I was always biased towards X-Line teenage-centered books. This was difficult to tackle effectively in the Kracon era. With the launch of NYX, it seemed like they were trying to explore what mutant life would look like in New York since the end of Krakoa. I love this concept and can focus on community, identity and survival in cities where books continue to be both mutant heaven and threat. Unfortunately, with the series ending in issue 10, it feels like this trade paperback collects the final chapters and is trying to tie many threads together too quickly. What remains is still persuasive, but it’s hard to ignore the feeling that NYX was cut narratively short with so many ideas remaining on the table.
This volume of NYX collects the issues #6–10 and continues the adventures of Kamala Kahn, Wolverine (Laura Kinney), Sink, Genius, Anor and the wider New York mutant community. The arc begins solely for Kamala and her friends to stop by the Dazzler concert and Mojo intervenes as often as interdimensional monsters do. Sink and Prodigy face off in a dangerous circle in the revival of Krakon tradition, but Laura faces a former alliance currently operating as Krakon. It is also linked to Xavier’s crossover hunt, with Charles appearing in New York. The story culminates in a confrontation with Mojo, who threatens to dismantle everything this fragile mutant community is building.
Amazing
Writers Jackson Lantz and Colin Kelly do an incredible job of supporting this story with themes of community and identity, exploring what it would be like for young mutants who had a utopian safety net in the Kracon era. Dialogues often highlight generational changes between mutants, such as Laura, Kamala and Synchronization. Some plot points feel there’s more room for Laura to breathe, like in conflict with Hellion. I can only assume that these character threads will be further investigated in future issues, but for the time being, they will not come. That’s a shame, as the writings of Lanzing and Kelly work well with the ensemble cast they put together.
I really like Francesco Mortarino’s visual style, especially in the Mojo sequences, balancing competent blocking with surreal bursts. The action scenes are clearly choreographed, making them easy to read even on busy panels. The character representation emphasizes the emotional sacrifice of the mutant struggle and continues to be a powerful point throughout. For a book that seeks to roam the line between realistic human characters in New York and the madness of the MOHOBAS, it is a fitting aesthetic.
Amazing
NYX never lacked ideas. This trade paperback shows the position the creative team is trying to cover. In these five issues, intimate character moments are mixed together with a larger question about the identity of the mutant. However, that sudden cancellation made this last arc lack the space to explore these threads completely, giving the particular plot points a feeling of compressing or unfinishing. Still, community-driven storytelling and powerful character work make it a valuable read. It’s frustrating to see the end of NYX before it occurs to its fullest, but this collection takes a good look at the lives of mutants following the end of Krakoa.
“Nyx Vol 2: Mojo City” is worth it if you rush to reach a conclusion
NYX Vol. 2: Mojo City
NYX never lacked ideas. This trade paperback shows the position the creative team is trying to cover. In these five issues, intimate character moments are mixed together with a larger question about the identity of the mutant. However, that sudden cancellation made this last arc lack the space to explore these threads completely, giving the particular plot points a feeling of compressing or unfinishing. Still, community-driven storytelling and powerful character work make it a valuable read. It’s frustrating to see the end of NYX before it occurs to its fullest, but this collection takes a good look at the lives of mutants following the end of Krakoa.
Powerful ensemble writing highlights community and identity themes in the aftermath of Krakoa.
Francesco Mortarino’s expressive art style balances underground street-level storytelling with surreal mojo-driven spectacles.
A sudden cancellation leaves a character arc, plotting the thread, feeling rushed or unfinished.
