When news broke that the comic’s Kracon era was over with X-Men #35, the huge segment of X-Men fans was disappointed and heartbroken. Many of these fans fully embraced the bold new vision that the Krakoa and the title strips represented. Krakoa, which emerged primarily during the Covid-19 pandemic, represents hope, community and harmony during the incredible uncertainty. The beloved era that had a major impact on fans both old and new was taken away. Without knowing what to replace Krakoa, many of these fans were unsure about the future direction the X-Books could move forward. The announcement of “From the Ashes” gave fans some indications of what the franchise’s future would look like, but the announcement barely quelled doubts that some fans felt they felt about going too fast from the abundant optimism that Krakoa represented.
NYX is, in many ways, the title “from the ashes” that deals most with the loss of Krakoa, as we see mutants reintegrating into a world they hate and fear themselves. After the events of the mutant’s war with the terrorist group Orchis, the anti-maintaining emotions increase again, leaving the mutants in a vulnerable and unstable position trying to live their lives without interference and conflict. Unfortunately, anti-variation prejudice and adversity are impossible for born people with the X gene. While Krakoa had systemic problems such as corruption within the quiet council, the Mutant Island nation promised shelter from prejudice, discrimination and outward violence against mutants. Returning to the “real” world meant putting the same anti-Calisto sentiment and violence mutants who have been plaguing the mutants for decades again in danger.
NYX was at its core, creating a community to deal with losses and creating a space of solidarity and safety for all mutants. Krakoa represents the possibility of creating a world where mutants can harmonize and thrive together, while Knicks was about building communities during the mutant diaspora. Despite the lack of a consistent vision for Mutantkind, we see the external acclaim of mutant culture and identity in NYX. In NYX #3, the NYC mutant community gathers together to mourn the death of a mutant named Shay, who was killed in a hate crime. In this same issue, we see mutants protect themselves and their homes from attacks by the cleanser. Refusing to hide, Anor and Mollock proudly march through the city of New York in tribute to their fallen mutant brothers. Ultimately, Nyx gave us a glimpse of how thriving mutant cultures looked like post-crakoa.
The NYX team is preparing to set a final stand against Mojo. Image courtesy of Marvel Comics.
In NYX #10, we confirm that NYC mutants are united, a common threat. This is a demonically malicious mojo that threatens to tear off the shelter they’re making tirelessly. To defeat Mojo and free the city from his oppressive being, NYX mutants must draw out each other’s spirit and strength, and create mutant contingencies to resist and overcome Mojo’s will. Here we see the power of solidarity and what the community can achieve when they come together, support and elevate each other. As demonstrated by the rise of X#5’s power, nothing is more unstoppable than the forces of the mutation circuit.
One of the central themes present in this issue is whether to hide or suppress who they are for the benefit of others by undermining their happiness. As David told Kamala, when she discusses whether she should reveal to her family that she is a mutant and Ms. Marvel, “You know that you’re worried about what your secret will do to your family… But did you think of what you did to you that keep that secret?” The whole of Nyx, and the threat of mutants by Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant and Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace Iman Vellani and Sabir Pirzada have seen the difficulties Kamala experienced as navigating the world as an inhuman, Muslim, mutant and superhero Ms. Ms. Ms. Ms. Ms. Kamala can become the most authentic self with her mutant friends in New York, but at home with her family she must hide her identity as a mutant and Marvel. This issue does not resolve these tensions in Kamala’s life, but Kamala also does not allow Kamala to take decisive action on this issue, reminding him that he is not ashamed of who he is, nor allows him to compromise himself in any way to make others comfortable. It sends an important message that mutants should never comply with those who are actively trying to erase them.
Although we don’t know what Kamala’s future has in terms of whether she can harmonize different aspects of different identities, Kamala’s adventure continues in a series of special one-shots. See Marvel as he travels through various milestone moments in the vast X-Men publication history. Meanwhile, fans of Laura Kinney can see her in a variety of titles, including the ongoing series Laura Kinney: The Wolverine by Erica Schultz and Sam Humphries’ upcoming new Thunderbolts* series. At this point, there is no clear place for Sophie, Kitten, Anor, Sink and Prodigy to appear next in the comics.
Just as Geoffrey Thorne did with X-Force #10, Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly had seemingly impossible tasks for NYX #10. Not only did it match the overall content of the book, it also provided a satisfying ending that walked fans away from the book with the knowledge that the series met the expectations of the title, but also left the fans. In the tenth issue, Nyx combines with all the theme elements that made Nyx work well as the title with a satisfying ending that is the right and right culmination of epic moments. This grand conclusion of thoughtful and impactful storytelling, filled with heart and warmth, is deeply satisfying and richly rewarding for both NYX and readers of the Kracon era.
NYX’s dedicated and dedicated fans lament the loss of this title in a way that some fans grieve the loss of Krakoa, but fans can celebrate the bold ideas that exist in all 10 issues with NYX. Perhaps the NYX cast will be re-appearing in the upcoming X-Men: Hellfire Vigil #1. This promises a “gathering of mutant kinds to reflect the loss of mutant crategory,” but little has been revealed as to who will appear in the one-shot or whether NYX events will be reexamined in the matter. Overall, NYX #10 is a fun ending, bringing exciting and heartwarming conclusions to one of the standout titles across the X-Men, guaranteed to be one of the more memorable moments throughout the “From Ashes” era.
‘nyx’ #10 culminates with a satisfying, bittersweet ending
NYX #10
In the tenth issue, Nyx combines with all the theme elements that made Nyx work well as the title with a satisfying ending that is the right and right culmination of epic moments. This grand conclusion of thoughtful and impactful storytelling, filled with heart and warmth, is deeply satisfying and richly rewarding for both NYX and readers of the Kracon era.
A great ending that provides an exciting and heartwarming conclusion to one of the outstanding titles throughout the X-Men renewal.
An exciting and resonating commentary on the importance of community during times of crisis.
A very moving moment between Laura and Kiden celebrates their rich history together.
The captivating art with a jaw drop from Francesco Mortalino is charming and adoring.
With Kamala, Sophie and Laura in the spotlight, there may have been more outstanding moments from Anole, Synch, Hellion and Prodigy as there is not much to do on this issue.
