Mosaic and Reader are  on Muir Island are about to do some damage. The epic battle between the Inhumans and the X-Men over the necessary, for mutants, intended destruction of the last Terrigen Cloud. The mission to destroy the cloud and keep the last Inhumans in Limbo is still going on and a subset of younger NuHans are on a mission to free their elders. These counter mission goals are about to come to a head on Muir Island.

Medusa is working on a plan to escape their prison in Limbo using sound waves and a makeshift antenna. The plan leaves the captured Inhumans fighting their way through a hoarse of Limbos residents. Meanwhile, Emma is in control on Muir Island and they can’t find Forge or his Terrigen Eater. Magneto gets a mind meld from hell and excuses himself to take care of the situation to protect the mutants secrets. The freed Inhumans are on a hunt for Black Bolt and are trying to attack the school. The NuHumans have Forge unconscious and captive while they await new orders from Mosaic. Mosaic returns with news that the NuHumans weren’t expecting and they realize that they were attacked because the X-Men needed to destroy the clouds for the safety of themselves and other Miranda or risk dying themselves.

Jeff Lemire and Charles Soule tell a good tale in this issue. They attempt to add some understanding into the mix by having the NuHumans learn that the attack was done out of self preservation and not genuine hate. I can’t wait to see how this is explored in future issues. There are also some very well done interactions between the X-Men and the Brotherhood as they try and formulate a new plan with their best weapon MIA. I feel like a lot of thought went into this issue and I liked how it all played out. I feel like the writers made a good choice by having the issue end on a note of awareness and contemplation about moral obligations and perspective.

Javier Garron‘s artwork is the stuff that 80s dreams are made of and I mean that in the best possible way. The art work was a nice call back to the artists of one of my visually favorite comic periods, the dark yet pop colored 80s. This issue served up some lines and beautiful detail. The facial expressions had feeling to them and rich, meaningful depth.

Overall this was a great read from cover to cover and it provided a fresh take on a good story. Even though the battle rages on full of good intentions and bad foresight it’s a valid and beautiful tale, one filled with emotion and meaningfulness within the universe the story is built on.

Story: Jeff Lemire & Charles Soule Art: Javier Garron
Story: 8.9 Art: 8.8 Overall: 8.9 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review