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The X-Men Do Mutual Aid In X-Men: Before the Fall – Mutant First Strike #1

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X-Men: Before the Fall – Mutant First Strike #1

The small town of Milford, New Hampshire, is rocked by a deadly supposed Mutant attack! How will the Mutants of Krakoa respond to such a devastating strike? With mutual aid of course! 

In preparation for the upcoming Fall Of X event, Marvel has been doing a series of Before the Fall one-shots. But what is the purpose of these one-shots? What are they setting up, and how will that affect the Fall Of X? X-Men: Before the Fall – Mutant First Strike #1 by Steve Orlando and Valentina Pinti is about showing the Mutants using their immense power for good, all the while the threats loom on the horizon. 

Through his work on various X-books, Steve Orlando has demonstrated an affinity for bringing back long-forgotten and underserved characters like Wicked, Nemesis, Brimstone Love, and even 90s Spider-Man villain Judas Traveler. Here is no different. This issue gives lots of forgotten characters moments of heroism during the humanitarian crisis. A lot of thought is given to the creative use of various powers. It’s interesting to see how the X-Men use their powers for aid instead of fighting some foe.

The art by Valentina Pinti and the colors by Frank William is serviceable. The expression work is good and the visualization of powers is creative. It doesn’t exactly blow me away, but everyone on the art side is doing a good job. I’m probably underselling it a little bit, but the fact of the matter is that the issue doesn’t have a lot of action. However, in those brief moments of action, I do think Pinti’s work shines. Overall it’s lively and expressive art and does everything it needs to do.

X-Men: Before the Fall – Mutant First Strike #1 isn’t an essential issue. That being said, it’s still a solid one. The issue doesn’t reveal much but it does give the Mutants one big heroic hurrah before the Fall Of X.

Story: Steve Orlando Art: Valentina Pinti
Color: Frank William Letterer: Travis Lanham Design: Tom Muller w/ Jay Bowen
Story: 8.0 Art: 7.5 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Read

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

X-Men: Before the Fall – Sons of X #1 is a bit of a mess

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X-Men: Before the Fall - Sons of X #1

A man of innumerable personalities and powers vs. the most powerful artificial intelligence in this universe: Legion vs. Nimrod! With Nightcrawler in Orchis’ clutches, David Haller and his allies will have to confront the mastermind who destroyed Warlock and nearly took Krakoa with him. X-Men: Before the Fall – Sons of X #1 feels more like a finale to the storylines that were as opposed to really setting up the much anticipated “Fall of X.”

With Sins of Sinister wrapped up, the X line of comics is in a weird spot as they must not only deal with the fallout of that event but also go back to previous plotlines as well as moved forward to the next storyline, “Fall of X.” It’s all a lot to pack in and X-Men: Before the Fall – Sons of X #1, written by Si Spurrier, seems to have that unenviable task of attempting. The short version is, Nightcrawler has been captured as part of a plan by Orchis to build up negativity towards Krakoa. They’ve manipulated mutants to attack, creating a situation where the public and governments may turn agains the mutant nation. Legion and his allies want to get Nightcrawler back, stop the bad guys… and they have to deal with the fallout of an alternate reality that only Mother Righteous can remember.

Much of the comic is dealt with deals and planning, catching readers up with what’s going on in a voice that feels like a fantasy. It’s all a bit jumbled and odd, bouncing around in focus and hinting at what’s to come. It also wraps things up rather nicely with numerous plots just wiping away a lot of potential and interesting things to explore in one fell swoop. It’s all a little odd in that a lot of what’s explored could have just been dropped with little to no impact to the story and world, an example being Banshee’s entire plotline. It serves little in this comic and its ending would indicate little going forward. It makes for a comic that at times feels like filler and other times rushed to get things wrapped up nicely before the next story can begin. And that next story is danced around over and over in ways that become eye-rolling, especially since much has been spoiled. It’s like when the hero says the name of the movie with a wink to the audience.

The art by Phil Noto is good. With lettering by Clayton Cowles and design by Tom Muller and Jay Bowen in the end the visual enjoyment will come depending on if you like Noto’s style. I myself go back and forth with it and while some works here there’s other moments that don’t for me. It’s completely subjective and your taste will vary. There are some panels that are fantastic, particularly Mother Righteous’ battle with Nimrod but overall there’s something that feels like it’s missing for me.

X-Men: Before the Fall – Sons of X #1 isn’t bad and as a finale to close the books on previous storylines, it does a decent job. But, that seems to be all it does and some of that with a wave of a hand. Coming after an event like Sins of Sinister too, it all feels like an odd timing of release. Those who got hooked from that even will be lost by it all. This is one for those who have been reading these series up to this point only, new readers will want to stay away.

