Review: ‘X-Men’ #6
X-Men #6 presents a thought-provoking question: what factors should heroes consider when deciding whether to rescue someone? Idie and Magik face this dilemma when encountering a young mutant amidst a horde of protestors outside their Alaskan HQ. Jed MacKay has these two characters explore the complexities of this decision, showcasing the differing perspectives that can unfortunately arise when deciding on when to help others amidst a tense altercation.
Magik's levity in all situations remains a highlight, but MacKay is getting close to using her as a one-note character. Despite this balancing act, her interactions with Idie are engaging, and their situation keeps the issue’s main story interesting. MacKay's pacing is well-balanced, moving the plot forward while introducing new elements, such as the young mutant's connection to the frozen Sentinel that stands guard over the town.
One of MacKay's strengths during this series has been his ability to keep multiple backstories relevant in each issue. References to Magik's chess game, Cassandra Nova's appearance, and Beast's research into Magneto's cure keep characters and plot points top of mind even when they aren’t front and center. (Except Xorn. Did anyone else forget Xorn was here??)
Netho Diaz's second guest artist stint impresses again, emulating main series artist Ryan Stegman's style while injecting his own unique elements. His line work, particularly in character designs and facial expressions, adds a layer of human emotion to the narrative's heavier moments. Sean Parsons' inks enhance the intensity of key scenes, while Marte Gracia and Fer Sifuentes-Sujo's colors effectively associate distinct hues with specific characters for a great visual experience.
This issue feels like a setup episode in a TV series, reminding readers of the various plot threads before the story accelerates. With the "Raid on Graymalkin" crossover event approaching, I hope these smaller plot points begin to pay off. While X-Men #6 is a solid, if unspectacular issue, MacKay's storytelling and the art team's excellent work are keeping me invested in the series.
Rating: 7.5/10
