REVIEW: ‘X-Men’ Issue 10

X-Men Issue 10 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Jed MacKay, with pencils by Netho Diaz, inks by Sean Parsons, colors by Fer Sifuentes-Sujo and letters by Clayton Cowles.

The X-Men return to the factory to find it under siege by O.N.E. (The Office of National Emergency) soldiers, leading to a standoff between the leaders of the two factions.

Overlapping with the previous chapter, this issue is all about consequences. The soldiers gather around the factory before the main team is even back from their attack on the Graymalkin prison, leading those left behind to think about making a last stand. Magneto, Xorn, Glob and the new mutants are all that’s left, each with problems and weaknesses that could make the fight a suicide mission. But then comes the X-Men, and the leader of O.N.E. is invited for a chat with Cyclops.

The conversation is incredibly tense, filled with ever-increasing threats directed at. The suspense is chilling as both leaders talk about what could happen if either is killed, leading to an all-out war. The X-Men and the American Government are in a cold war. It’s a series of micro-aggressions, pointing guns at each other.

But as they talk, a team of mutants is already taking action. This is one of the most surprising parts of X-Men Issue 10, as a secret squad shows just what the X-Men are willing to do, even if their fingerprints are nowhere near the scene of the crime.

X-Men Issue 10 shows how Cyclops has been transformed by constant war. He may have been a host of the Phoenix Force and the leader over several eras, but this is Scott Summers at his most terrifying. He is unafraid of death and also willing to do dark things to protect his people.

Summers is fearless because he knows the consequences of what will happen and the power of the mutants around him. There are many possibilities of what could come next, with a calm, assured manner of speaking. He is absolutely aware of the power he holds, and that is what’s keeping him safe at the moment.

The confrontation between Cyclops and Agent Lundqvist, the leader of O.N.E., does not feature an actual fight. But, the brilliance of the writing and the strength of their positions in X-Men Issue 10 pack a bigger punch than anything physical. Before he and the main squad reappear in the factory, it falls to the likes of Xorn and Magneto to protect their home. Magneto is weakened, but his resolve and aura are still immensely powerful. He retains his dignity and can still be fearsome and ferocious.

The art taps into the rough atmosphere that has been paramount to his X-Men series. The team members look battle-hardened and tough, refined through years of trauma and heartbreak. Cyclops and the others resonate strength. And yet, there is a resounding comic book feel to the art. Lundqvist has a stylish, almost swashbuckling design. He’s in a suit with a terrific arrangement of facial hair. It makes him more than just a forgettable soldier.

The showdown between him and Summers is phenomenally illustrated. It’s claustrophobic and intense, pressing close to the characters. Diaz and Parson accentuate the gradually increasing rage on both of their faces as both men are poised on the edge of losing control. And as they talk, a group of mutants enact revenge. It’s a delectable display of destruction, featuring some almost forgotten faces and maybe even some fan favourites. Their attack is explosive and exciting, designed to be loud and expensive. It’s a military operation that is precise and excessive.

The colors are tremendous. X-Men Issue 10 is bright despite the darkness of the tone and some of the locations. The meeting between the leaders is held in the light, perhaps hiding the nefarious machinations happening underneath. The strike force appears in the shadows, but their powers create a terrific variety of vibrant colors, including blue, yellows and purple. It makes X-Men Issue 10 visually fascinating. The lettering is consistent and easy to read throughout the comic.

X-Men Issue 10 is a statement of intent. The X-Men will no longer roll over and hide from Garymalkin, O.N.E. or anyone else. They will fight back with everything they have and use whatever tactics they can think of. Cyclops has transformed from a young kid thrown into a leadership role into a military commander focused only on survival.

Through a wonderfully written and illustrated confrontation, the X-Men’s leverage becomes clear. They once tried to be heroes and presented themselves to the world as such. But they hold much more power, being seen as villains, demonstrating what could happen if they chose to go to war. Cyclops is standing up for himself, and that places a target on his head.

X-Men Issue 10 is available where comics are sold.