REVIEW: ‘Amazing X-Men’ Issue 2

Amazing X-Men Issue 2 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Jed Mackay, art by Mahmud Asrar, colors by Matthew Wilson, and letters by Clayton Cowles.

This is part of the Age of Revelation crossover. Cyclops seeks a favor from the Darkchild, but must first defeat her in a duel.

Continuing immediately after the end of the previous issue, the pacing and movement have certainly slowed down. Amazing X-Men Issue 2 sees Cyclops and his team negotiating with a literal demon, who has forged her own little kingdom within the Revelation Territories. Darkchild is the alternate personality within Magik’s body, and has completely taken over, with Illyana’s fate tragically unknown. A customary battle between the two forces ends quickly, as the duel takes over the majority of this next chapter.

Instead of weapons, the two competitors, Cyclops and Darkchild, use truths to hurt each other. In doing so, the book uncovers the secrets held by the X-Men when they brought Cyclops to the future, including the intentions of his future self. The intricacies of the secret can be confusing for some, but even if you weren’t fully caught up, it is easy to grasp the intention. The fast-paced energy that was fueled by the characters being hunted by Wolverine has fizzled out. But there’s so much incredible storytelling within the duel, collecting uneasy allies and preparing for the fight ahead.

Amazing X-Men Issue 2 is all about Cyclops. Often ridiculed by X-Men fans, Mackay writes the best Scott Summers. Darkchild‘s taunting truths are meant to really hurt him, and they do. But this issue really shows his terrific qualities. As a figurehead for mutants and a leader, there isn’t anyone better. He’s an expert strategist, figuring things out before the other characters even recognize he’s done so. And he can deliver a wicked speech, converting and convincing almost everyone to his cause.

The other figures in this issue are fantastic, too. Beast’s instinctive understanding and connection to Scott, due to being by his side for so many years, provides context and support to the man who had very little in his future. And Darkchild delights in being devilish. She is evil and sadistic, torturing those inside her little realm. But compared to Revelation and other villains, she is an angel.

What Mackay has also excelled at is not being over-indulgent when it comes to exposition. There is still so much history in this world, and we are only given brief mentions of what has happened. And yet, the emotion in the dialogue says so much more, with the ramifications being even more critical.

The art is spectacular. The characters carry that history in their designs. Darkchild doesn’t look too dissimilar to when she appeared last, but she is in complete control over her body. She seems entirely in control, with the demonic horns and smile in the same outfit that Illyana usually wears.

Juggernaut has undergone significant changes, sporting tusks on his face. Against Animalia, who transforms from the owl form she had used for much of this crossover into more bestial and larger creatures, their fight is the most energetic and ferocious part of Amazing X-Men Issue 2. The downside to the art is that the duel gets repetitive, but it does feature some terrific storytelling inside it. Cyclops getting battered without really fighting back is crucial to his character.

The colors are fascinating. Amid a lush green landscape are two figures clad in bright, vibrant red. Darkchild has scarlet skin, and Cyclops has a red cloak around his shoulders. There is also a beautiful yellow sky that is absolutely stunning, which can be attributed to the rich colors in this comic. The lettering is perfectly laid out and easy to read.

Amazing X-Men Issue 2 is a superb Scott Summers story. Dystopian X-Men comics often ignore Cyclops, but this main book places him at the center. There is a real understanding of his devotion to his mission: protecting mutant-kind, something he’s done since he was 15. This has sometimes led to devastating consequences for his family and the rest of the mutant species, but his intentions have always been genuine.

He’s determined, driven, and yet caring too. Darkchild is an excellent addition to the story because the characters the team is having to go through in this issue are all part of Mackay’s X-Men book, but have been changed, transformed, and traumatized. This issue seeks the truth, whilst asking what happens after the truth comes out.

Amazing X-Men Issue 2 is available at comic book stores.