REVIEW: ‘Cyclops’ Issue 2

Cyclops Issue 2 is published by Marvel Comics and written by Alex Paknadel, art by Rogê Antônio, colors by Fer Sifuentes-Sujo, and letters by Joe Caramagna.

Cyclops has crash-landed in the wilderness and has shattered his visor while having to protect a young mutant from the Reavers.

A story of survival has begun, with Scott Summers at its heart. There is a true feeling of isolation for Cyclops, even with a young mutant trying to help him. Paknadel had removed any safety net or crutch that Cyclops could use, injuring and blinding him.

The plot alternates between Scott and Donald Pierce, the guy in charge of the Reavers. But the story never leaves the forest, creating the feeling of being penned in. As the hunt begins, it’s clear that there is much more to Pierce‘s operation than at first glance. The pace keeps Cyclops Issue 2 moving, but with a constant sense of trepidation and danger.

Paknadel’s characters are superbly understood and written. Cyclops doesn’t come across as a kind or sensitive person, even towards the young mutant that rescued him. When he first comes to, he’s desperate and yelling within seconds. His attempts to be polite disappear quickly as his survival instincts kick in. Mei, the woman who finds him, is just as abrasive and is not one of Scott’s disciples. This means she doesn’t recognize his leadership or authority. Her rebellious nature is something Cyclops has to try to clamp down on, and his own attitude of claiming superiority helps that.

Mei has abilities, but some limitations make her vulnerable in the worst moments. Paknadel paints Scott as a true survivor and soldier, amazingly intelligent and tactically astute. Losing his sight is nothing to him because he’s prepared for every eventuality. He’s the leader of the X-Men for a reason.

The Reavers are also terrific, with so much depth in their dialogue and dynamics. Pierce is their creator, sadistic and cold-blooded. But his lackeys are just tools to him, with the flesh attached easily replaceable for him, as he’ll find another test subject. He commands the squad, but in the wilderness, his subjects are feral and cannibalistic. These additional elements make the struggle more interesting for both the heroes and villains.

The art is magnificent, throwing Scott into disturbing and violent circumstances. He starts Cyclops Issue 2 injured, and that only gets worse later in the issue. Blood is always streaming down his face, and a hastily crafted blindfold is all that covers his eyes. He is often harsh and direct with Mei, and both are prone to angry outbursts.

The Reavers bring copious amounts of both gore and technology with them. Pierce can dismantle them, but it’s done brutally and painfully. Their designs are menacing and varied, a brand new lineup of members. The fight scenes are incredibly mobile and breathtaking. Cyclops can’t rely on his optic blasts, so he demonstrates both excellent martial arts and improvisation. It’s a scrappy exchange using anything at hand, and it means that anything can happen.

The colors fuse nature with metal, forcing them to clash. The forest, filled with greens and browns, is invaded by the signature yellow of Cyclops’ uniform and the imposing grey of the Reavers. With Scott’s eyes out of action, the red that appears on the page usually comes from blood, lasers, and fire. The lettering stays comfortable to use with some wonderfully evocative sound effects.

Cyclops Issue 2 highlights a hardened hero. It’s easy to view Scott Summers as a lanky leader who only attacks from afar. Paknadel instead cements him as a capable, tough, and dangerous soldier with decades of action and fighting in his veins. The adaptability and tenacity in the wilderness displayed in this issue could be better associated with Wolverine, but Cyclops has those traits, too.

Cyclops Issue 2 is available where comics are sold.