This was a confusing hodgepodge that was the latest disappointment in the Fall of X. Gerry Duggan's script throws various plot elements at the wall, hoping some will stick, but ultimately leaving us with a disjointed mess. The issue lacks focus, bouncing from scene to scene without a clear narrative flow or explanation. Characters randomly show up from out of nowhere when they have either been MIA completely or are part of other ongoing stories.

One glaring weakness is Duggan's portrayal of the female X-Men. Gone are individual, complex personalities. Instead, they're reduced to one-note stereotypes, trading snarky quips with little to distinguish them from each other. Its as though he's writing these characters for meme-potential and its infuriating. This shallow depiction is a disservice to the rich history of female mutants, especially for an issue released so close to International Women's Day.

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect is the X-Men's casual approach to violence. Duggan portrays them resorting to a "kill-first, ask-questions-later" mentality, a stark contrast to the core principles of mutants, even prior to Krakoa's laws. The most egregious panel in the issue sees Magik "relaxing" in room of blood-stained walls left in her trail. This willingness to take lives, even in the face of extreme situations, feels like a betrayal of everything the X-Men have stood for for decades.

Phil Noto's art, while generally stylish, doesn't fare much better. The action sequences lack the dynamism needed to convey the power and energy of mutant combat. The panels often feel static, failing to capture the urgency of the situations at hand.

This was a disappointing issue through & through. I'm not expecting much from this series before Krakoa ends, but I'd at least like to enjoy reading an X-Men comic until then.

Rating: 3/10