Comic Review: X of Swords: Creation #1

X of Swords: Creation #1

Marvel Comics

Writers: Jonathan Hickman & Tini Howard

Artists: Pepe Larraz & Marte Gracia

Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles

It’s finally here. X of Swords is the first big X-Men event in the Hickman-led line of X-Men. X of Swords: Creation is the debut issue for the 22 part event. There is a lot to look forward to, but this issue does a fantastic job of keeping readers in the present.

This issue is over 60 pages and has a lot of content to digest. Characters from Apocalypse’s past, Otherworld, and of course Krakoa all come together. There is a massive battle brewing, and Jonathan Hickman and Tini Howard. There is a lot of set-up, but this issue is anything but slow. A sweet tournament arc is being established, promising to bring tons of fun and of course, drama. I don’t want to spoil anything, but this issue is about as exciting as it gets.

Pepe Larraz and Marte Gracia are a dream team. Together they make the X-Men look great. The linework and colors allow for the mundane and action sequences to look spectacular. Marte Gracia really steals the show. The colors are gorgeous and the lighting is nearly perfect. The splash pages are incredible. The panels allow for movement to be easy to follow. Just the right amount of action occurs in the gutter space, making the pacing feel natural. VC’s Clayton Cowles’ letters are as great as expected too.

The issue’s layout is similar to the rest of the line so far. There are pages full of information that make this issue accessible to all readers. Some knowledge of the run is probably required, but readers will be able to get by with what is presented in this issue. This event might tie in closely with Excalibur, so some information on the most recent arc of that series will be especially useful. Of course, if you have been following this run throughout, it feels like it will all pay off.

X of Swords: Creation #1 is a strong start for the event. Hickman and Howard have created a great script, while Larraz and Gracia make everything look great.