REVIEW: ‘NYX’ Issue #1 (2024)

NYX (2024) #1 is published by Marvel Comics. It is written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, with art by Francesco Mortarino, colors by Raúl Angulo, and letters by Joe Sabino. As part of the ‘From The Ashes’ X-Men relaunch, mutants return to New York City and settle across the city. But they quickly find that the resentment and fear of mutants remains.

The story is a journey across the city, showcasing the main locations and the general mood of New York. Those who have lived there are starting over again, but there are huge differences. There are glimpses of schools and colleges, as well as nightlife. The tone can fluctuate, representing a depth within Lanzing and Kelly’s script. It can be funny and lively but also dark and ominous. NYX #1 is almost double-sized, and the pacing is slow. This allows for the feeling within the city to manifest, emphasising the community.

Those themes of identity and prejudice are placed in the spotlight more when in places where society is reflected in the issue. Colleges and nightclubs can be volatile places of intense emotion, and the threats of explosive action are always there. The action is fierce and brief, often taking place in areas where escape is difficult. Doors are opened, and pieces are set in place.

The cast is diverse, exciting, and young. At its core is one of the newest mutants, Ms Marvel. Kamala may have only recently joined the X-Men, but she is a longstanding lead for Marvel Comics and the perfect figure to base the whole story around. She is who others bounce off, encountering former X-Men scattered across the city and in various positions.

Some have landed on their feet, while others remain hidden in the shadows. Sophie Cuckoo is firmly becoming Kamala’s new best friend, leading her around like an older but less responsible sister. Prodigy is a professor at the college, Anole works in a bar, and Wolverine (Laura Kinney) skulks in the shadows. How they interact and involve each other remains to be seen, but the first interactions are fantastic.

The dialogue in NYX (2024) #1 is layered and filled with changes and subtle shifts. The other characters generally respect Kamala, showcasing her standing within the superhero community. She has experience now, and characters like Wolverine, Prodigy, and Sophie acknowledge her bravery and talent as a superhero. Sophie serves as a superb foil for Ms. Marvel.

While Kamala is shy and reserved, the young Cuckoo is outspoken and confident. She can force her way into situations and take control. She and Kamala are hilarious together, and an adorable friendship is formed. The dialogue can also be mature and considered, talking intelligently about oppression. The characters may be young, but they aren’t kids.

The art is fascinating. For much of NYX (2024) #1, the young heroes must fit back into New York in civilian clothes. Moratarino has an excellent understanding of fashion, making the characters look stylish with outfits that always fit their personalities. The size difference between Ms Marvel and Sophie Cuckoo generates an intriguing dynamic, with the latter being much taller. It adds a sense of authority to Sophie.

One of the greatest aspects of the art is the fusion of normality with the inherent abnormality of mutants. The powers look fantastic when they appear, with a variety spreading across the issue. While many of the heroes try to blend in with their surroundings, Wolverine remains in costume. The fight scenes are dramatic, getting more extreme as the issue progresses.

The colours are fascinating within NYX (2024) #1. When attending college or out on the streets, the shades are natural. Even inside the nightclub, the purple lighting is what would be expected. But more vibrancy is involved when superhero costumes, powers, or mutations appear. In the showdown, the colour changes most dramatically, bathing the pages in an eerie green light unnerving from the first panel. As the letterer, Sabino makes the dialogue-heavy issue accessible and comfortable to read, with only a few instances where the number of words in a panel can be daunting.

NYX (2024) #1 represents a changed community. It approaches the mutant story uniquely, framing it as characters living their lives in the city of New York instead of a superhero team gathered to fight crime. Lanzing and Kelly are two of the most ambitious writers in comics. They routinely take superheroes and put them in unique concepts and genres. In the letter at the end of the comic, they refer to other young adult comics, such as Young Avengers and Runaways, and those influences shine through the pages.

The young heroes in NYX #1 shine whilst tackling the themes of community. This expansive tale is happy to take its time letting these characters speak.

NYX (2024) #1 is available where comics are sold.