REVIEW: ‘NYX’ Issue 9

NYX Issue 9 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, art by Francesco Mortarino, colors by Raúl Angulo and letters by Joe Sabino.

This is Part 2 of the X-Manhunt crossover, following Uncanny X-Men Issue 11. On the run after breaking out of Graymalkin prison, Xavier sneaks into New York to seek help from the mutants there.

This issue descends into dark horror. It’s uneasy from the beginning, with many of NYX rejecting Xavier the second he walks in. Their trauma over losing Krakoa and Xavier’s actions in that downfall are still raw, and his presence puts people in danger. It’s interesting to see how the different books involved with the Manhunt crossover lace it into their arcs and storylines that are already happening. In NYX Issue 9, Xavier is treated like an interference, purposefully disrupting what Prodigy, Ms Marvel, and others are attempting to achieve.

However, as Xavier needs help recovering something from the old Treehouse headquarters, the chapter digs deep into what Lanzing and Kelly were writing anyway. Mojo becomes a vast, terrifying part of the plot, trying to reach the same thing. Alongside Manhunt, One World Under Doom also takes effect, with New York City and the rest of the world under the command of Doctor Doom. This creates a superhuman gang war within the city, with Mojo and Doom fighting for a Seed of Krakoa. The exposition is heavy, with so much revealed early on. The story is gripping enough to keep readers’ interest, even if they don’t understand everything.

The story pushes young, vulnerable heroes into a real lion’s den, where the horror elements emerge. Around every corner is something unexpected and dangerous: multiple megalomaniacs are making a clutch for power. It’s impossible to trust anybody, and the heroes are grossly under-prepared. A sickening dread gets more intense on every page. And when the trap is sprung, it becomes a horrifying, claustrophobic fight. Each twist is devastating and puts beloved characters in danger, ending as a powerful horror story.

A fascinating part of the Manhunt crossover is how a once trusted man has become an unreliable narrator and close to a villain. Every single mutant that faces Xavier has a different response. Some are devoted and respectful, whilst others see him with disdain and mistrust. Anole feels obligated to follow, whilst Prodigy instantly counts himself out. Because of that division, the cast shrinks later in the issue. Only Anole, Xavier, and Ms. Marvel enter the Treehouse, a place that was once a haven for mutants. Now, it has both Mojo and Doombots. Ms. Marvel shows a grown-up attitude towards Xavier. It shows how much she has changed since her early days as a superhero.

Xavier is unreliable as a hero and a mentor. After how he acted and what he experienced in Uncanny X-Men Issue 11, it is clear that his mind isn’t fully intact. But he has a mission in mind and is willing to use everyone and anyone to fulfill his agenda. The more intelligent mutants have already figured it out. The narrator is a mystery until the end of NYX Issue 9, and it’s not one of the core figures of the group. It stokes the unease around Xavier, taunting and recognizing his lies as he says them.

The art is what makes the horror so intense. The whole issue feels uncomfortable. Xavier is always scowling and serious, and his ultimate goal is the only thing on his mind. Out of his wheelchair, Charles is tall and imposing. Even Ms. Marvel, known for her humor and positivity, is dark and shrouded by a hood she wears during the mission.

Mojo is one of the most unsettling, freakish villains in X-Men history. Mortarino’s design is skin-crawling. He’s huge, with a giant face and razor-sharp tendrils that can attack from any direction. When in the room with him, Mojo fills the space, making escape seem impossible. The claustrophobia he creates is unbelievable and instantly instills a panic and pounding heart rate in the reader. The art is a mixture of technological and body horror, with young mutants and children at the heart of it.

The colors alternate between two atmospheres. A yellow hue fills the page in NYX, the community center founded by Prodigy and the group of New York mutants, and when the heroes seem to be on top. It shows the safety that they have created, lighting up the room. The rest of the book has a purple/blue haze to it. It looks beautiful, but it also represents whenever Xavier, Anole, and Ms. Marvel are heading into unknown territory with danger ahead of them. The lettering is pivotal for the drama within NYX Issue 9. The text in Mojo’s word balloons is huge, accentuating how loud and invasive his voice is.

NYX Issue 9 is a queasy, anxiety-inducing horror story. Two powerful, villainous egos have descended on New York City, Doctor Doom and Mojo. And Xavier is willing to drag mutants into the middle to get what he wants. The lies and abuse continue even now, making him an unlikable figure. Lanzing and Kelly, whilst in a different book, have proven why Cyclops doesn’t want to be anywhere near the man who was once like his father. The issue has a heavy setup, but the rest is a sublime, sinister story that presses down on your chest. Every page gets more uncomfortable and constricting. The crossover brings danger and disorder to every book it lands on.

NYX Issue 9 is available where comics are sold.