REVIEW: ‘A.X.E.: Judgment Day’, Issue #4

A.X.E.: Judgment Day #4 is written by Kieron Gillen, illustrated by Valerio Schiti, colored by Marte Gracia, and lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles. It’s published by Marvel Comics. The massive Celestial known as the Progenitor has begun to judge the inhabitants of Earth, giving them 24 hours to prove the planet is worth saving. To counteract this, the Eternal Sersi has freed Starfox from prison in an attempt to save mankind. But even as Starfox meets with the world’s leaders in order to build bridges, judgment looms. And there’s also the matter of the Prime Eternal Druig, who is still hellbent on “correcting” the mistake of mutant-kind.

When Judgment Day #3 ended with the reveal of Starfox, I freely admit that I raised an eyebrow. His powers of emotional manipulation, combined with his hedonistic behavior, have made him one of the sketchiest characters in the Marvel Universe. However, Gillen manages to once again subvert expectations in a comic book event that’s been constantly subverting expectations. Not only is Starfox sincere in his efforts to save the world, but he’s also tapped into a new element of his powers that let him rival his brother Thanos. That tiny spark of hope helps offset the looming sense of dread that comes from the Progenitor judging heroes and citizens alike…and believe me, that dread will linger long after the final page.

What helps sell that mix of dread and hope is the combination of the narration with the art. Even though this is a mostly quiet issue, Schiti still delivers some cinematic art. From the first page, where Captain America attempts to placate a growing mob, to the Eternals forming their Uni-Mind, these are images worthy of the silver screen. Schiti also takes a new approach to the nine-panel grid that’s been a staple in most comics; At the same time, other artists have used it to merely ape Watchmen he takes a character-focused approach, exploring how characters like Miles Morales and Doctor Doom face their respective judgments. Considering the scope and scale this comic is going for, it’s impressive that he’s able to pull it off.

Equally impressive? Gracia’s coloring. I’ve rarely seen a comic this vibrant on the stands that aren’t Radiant Black or Power Rangers-related, but that’s a testament to Gracia’s color work. The Uni-Mind is a mix of purples and pinks, giving off an otherworldly appearance. The Progenitor is a looming mass of shadows, its unfeeling red eyes staring down at the people of Earth. And the harsh red deserts of Mars – or, instead, Arakko – give way to one of the best battles of the series so far, as Uranos faces the combined fury of Storm and Magneto. That same color is present throughout the narration captions Cowles sprinkles throughout the issues, which are red and black to represent the Progenitor’s thoughts.

A.X.E.: Judgment Day #4 continues to subvert expectations, all the while delivering a cinematic experience in terms of story and artwork. With a massive cliffhanger and only two issues left, it’s anyone’s guess how things will end. But that ending’s bound to be spectacular.

A.X.E.: Judgment Day #4 is available now wherever comics are sold.