With ZER*O on his heels, Doug Ramsey, A.K.A. REVELATION, arrives in Alaska for the X-Men’s help! Beset on all sides, the X-Men could use a powerful new ally – but Revelation is not just an old friend, he’s the Heir of Apocalypse! And what new age could such an alliance usher in…? X-Men #22 leads into the “Age of Revelation” not with a bang, but…

Written by Jed Mackay, X-Men #22 is what I’d call a “bridge issue.” It’s point is to wrap up some plot lines and a previous arc while kicking off what’s to come next. “Age of Revelation” is the next major X-Men event, changing of series much like the beloved classic “Age of Apocalypse.” But, unlike that event, this new age doesn’t begin with a bang but instead a bit of a whimper.

It’s been a bit since I’ve read an X comic, but with the big event coming, I wanted to dive in and see what the prelude had to say. It wraps things up, apparently Cyclops was in jail after a fight, the X team went and killed some folks, and they’re figuring out what to do with bad mutants. While that minor drama is all dealt with, the end of the comic is what really matters as Doug Ramsey shows up seeking an alliance. Doug is a character with the ability to decipher language and be able to weave words as well. And, unknown if he uses his abilities or not, he’s able to weasel his way into the X-Men seeking to be a part of them again. With it all is an ominous tone, one anyone can see, but beyond a few current X-Men, the group seems to want to welcome Doug back with welcome arms, even though they know he’s the heir to Apocalypse.

It’s all a rather odd moment, the team being so willing to accept Doug back without much of a hesitation or really much of a grilling. It’s not like there’s some long discussion or grilling of what his vision and plan is. It’s very much lets forge a new path, but of course leaving that completely up in the air. For a team that has had so much happened in recent years, the complete acceptance feels odd and rather rushed. Some debate and having Doug obfuscate his answers would have felt a bit more natural and made a bit more sense.

The art by C.F. Villa is solid. The characters all look good though everyone looks like they’re a bit too serious at this point in their lives. Fer Sifuentes-Sujo‘s color is great and lettering by Clayton Cowles is solid as well. Where the art gets interesting is how Doug Ramsey is depicted. He’s no longer the rather small and somewhat weak looking member of the team but not is rather grown up, somewhat built, overall a rather imposing individual. He looks like a leader and someone that could eventually take over. It’s a glam up that’s been the works for a while but here is very evident, with even some members of the X-Men commenting on it.

X-Men #22 is a fine comic that wraps up what was and leads into what’s coming. It doesn’t have any shocks, but does a good job of setting an ominous tone when Ramsey eventually shows of. As a prelude, it doesn’t add much to the story, there’s no surprises really. The only one really is the team being so willing and so easily letting a snake into their den.

Story: Jed Mackay Art: C.F. Villa
Color: Fer Sifuentes-Sujo Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 7.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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