REVIEW: ‘NYX’ Issue #5 (2024)

NYX #5 (2024) is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, pencils by Francesco Mortarino, inks by Elisabetta D’Amico, colors by Raúl Angulo and letters by Joe Sabino. The community reels from betrayal while trying to save their city from collapsing into hatred.

This issue bucks the trend slightly when it comes to its concept. Whilst the main character has changed again, this time focusing on Sophie Cuckoo, the issue feels like more of a team book. It starts and ends with them together, and much of the comic sees the mutants together, angry, and shell-shocked. This is more than just a super group; it is a community that has been shattered. The damage that has been done is enormous. Jackson and Lanzing capture how much that hurts the friendship group.

NYX #5 (2024) often represents societal anger, using the mutant storyline to be incredibly political and translate frustrations onto the page. It uses telepathy and supervillains to try and explain why politicians make horrible decisions, which is slightly depressing because real life doesn’t have those excuses. This issue is beautifully hopeful and trusting, celebrating togetherness and peace.

Even after the treachery, there is a desire to forgive. The previous issue was all action, whilst this chapter constantly threatens it. Constant friction makes it look like the energised tension will burst. The plot is so strong that is doesn’t need the battles to stay exciting.

The characters are phenomenal in this issue. Sophie steps up as the focal point. Her attitude remains, and she always loves herself and her appearance. But behind her strong demeanor is a damaged confidence. Torn between her family and friends, double-crossing Ms Marvel and the others has hurt everyone, especially Sophie. That camaraderie is one of the most glorious parts of the whole series so far.

Kamala and Sophie have formed an incredibly strong friendship. This is where the characters’ trust is tested and is at its best. The writers are always offering characters a chance to change, not cementing them with a belief or mindset. The anger is still there, burning in Prodigy and Wolverine. The dialogue is sweet and powerful, and thoughtful all at the same time. It feels fluid and genuine, with repetition hammering home the greatest moments.

The art sees Mortarino return and continue to excel. The characters look incredible. The sharpness of the eyes and mouths creates distinct, cutting emotions. This is a particular strength of the inking, adding extreme specificity to the facial expressions. Ms Marvel may frown, but Wolverine will snarl, with fangs bearing and claws ready to pop out at any moment. Contrast that with Sophie Cuckoo, who looks as perfect as possible at the height of fashion. Empath, the big villain of this arc, is deliciously psychopathic, with mindless servants there to be degraded and abused. Even in an issue with less violence or battles, the energy remains infectious.

The colors are stunning. New York’s natural tones are interrupted by the heroes. Wolverine is colored with bright yellow, sometimes even in the background when out of costume. Anole’s skin is a reptilian green, and Sophie’s often fires off pink telepathic energy. This is an example of the vibrancy and unnatural aspects that have called the city home. The lettering is crisp and easy to read.

NYX #5 (2024) cements the community concept. Where the previous issue leaned heavily into becoming a superhero book, this chapter returns to being about a city, a diaspora of people, and a friendship group. Yes, there is telepathy and stretchy limbs. But they are merely a means to tell a story of acceptance and struggle. Mutants can be representative of almost any minority that has endlessly struggled to find somewhere to fit in. The book is warm, and the city feels like it has lived in, with friendships that have grown, not been stitched together. Despite the hardships, there is something within its core that makes the reader comfortable.

NYX #5 (2024) is available where comics are sold.