REVIEW: ‘Dark Web: X-Men’ Issue #2

Dark Web: X-Men #2 is a tie-in comic published by Marvel, written by Gerry Duggan, art by Rod Reis and Phil Noto, and letters by Cory Petit. The X-Men are trapped in Limbo. As the Goblin Queen holds Havok and Cyclops, Jean Grey and Magik are transported into a dream. 

Dark Web has started to change from the initial issues, and this X-Men book is a big inclusion. The opening chapters coincided with Christmas, which explained the action in snowy and decorated New York City. But the location has changed to the mystical Limbo. The pacing of this part is relatively slow, and the structure is split in two, between the men and women. Duggan writes both halves brilliantly, each filled with anxiety and unease. Many parts will raise a smile, with a lot of humor involved. Quite quickly, the split starts to get worked out as Jean and Magik are led towards their mysterious destination, but an unexpected surprise completely twists that. These moments in this tie-in will have ramifications for the wider X-Men series, showing that this is more than just a tie-in. The horror aspects of the story have turned creepy and psychological, with Jean and Illyana going through something that seems to merge unnerving with adorable.

The character focus of the comic has also narrowed. It has become a core part of the team, and splitting it creates even smaller groups. With Scott and Alex, there is an awkward feeling in the air. For one, they are trapped and held in embarrassing situations. Their precarious positions are amusing and show the fun that can be had in this comic. Jean and Magik’s position is entirely different. With their powers, they are the most dangerous threats to Pryor’s plans. The dialogue is great, giving glimpses into what the women’s lives were like when they were younger. Madelyne is also a fantastic villain. Her incredibly close relationship with almost everyone involved in this issue leads to various interactions. There are moments when she shows a sensitive and friendly side when talking with the X-Men, raising more questions about why she is plotting against them again.

The art is stunning. Noto’s style is close to idyllic and mesmerizing, always pleasing to look at. There is a beautiful simplicity to the work with focused details. It is a style that works excellently with a fantastical world. The character designs are amazing and beautifully expressive. This is paired with Reis’ work, primarily in the dream sequences. Reis creates equally gorgeous panels, and his pages have a false reality feel. Places purposefully look like constructs, the sketching still visible for a reason. Some of the areas and the settings are haunting, a distinct change from the prettiness of Noto’s side of the comic. On other pages, it seems like a blending of the two artists for the character models and location. There are some clever tricks played with perspective, creating the idea that Magik and Jean are in a doll’s house. 

Both of the artists also provide fantastic colors. The painted style allows for both sensitivity and intensity at the same time. This is particularly important in the dreamscape world of Jean and Magik. The background can go extremely faint, with a more traditional color scheme for the characters. Then in other instances, there is a dramatic, overpowering red over every surface. The palette is constantly changing from page to page. The lettering is the standard font used for all X comics.

Dark Web: X-Men #2 is a great inclusion to the crossover. It features fantastic writing and phenomenal art. The book changes the face of the whole story by going from a spiritual Inferno sequel to a unique book that is the culmination of years of pain and heartbreak. Noto and Reis are an artistic match made in Limbo, fitting together seamlessly. The tie-ins of this crossover are being allowed to zone in on smaller parts of a larger, cross-dimensional tale that constantly adds more.

Dark Web: X-Men #2 is available now wherever comics are sold.