Each issue in this series has gotten better than the previous one & this week’s issue may be a perfect X-Men comic. You can tell Jed MacKay has found his groove with these characters — their voices feel natural to who they are, but with a flare of MacKay’s style.

Magik, Idie, & Juggernaut have been my favorite part of this series so I was stoked to see them leading this week’s mission. And even though he was serving as a bit of comic relief, Beast was a great addition to round out the strike team. Magik had some great character work at the beginning & end of the issue, plus she’s involved a the major tease on the final page. Will her chess companion make an appearance before the Road to Graymalkin event kicks off in December??

The concept of being an ally in today’s socio-political discourse has been so bastardized by people claiming support for marginalized communities to avoid being branded with social scarlet letter. If you want an example of true allyship, look no further than Cain Marko. He fights on the side of mutants because their mission is also HIS mission. Take note, folks.

Can we talk about how good guest artist Netho Diaz was?? The main battle looked awesome w/ a ton of impressive angles & displays of mutant powers. He stayed true to much of Stegman’s designs but with his own flare. Sean Parsons’ inks & Marte Gracia’s colors give this issue an additional WOW factor (look at those neon greens!) & lettering by Clayton Cowles keeps readers following along easily.

I’m not afraid to say I was initially hesitant for this new relaunch, but MacKay & Team have me completely sold now!

Rating: 10/10