Story: Si Spurrier Art: Phil Noto
Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Tom Muller, Jay Bowen
Story: 6.75 Art: 7.0 Overall: 6.75 Recommendation: Pass

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Sins Of Sinister Dominion #1 Caps Off The Event With A Bang

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Sins of Sinister: Dominion

I’ve been unsure of my feelings toward the Sins of Sinister event. It has been an intriguing experiment in comic book storytelling. Three sets of issues focused on three distinct eras, year 10, year 100, and finally, year 1,000. Sins of Sinister: Dominion #1 by Kieron Gillen, Paco Medina, and Lucas Werneck is the final issue to this eleven-part saga, and by god what an issue it is. Whatever my opinions on the rest of the event, you have to hand it to the creative team for nailing this issue in every conceivable way possible

Sins of Sinister: Dominion #1 opens with the final battle for the Moria engine, Sinister’s creation which allows him to create save points in time that he can infinitely reset to. Functionally this means he can save scum as you would in an RPG, trying over and over again to get the result you want. Earlier in the event the engine was stolen. It’s the MacGuffin at the heart of the event. So the final battle begins with various players all vying for control of the engine for their sinister ends.  

Gillen crafts a fun issue, One that comes with a whole heap of startling and exciting revelations and developments. It’s a real page-turner that will keep the reader on their toes. You can feel the scale of what is being played here. There is some epic utilization of various powers. Sins of Sinister: Dominion #1 honestly has dizzying implications for the future of the X line. So often events can feel like big nothing burgers where everything goes back to a status quo with nothing changed. Not here, we get a lot of change which offers exciting new avenues for the next chapter of the X-Men’s story. Wrapping up an event is never an easy thing to do, but here Gillen succeeds by leaps and bounds.

I was a little apprehensive of Paco Medina’s art at first. To me, it didn’t quite fit the grim dark tone established for the one-thousandth year of the sinister era. However, upon further reading, it all clicked. Medina’s art has a manic energy, which perfectly fits this desperate scramble at the end of time. It reflects the desperation and panic of our leading characters. Medina also delivers on the big bombastic moments befit of a riff on Warhammer 40k. 

Similarly, everyone else is doing an exceptional job, Lucas Werneck’s work is amazing as ever and helps tie the event in further with his work on Immortal X-Men. The coloring by Bryan Valenza and lettering by VC’s Clayton Cowles is dynamic and perfectly fits the tone and story of the issue, helping bridge the gap between the two artists.

I’m blown away by this issue. It’s Gillen and co at their very best, truly delivering an exciting installment in this ongoing narrative that will send shockwaves throughout the line. Personally, I can’t wait to see where these creatives take the story next!

Story: Kieron Gillen Art: Paco Medina, Lucas Werneck
Color: Bryan Valenza Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Tom Muller, Jay Bowen
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Sins of Sinister: Dominion wraps up the nightmare while setting up Fall of X

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Sins of Sinister: Dominion

A thousand years of hell and damnation comes to end with the loudest scream in history and for the truly guilty, there is no escape. Can the future change the present, or will we just make all the same mistakes again? Either way, the present will have to live with the future’s sins. Sins of Sinister: Dominion wraps up the recent X-Men event and also sets up the upcoming “Fall of X” storyline.

Written by Kieron Gillen, Sins of Sinister: Dominion is an interesting issue in that it packs in a hell of a lot and does it in a way that doesn’t feel like things are cut short. Gillen does a solid job of not just delivering action in the future but also the impact in the present while also setting up the next storyline. This isn’t an issue that simply “blinks” at the end allowing other comics to deal with the fallout, a lot happens here. That’s both good and bad.

Much like the event as a whole, Sins of Sinister: Dominion feels a bit like it’s missing some key points and information, like a record skipping a bit. Ideas are tossed into the issue with little explanation and much like the rest of the event too. You just roll with the flow of it all, accepting what’s in front of you and taking things as they are. New characters are introduced, sure to be popular with readers, and major status-quo changes happen too. But, what’s truly nice is it isn’t a clean ending. Sinister’s machinations have an impact in the present and things aren’t “fixed” neatly. It’s all rather dirty a nice change in some ways from past events. Sinister has screwed over some key characters with his manipulation leaving their future in the unknown and in question. There’s no neat and clean ending here.

The art by Paco Medina and Lucas Werneck is nice. With color by Bryan Valenza and lettering by Clayton Cowles the art is packed with a lot of action. But, there’s also a clear difference between the two styles, one I like and one not as much. It’s a small distraction that was noticeable and some of the art just isn’t as strong as other points. But, there’s a sense of flair and style that has weaved its way through all of Sins of Sinister and this is no exception.

