral yet relatable. These are the rules that readers have come to see be subverted time and time again.

As what kids cartoons would make one believe that superhero stories are simplistic. In reality, they are probably more diverse and morally complicated than most fiction. This is why when a villain the comic book universe tends to unleash a devious plan, it is vastly intricate and and will have readers , reading it multiple times to catch all the details. In the debut issue of Sins Of Sinister, we get the kickoff of the next big X-Men crossover event, where Mister Sinister, unleashes a web of evil that affects all mutants.

We find Mr. Sinister deep in his lair, as he secretly harvesting versions of himself on Krakoa, as we find out that he forced an uneasy alliance with the other mutants on Krakoa. Meanwhile, the council look to open their doors to humans, one that the council struggles to find common ground, but something Emma Frost is able to change everyone’s minds. Meanwhile Ben Urich, actually uncovers Sinister’s plan and shares it with Jonah Jamison, only to find out it was Sinister posing as, thereby stopping him and imprisoning Ben. As the Orchis Forge begins Sinister’s plan of world domination, unleashing every hero in the universe to defend the innocent,  but the worst is yet come. As we find out that every mutant has a piece of Mister Sinister’s DNA, making them under his control. By the issue’s end, Sinister’s plan has created worldwide chaos  but also creates a problem he did not foresee, multiple interlopers who think like him, looking to be in power of if it all.

Overall, Sins Of Sinister #1 is an unfolding enigma of a debut issue, one will astound you, even if you had an idea of the result. The story by Gillen is masterful. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, one of the best things written by Gillen, and proves why he was the perfect person to write the beginning of this massive event.

Story: Kieron Gillen Art: Lucas Werneck
Special guest artists: Geoffrey Shaw, Marco Checchetto, Juan José Ryp, David Baldeón, Travel Foreman, Carlos Gómez, Federico Vicentini, David Lopez, Joshua Cassara, Stefano Caselli
Color: Bryan Valenza Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Jay Bowen
Story: 10 Art: 9.6 Overall: 9.89 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Sins of Sinister #1 kicks off the latest “X event” as Mr. Sinister’s plans finally begin to play out to shape the world. The island nation of Krakoa has relied on Sinister in its focus on genetics and that reliance has been its downfall as Sinister has used his position to plant the seeds of his rule. This debut issue acts as not just a solid start to the event but carefully lays out what this classic Marvel villain has been up to.

Written by Kieron Gillen, Mr. Sinister has been a character that has seen quite a change in years. Going from a rather stiff and boring villain, his personality has been let loose giving an at times hilarious villain who just so happens to control genetics. Sins of Sinister #1 delivers all of that on full display as Sinister plays puppet master and PT Barnum in our introduction to the world he has crafted.

Using his clones of Moira McTaggert, Sinister has been resetting time, manipulating things so he can ascend. Add in his tampering with the genetics of mutants, he’s created what would seem like a perfect plan and takeover that has relied on intelligence rather than brute force. But, even the best laid plans can spiral out of control and soon Sinister learns he’s not in as much control as he tought.

And that’s where Gillen’s writing triumphs. Sinister pops from the page with a personality that’s larger than life and so over the top it feels like it’s being projected for the people in a theater. As presented, Sinister comes off as a villain you should fear due to how laid out his plan and vision are but at the same time you want to see the chaos he’ll cause as you know there’s no way this is going right. He’s clown like, smashing pies in the face of those that stand in his way. It’s hard to not enjoy the exaggerated… everything.

The art by Lucas Werneck is fantastic delivering every exaggerated moment with a flair that’s fitting for Sinister. With Bryan Valenza on color and Clayton Cowles‘ lettering, the comic has a sinister vibe about it without being doom and gloom. It’s an post apocalyptic story at times without being depressing. The subtle design work from the art is fantastic as well. Slight facial expressions or body language plays so well with who has been corrupted and who hasn’t adding a slight horror aspect as Sinister’s aspect spreads. It’s subtle and goes far beyond simply adding Sinister’s signature diamond on a forehead.

Sins of Sinister #1 is an entertaining start not only catching readers up but laying out when things get out of hand. There’s an almost tragic aspect for our villain as he discovers he’s not in as much control as he thinks. This is where the “smart person” finds out they’re actually not that smart and there’s a lot they haven’t planned for that’s now out of their control. It’s an event that looks like it’s keeping things fairly focused and if this debut is an indication, going to be a fun addition to the high bar that is “X events”.

Story: Kieron Gillen Art: Lucas Werneck
Special guest artists: Geoffrey Shaw, Marco Checchetto, Juan José Ryp, David Baldeón, Travel Foreman, Carlos Gómez, Federico Vicentini, David Lopez, Joshua Cassara, Stefano Caselli
Color: Bryan Valenza Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Jay Bowen
Story: 8.3 Art: 8.3 Overall: 8.3 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle