REVIEW: ‘NYX’ Issue #4

NYX #4 is published by Marvel Comics. It was written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, with art by Enid Balám, colors by Raúl Angulo, and letters by Joe Sabino. In this latest issue, Prodigy searches for the definition of mutant culture, and Ms. Marvel comes to him with news of an upcoming attack.

The focus of the series shifts yet again, moving to follow Prodigy. The genius mutant has become a lecturer at Empire State University. Instead of fighting as a superhero, he has gone down the path of education and knowledge. And yet, it doesn’t seem possible for the mutants in this book to avoid conflict. NYX #4 has both a curiosity about communities and the action of an intense superhero issue.

Lanzing and Kelly address the lead-up to the action with an interesting idea. Instead of surprising the characters and the readers, one of the heroes figures it out and predicts where the battle will occur. That is a surprise in itself, and it happens twice. Ms Marvel not only works out where the attack will take place and the person behind it but also one of the secret betrayals brewing throughout the series. Because the writers are more interested in the tension and ramifications of those events, violence is forced out of those vying for peace.

The fight itself has two phases and is full of excitement. It’s got pace, power, and weight, taking up half of the NYX #4. The end of the issue shatters the uneasy tension within the series, with the discomfort that has been felt due to the mutant diaspora returning to New York.

Switching character viewpoints in every issue leads to a different perspective. The previous chapter focused on Anole and his desire not to be considered an X-Men. Just because he is a visible mutant does not mean he wants to throw himself into action and serve to protect others.

NYX #4 takes a different approach. There will be an attack, and it falls to Ms Marvel to try to rally Prodigy and Sophie to help her stop it. It’s a call for direct action but not violence. Prodigy does not want to get involved in either argument, and that reluctance to be seen draws him to conflict anyway.

The intelligence of the characters and the dialogue are fascinating. Both Prodigy and Ms Marvel are shown to be brilliant in their ways. David Alleyne, or Prodigy, has an academic mind. The captions are lecture notes and segments from a sociology or philosophy textbook.

Meanwhile, Ms Marvel’s revelation that she has worked out alone is a fantastic demonstration of her mind. She has gone from being a superhero bounding into trouble into a detective and leader. Every decision is explained, returning to her backstory as a fangirl for superheroes. She then has a difficult conversation with a friend who shows her incredible intelligence and unkillable kindness.

The art tries to get Prodigy out of his domestic life and back into the superhero world. One of the best aspects of this series has been the blend of the normal and the abnormal. Prodigy is seen in his costume early, which is done secretly, again leaning on how those around him must see him. For the rest of the first half, he is normal and restrained. You also see Kamala and Sophie in their regular guises. But it isn’t long before Kamala launches herself into the action as Ms Marvel.

Balám, a new artist to the series, infuses the book with exhilarating energy. The various fighting style mutations on display are fantastically drawn, making each panel a delight. Ms. Marvel is stretchy, Prodigy is a mix of athleticism and martial arts, Sophie and the other Cuckoos are telepaths, and The Krakoan (formerly known as Hellion) is a powerful telekinetic.

The selection of abilities and character designs make the comic visually attractive when all those powers are mixed. The battle is fast-paced and breathtaking, with a phenomenal sense of movement applied to the physical characters. Each time they hit something or get thrown into an object, the blurred lines showcase their traveling velocity.

The colors are excellent. The various abilities on display have their own signature shades, making them easy to discern and stand out when clashing against one another. When the heroes switch into their costumes, it is refreshing and exciting to see such colorful designs celebrating them as superheroes, not just mutants in New York. The lettering is superb. It is always clear when the Cuckoos speak telepathically, and The Krakoan has a distinct dark green word balloon that matches the colors of his power.

NYX #4 is a turning point for the whole community. The revelations are laid bare, and the newfound relationships are in danger of being shattered. This issue has the best mix of action and intellectual musing that Lanzing and Kelly have been lacing the comic with. They have been trying to reintegrate the mutants into New York, but some still seek domination.

Even though the battles seem inevitable, everything about NYX feels different. This includes the narrative structure, the release of information, and how the book will check in on characters without involving them in the story. From start to finish,  NYX #4 is a fascinating experience.

NYX #4 is available where comics are sold.