Jed Mackay’s current X-Men series is a combination of interesting ideas and superhero spectacles, and the latest trade paperbacks continue that approach. Comfortable finding current flagship titles from the Ash era, these issues move the team in an incredible direction, mixing a lot of action and character drama. It’s not without rough spots, but overall, the story and visuals land frequently.
Collecting the issues of X-Men (2024) #11–18, this arc finds the X-Men protecting the Alaskan town of Meruru when a mysterious fugitive pursued by an alien killer executive appears at the entrance. Cyclops leads the team against the deadliest warriors of the Galaxy, with the help of old allies on Alpha Flight. Magneto and Beasts include Sentinels and Beasts who play against Wire, a non-mutant member of the Shady 3K program, including Eric’s memorable conflict with Eric’s memorable conflict.
Amazing
Mackay uses these threads to introduce 3K X-Men, a Ragtag group with a keen personality and unknown motivations. I have always been a sucker for these secret alternative X-Men groups. Structureally, Mackay does a great job in most battle-focused scenes, stacking character moments, giving them cyclops and magnet outbeats. I often read this book to the bottom of my weekly comics, but reading these issues at once at once, even though reading these issues at once feels like a future arc setup.
The art changes throughout the collection, starting with Ryan Stegman and Nesso Diaz. His work makes stranger characters, like stubborn but dangerous juices, look dynamic and fun. The problems that follow bring about Emilio Lyso. Emilio Ryso offers a different vibe to her slightly looser and more animated style, but she offers character representation and big moments. There is a contradiction from the artist change, but both approaches keep the book visually appealing and enjoyable.
X-Men by Jed Mackay Vol. 2: Hostile Takeover offers a fun mix of superhero brawls and character-driven drama. If you’re following Mackay’s X-Men, this is a solid continuation with enough powerful writing and vibrant art, and it’s worth taking up.
‘X-Men by Jed Mackay Vol. 2: Hostile Takeover’ Review
X-Men by Jed Mackay Vol. 2: Hostile takeover
X-Men by Jed Mackay Vol. 2: Hostile Takeover offers a fun mix of superhero brawls and character-driven drama. If you’re following Mackay’s X-Men, this is a solid continuation with enough powerful writing and vibrant art, and it’s worth taking up.
Particularly the finest character beats of Cyclops, Magneto and the new 3K X-Men.
Even when there are multiple artists in the book, it’s energetic and fun art.
Some plots feel thin, primarily setting up future arcs.
