X-Men #7

Marvel Comics

Writer: Jonathan Hickman

Artist: Leinil Francis Yu

The X-Men are back with their second issue this month and it might be the best one so far. Featuring gorgeous art by Leinil Francis Yu, Jonathan Hickman gives us a deep dive into one of the core aspects of the new mutant culture – resurrections.

The issue follows Cyclops and Nightcrawler as they witness a ritual called the Crucible. The Crucible allows mutants that were de-powered during House of M to reclaim their lost power, their birthright. On the surface, it sounds like a payoff, like things, are finally falling into place. But the moral and spiritual implications behind resurrections cast a thick shadow of the whole ordeal. A lot of our heroes don’t feel comfortable with it, including Wolverine, Cyclops, and Nightcrawler.

The introduction of resurrection during the House of X/Powers of X story left me with a feeling of unease. There was a strong indication that something might be wrong with the mere proposition of it. Like Kurt repeatedly tells Scott in this issue, every part of it leads to more and more questions. Having Kurt – a character that is a devote catholic and someone who has literally been to Heaven – be the one explaining the complexity of these ideas of resurrection and eternal life is a fantastic idea, honestly. 

The Crucible is also reflective of the cult-like aspects the Mutant Nation has adopted. One might argue that just because it’s different it doesn’t mean it’s bad and that is true. To a degree. But these are people that have been living in the ‘human’ world up until recently, and people accept these kinds of sudden changes in a really limited number of situations. Like when they join a cult. It doesn’t help that most mutants actually fit the psychological profile of cult victims – social outcasts, shunned by their peers because they are, in a way, different. I am more than positive that all of this is intentional and that Hickman will touch upon this subject more and more, as the series moves forward. Especially with that ending.

As for the look of the book… Well, it looks amazing. At this point, Yu could be considered a Marvel veteran and there’s a reason he was brought on this issue. There is a sense of grandeur to the book. From Wolverine and Cyclops observing the Earth from the surface of the Moon to the campfire tale and the Crucible on Krakoa – everything looks amazing. A lot of thought and work has been put into the issue and it’s easily noticeable. However, there are instances of panels lacking in detail. It’s mainly when there are many people in the frame, but I can’t hold it against Yu. I am positive that it has more to do with deadlines and time constraints than the artist’s abilities.

Jonathan Hickman takes a much-needed step back with the whole resurrection thing, expanding on the morality and spirituality of it, and giving us a fantastic issue. While some have been playing loose with the whole idea, it’s refreshing to see the architect of the new X-Men dial back on it and show what Mutants are really doing – playing with something no one really understands.

And that the X-Men are a cult now. A borderline fascist state.