Comic Review: Powers of X #2

Powers of X #2

Marvel Comics

Writer: Jonathan Hickman

Artists: R.B. Silva & Marte Gracia

House of X and Powers of X are essentially the same series, building off of each other to tell one story. While both of Hickman’s miniseries are essential to understand the bigger picture, I appreciate how they each uniquely progress the story. Powers of X feels especially novel in its storytelling, and it results in a fresh book that leaves the reader constantly wanting more. Powers of X #2 is no different than the previous issue and is another fun ride with unusual storytelling.

Powers of X gives the reader pieces of the narrative that supplement the content in House of X. Strangely enough, Powers of X still doesn’t feel like it is a side-story. Neither book can survive on its own, and while Powers of X only gives the readers a few pages for four different eras, Hickman maximizes every page making each age interesting. The first two eras explored in this issue are especially exciting, and I found myself disappointed to see each one progress into the next because the previous one was always so damn good. Every moment during the first two periods is gripping, and I can’t wait to see more.

The character work is why Powers of X #2 shines in the way that it does. Magneto and Xavier have some incredible moments of dialogue that made me fall in love with them all over again. Both characters are at their best in this issue, with Moira acting as a fantastic addition to their dynamic. Most of the other characters are interesting in this issue as well, especially Nimrod who continues to act as a strong antagonist for his era. The quality of X-Men is always defined by its characters, which is why Hickman’s young run has already had some of the best moments in recent memory.

R.B. Silva keeps up the paces in this issue with fantastic designs and sound composition. Magento looks especially strong in this issue. Silva and Hickman depict Magneto so properly, and his presence alone in this issue makes him the best part of this issue. A few facial expressions look a bit off at times, but this doesn’t stop Powers of X #2 from looking incredible. In the later eras, all of the science fiction and technology look clean, giving this issue the best environments in the run so far. This is especially in thanks to Marte Gracia’s colors, which continues to breathe life into the panels.

As entertaining as this issue is, it feels like it loses momentum as it carries on. Not that it isn’t fun in the end, but the excitement that is generated in the beginning is traded for vital information, which just doesn’t have the same feeling. This is still an incredible issue, but I wish there was a way for Hickman to have ended the issue in an exhilarating way in the same way he started it.

Powers of X is bold in the ways that it tells its story. The compelling narratives and stellar character moments make Powers of X #2 another must-read issue for anyone even remotely interested in the X-Men. Be sure to pick this one up as soon as possible.

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