X-MEN #23 (marvel comics)

In hopes of stopping the Age of Revelation from beginning, Cyclops sent his consciousness back ten years to his younger self to assassinate Doug Ramsey. As the other X-Men look on in horror, will they understand what needs to be done, or will they not believe what Cyclops tells them?

X-Men #23 - Written By Jed MacKay - Penicils By Tony Daniel – Inks By Mark Morales - Colors By Fer Sifuentes-Sujo - Letters By VC’S Clayton Cowles - Edited By Tom Brevoort - Published By Marvel Comics

Credit: Marvel Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

The mutant Revelation has come to get help along with Bei the Blood Moon and Warlock from the X-Men. Just as Cyclops was extending the welcome something takes him over and he tries to assassinate Revelation. After he is stopped by the X-Men he explains to them that he is the consciousness of Scott Summers from the future and if he doesn’t kill Revelation then the Age of Revelation will torture them all. Untrusting of this the X-Men decide to keep Scott locked up until they can figure out what is happening. Meanwhile, Revelation is trying to decipher his next move and figure out his safest route.

WRITING:

This issue really ties the Age of Revelation to the new arc Shadows of Tomorrow seamlessly. Jed MacKay does a fantastic job of bridging the story arcs and keeping the reader intrigued and engaged. The time traveling consciousness of Cyclops could be easily made too convoluted, but MacKay makes it believable and easy to follow. The seeds of what we see Revelation becoming definitely shine through in some of his behaviors even though we are years out from that reality. Tying all of this together well, leaving more to be discovered makes the reader want more and will ensure that said reader will come back for more.

ARTWORK:

The artwork throughout this issue stands out as exceptional, immersing the reader directly into the heart of the action. The art team excels in every aspect, expertly conveying the narrative through their dynamic visuals. The intense fight scenes are rendered with a raw energy that vividly captures the brutality of the situation, making each conflict feel immediate and real. In contrast, the more dramatic moments are illustrated with an emotional depth that draws the reader in, allowing them to truly feel the intended impact of the story.

The color work deserves special mention, as it perfectly complements the artwork and gives each panel a vibrant, striking quality. The palette enhances the overall atmosphere and ensures that the art leaps off the page. The collaboration within the art team is clearly evident, as they have crafted visuals that elevate the storytelling and make the entire issue a memorable experience.

Check Out My Review of X-Men: Age of Revelation Finale #1

Final Thoughts:

X-Men #23 bridges the gap between the two story arcs impeccably. Knowing what the future holds allows the reader to see the small nuances that may have gone unnoticed otherwise. The layers of the story that were unveiled in this issue will definitely set the tone and pace for where the universe is going. If you were looking for a good jumping on point to get into the X-Men line, this is that point and it’s time to jump on.

FINAL GRADE: 9.8/10

Let me know your thoughts on X-Men #23 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!