Just when things didn’t look like they could get worse… The ride of the Four Horsemen of Salvation? The coming of X-Man? And…a return to the Age of Apocalypse?

The last issue is where things really kicked off with the revelation of the Four Horsemen of Salvation and this issue moves it all into high gear. X-Man, Nate Grey, is back and more powerful than ever and he has a vision for the world. We’ve got a clue as to the who and the why behind this event. We now have an answer as to who took Kitty Pryde and others off the table. We know why Legion did what he did to Maddrox and we have a dysfunctional X-Men (aren’t they always?).

If you’ve been frustrated with the first three issues, this is where things get going with lots of answers and the action kicked up a bit. Writers Matthew Rosenberg, Kelly Thompson, and Ed Brisson really get things moving with this issue setting up whatever “Age of X-Man” is that’s coming down the road.

What the issue does is not just provide answers but also sets up division within the X-Men with the generations split as to what to do. It’s interesting and sets up what is to come later well, driving a wedge and an opening for different teams with different voices and visions. There’s also a solid wink and nod to the “Age of Apocalypse.” In the review of the first issue, I said the event has a throwback feel to it and we see that directly here with what’s happening a direct result of that popular event (including some amazing verbal ranting from Legion about it all).

The art by Pere Pérez is solid with a lot of characters packed in and their looking great. That’s helped with the color from Rachelle Rosenberg. The art is fascinating as different settings have different emotional vibes off of them. X-Man’s scenes are more serene in look and color while the X-Men are a bit cold and chaotic. The art reflects each scene’s mood. Letterer Joe Caramagna deserves a shout-out as well due to Legion’s scenes. The lettering bursts out of the panel and word bubble emphasizing Legion’s chaotic mind and really creating that character’s manic state.

The issue is a good one which really gets things going. While a lot is explained, there’s still a lot left open to still find out, like how X-Man created his Horsemen. This feels like a modern classic X story which plays off of what has come before and it’s living up to the epic event we were promised.

Story: Matthew Rosenberg, Kelly Thompson, Ed Brisson
Art: Pere Pérez Color: Rachelle Rosenberg Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.05 Overall: 8.10 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review