Sins of Sinister: Dominion wraps things up well but like the event itself feels like it needed more space to do so. Overall, the event was an interesting one skipping through time over three series bookended by two issues. It delivered pieces of the overall story, forcing readers to put the dots together. The finale doesn’t totally do that but definitely could have benefited from fleshing some aspects out a bit more than it does. If nothing else, it sets up what’s next to come, and that might be more interesting than the event itself.

Story: Kieron Gillen Art: Paco Medina, Lucas Werneck
Color: Bryan Valenza Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Tom Muller, Jay Bowen
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.15 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

X-Force #39 ushers in a bright new age for the team

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X-Force #39

The fallout of the Beast’s crimes! A new X-force! And a new Wolverine? All this and more in X-Force #39! Benjamin Percy and Robert Gill bring their A-game in X-Force #39, the latest issue in Percy’s epic ushers in a new chapter for the titular X-Force.

X-Force #39 comes off the heels of the “Beast Agenda” arc of Wolverine. When Beast’s crimes finally catch up to him, he goes on the run, abandoning X-Force. The team is left to pick up the pieces and redefine what X-Force means in the wake of these events. X-Force #39 firmly expects you to have been keeping up with Wolverine, also by Percy. X-Force and Wolverine are two sides of the same coin. They are two books heavily intertwined in plot. I can’t recommend reading one without the other.

X-Force #39 is mostly set up, but Percy and Gill keep it lively and fun. Much of the issue is spent on the politicking of the governing body of Krakoa, The Quiet Council, over Beast’s vile machinations. It’s a surprising and engaging dialogue that gets to questioning the utility of his actions. Percy uses the Quiet Council as an analog to real-world governments and how they justify the crimes of agencies like the CIA.

Gill brings spectacular art aided by the always wonderful coloring of Guru-eFX and the lettering of VC’s Joe Caramagna. The art is bright and colorful but has an undeniable edge to it. That edge is on display when it comes time for Gill to deliver a gloriously gorey action sequence.

X-Force #39 is a great first chapter to a new age. It gives closure to Beast’s plot (for now!) while establishing the foundations for a bright new future. Overall, I’m excited to see where Percy and Gill take the book next!

Story: Benjamin Percy Art: Robert Gill
Color: Guru-eFX Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna Design:  Tom Muller w/ Jay Bowen
Story: 9.0 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy 

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Immoral X-Men #3 teases great concepts

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Immoral X-Men #3

It’s been 1,000 years since Sinister’s experiment began. 1,000 years that have led to destruction, death, war, a plan completely spiraled out of control. Sinister is now attempting to right his wrong, searching for the one weapon that can correct everything. Immoral X-Men #3 adds another glimpse the the mad world Sinister has wrought and adds more wrinkles to the end game for this event.

Kieron Gillen continues the interesting thread of Sinister’s journey as he and Rasputin IV travel through space in hopes of finding clues to take them to the weapon to correct the madness. It’s an interesting journey that feels much more like a travelogue than anything else. There’s some action and very interesting moments but much like the event as a whole, it’s a sliver of a narrative.

That “sliver” is partially what has made Sins of Sinister so interesting and so frustrating at the same time. Each issue takes place at a different point in this event. The first issues are 10 years, second 100, and third are 1,000. And thus, they’re just a moment of time. Each issue hints and teases the story at this point forcing readers to piece together what has happened. It also leaves a lot wanted. Everything presented could be a story unto themselves with a full miniseries dedicated to what’s shown. But, we’re given just a glimpse of where things are at, pieces of a puzzle where we can infer the picture but never get to see all of it. That’s both original and frustrating because what’s presented is so interesting. I want to know how we got to each of these points.

The art by Alessandro Vitti is interesting and feels like it’s both grounded in a way and also a world gone mad. With color by Rain Beredo, lettering by Clayton Cowles, and design by Jay Bowen, the art adds so much to the story. We need to infer and figuring out where things stand from the visuals as much as by what’s said. The two need to work hand in hand to really deliver all the information we need. Here, we get a lot of that with teases and hints as to where the mutant legion have taken the world. The visuals drive home the corruption, like rot that has spiraled out of control.

Immoral X-Men #3 is good. It also leaves me wanting a lot more. How the three issues remaining for the event will be able to tie things up and get things somewhat back to the way they were should be impressive. Hopefully, it’s a bit more of a straight narrative than the event so far. Overall, it’s something original, but it’s originality that leaves things in a frustrating place as well.

Story: Kieron Gillen Art: Alessandro Vitti
Color: Rain Beredo Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Jay Bowen
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Immoral X-Men #2 delivers the hero in Sinister we deserve

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Immoral X-Men #2

Hail the Pax Krakoa! Or perish! But to this hell age is born a hero. Say hello (again) to Rasputin IV…but what can one good chimera do in a universe of sin? The first century of Sinister’s plan has come to an end…and whether it’s better or worse may depend on the symbol on your forehead. Immoral X-Men #2 delivers a wild ride of an issue full of betrayal and (H)hope.

Told mainly from the perspective of Hope, Immoral X-Men #2 takes place 100 years after “Sins of Sinister” launched. The X-Men are waging war on a galactic scale crushing enemies with chimera bombs, wiping out all dissent. It’s the type of horrors that they experienced themselves on a grand scale. “Sins of Sinister” is a story about plans out of control and this is the perfect example of exactly that.

Writer Kieron Gillen delivers an intriguing issue that might be one of the best of the bunch. It stays focused on the issues that have spawned out of Sinister’s plans, and lays out the regret Sinister has for it all. And, it delivers a little hope that we might have a hero(es) who will correct the past, literally.

And that’s adds a little more depth to this event which spins the fractured, broken, twisted, apocalyptic future. Usually the individual who has caused the splinter in time is resolute and sure in their rule. Here, we have a villain that sees their mistake and flaw. And, they might want to correct it. Something we desperately need in the real world.

But the issue gets more intriguing as the cracks are shown within the out of control Quiet Council leadership, hinting at the ever growing chaos to come regarding their vision and direction for their people and world.

The art by Andrea Di Vito is solid giving us a sci-fi world that’s dark but light at the same time. There’s a cloud that hangs over everything but avoids the gloom of so many broken future storylines. With color by Jim Charalampidis and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the comic delivers a world that is slightly twisted and horrifying in many ways. There’s also the cool flash and concepts as we get to see Sinister’s work of the twisted mutants of the future he’s molded and grown.

Immoral X-Men #2 is an interesting issue. It doesn’t feel so much like a sliver of a greater story but a story itself. It shows off the potential of this event which started strong but turned bumpy in its structuring. Unfortunately, the next issue jumps ahead in time leaving us to put pieces together as to what happened between issues. And that’s the thing about “Sins of Sinister” and this particular issue. Unlike others, where we have to spend so much time guessing what has happened, this focuses on what is happening and where things go next. Like the story overall, it shows not what was, but what can be.

Story: Kieron Gillen Art: Andrea Di Vito
Color: Jim Charalampidis Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Jay Bowen
Story: 8.3 Art: 8.2 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Nightcrawlers #2 is an interesting concept

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Nightcrawlers #2

“Sins of Sinister” has taken a different approach to events. Instead of more linear narrative told across a main title with tie-ins, we get an opening comic, three main comics, and then a finale. But, those individual series is where it gets intriguing. Instead of a story told across a few issues, each group of issues takes place in a time period. The first is 10 years after Sinister’s plan takes place, the second 100 years, and the third 1,000 years. So, instead of a flowing narrative, each issue has felt like a one-shot teasing the world. Nightcrawlers #2 takes place 100 years from the beginning of the event’s story focusing on the gene spliced holy thieves.

Written by Si Spurrier, Nightcrawlers #2 feels like continues the the overall concept of the event. The Nightkin were freed from Sinister’s control in the first issue, now serving Mother Righteous. 100 years have gone by and things have gotten out of control once again.

Mother Righteous is up to something having her Nightkin stealing artifacts from across the cosmos. It’s become a cosmic cult, following whatever Righteous’ plan is. But as she’s “a Sinister,” you can only trust what is said so much. Instead cracks are formed as lies begin to pile up and Righteous’ control isn’t as tight as expected. From the Nightkin’s perspective, things also spiral as it’s clear things aren’t as righteous as presented to them. It’s a solid concept but one issue is far too short to explore it.

The art by Andrea Di Vito is interesting. With color by Jim Charalampidis and lettering by Clayton Cowles, there’s a need for the visuals to tell a lot of the story, and they do. Small details add to let the readers know where things stand and where the world is at this point. The way someone is dressed, the look they give at a moment, it all comes together to add a little more depth to what’s going on. The chimera aspect of the characters too is key, with the visuals hinting as to what’s going on and who they are. It all comes together in an entertaining enough way.

Nightcrawlers #2 isn’t bad, but the format for “Sins of Sinister” doesn’t help the ambition. Each issue has teased the world and narrative and each could have easily expanded delivering more of a flowing story. Instead, the event feels like numerous one-shots taking place in a shared world where we need to piece together the details. It’s an interesting concept and idea but there’s a lot here and a lot thrown at readers that’s good and deserves to be fleshed out and expanded upon.

Story: Si Spurrier Art: Andrea Di Vito
Color: Jim Charalampidis Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Tom Muller, Jay Bowen
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Immoral X-Men #1 emphasizes that even the best plans can get out of hand

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Immoral X-Men #1

“Sins of Sinister” continues in Immoral X-Men #1 one of a small number of comics that make up the event. Mr. Sinister has used Moira McTaggert’s time reset powers to slowly infect Krakoa and the X-Men, infusing them with a dash of Sinister. The Earth has been taken over, with mutants reigning and controlling. But, threats still exist in a galaxy that won’t stand to the side and let them do the the same in the stars. There’s also the missing Sinister lab with his ability to reset time.

Written by Kireon Gillen, Immoral X-Men #1 picks up on the story’s emphasis that things have gotten out of hand for Mr. Sinister. His plan has worked a bit too well and while mutants have a bit of Sinister in them, he doesn’t control them. Yes, there’s some failsafe aspects he mentions but overall, things have gotten out of hand. Sinister should be happy, he’s won… but he also hasn’t.

And, if the comic focused just on that, it’d be a solid dive into a new idea for an alternate timeline story. Instead, it splits it time as the Quiet Council goes on a hunt for Sinister who they have figured out isn’t quite on board. So, the comic splits between Sinister’s woe is me and a race/hunt. Focusing on either aspect is worth an entire comic, an entire miniseries, but the split doesn’t quite do justice for either. At times Sinister’s lamenting feels like a recap of the story and the X-Men never quite make the case as to why they should rule, their plan, and they come off as a bit unorganized.

The art by Paco Medina is pretty solid and the comic has a sinister feel about it while also a slight comedic aspect as well. Joined on ink by Walden Wong and Victor Olazaba and color by Jay David Ramos and Chris Sotomayor, the visuals are fun and interesting and keep the comic flowing and entertaining. Clayotn Cowle‘s lettering impressively keeps Sinister’s long rants readable and never clutters the visuals. Overall, the comic does an excellent job of delivering a world that has a dark cloud hanging over it but never feeling gloomy. It keeps the “fun” of Sinister as part of its DNA to deliver a slightly different feel for this type of storyline.

While I generally enjoyed Immoral X-Men #1, there’s a choppiness to the narrative that took me out of it. There was almost too much jumping around between Sinister and the Quiet Council and a focus on one or the other would have been stronger. Still, it highlights that this is an alternate timeline tale that’s a bit different than what has come before.

Story: Kieron Gillen Art: Paco Medina
Ink: Walden Wong, Victor Olazaba Color: Jay David Ramos, Chris Sotomayor
Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Jay Bowen
Story: 7.95 Art: 7.95 Overall: 7.95 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Nightcrawlers #1 adds more dimensions to the X-Event

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Nightcrawlers #1

The genius of What If? lies in its ingenuity. I remember the first issue I read was back in middle school. It instantly blew me away just on concept alone. The later 1990s edition felt like a nod to the original series and the Marvel version of The Twilight Zone.

It took readers on some very plausible roads with their favorite characters. It also made us empathize with villains who we would otherwise see as one dimensional. So it makes sense, that Disney+ decided to pursue a TV show because of how innovative the series was. In Nightcrawlers #1, we a nightmare “what if” version of what happens when you mix Nightcrawler and some of the world’s greatest heroes and villains, all under the control of Mister Sinister.

We are taken to the Sanctum Sanctorum in New Essex( what was New York) where the Nightcrawlers are looking for sources of power for their master, Mister Sinister when they find Ghost Rider cornered . Just when he thinks they will meet their end, X-23 and Spiderman turns on their fellow Nightcrawlers, as they start a small rebellion. As their leader, Mother Righteous has slowly filling her ranks with those who have grown tired of Mister Sinister. As they execute a debilitating attack on him but one that slithers out alive from. By issue’s end, Mother Righteous gathers who she has freed from Sinister and discovers a secret weapon to free them all form under his control.

Overall, Nightcrawlers #1 is an excellent debut issue that adds even more dimension to this big comic event. The story by Spurrier is exciting. The art by the creative team is beautiful. Altogether, a story that shows just how dangerous the stakes are for all in this dystopian future.

Story: Si Spurrier Art: Paco Medina
Color: Jay David Ramos Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Tom Muller, Jay Bowen
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

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