Life has thrown its fair share of curveballs over the past few years for my family and I. We had an exciting move abroad in 2019, a 2020 pandemic-induced return, and finally now settling into a post-COVID world in Devon. It’s been a whirlwind, to say the least so my knowledge of the comic world took a backseat, with me completely missing the X-Men Krakoan Age. My familiarity with the Krakoa era has mostly been gleaned from YouTube primers, leaving me feeling a little out of the loop. However, the buzz around a new Marvel series piqued my interest. Set in the aftermath of Krakoa's fall, it promised a story of mutants forging new paths in a world that had become increasingly hostile. As a massive Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel) fan, the prospect of seeing her navigate the gritty reality of the Lower East Side, far from the familiar streets of Jersey City, was particularly exciting. After all, if you can make it there…
Diving headfirst into NYX #1, I was immediately drawn into Kamala's journey as she grappled with her newfound mutant identity while staying true to her Muslim faith in a world that often felt unwelcoming. The introduction of Sophie Cuckoo, a complex new friend, and the moody presence of Laura Kinney (now Wolverine) painted a vivid picture of this new mutant subculture. The looming threat of The Krakoan added an intriguing central mystery to Kamala's navigation of the big city.
Issue #2 shifted focus to Laura Kinney, showcasing her lone-wolf approach to street justice as she investigated the disappearances of fellow mutants. The underlying question of who was pulling the strings kept me hooked, but it was the unexpected denouement – the raw desire to simply dance when the pressure becomes overwhelming – that truly resonated. Who hasn't sought refuge in music and movement when life felt too heavy?
NYX #3 introduced us to Anole, the mutant barkeep wrestling with his sense of belonging. The memorial for a fallen mutant, disrupted by the antagonistic Truthseekers, provided a powerful backdrop for Anole's journey of self-discovery and the fundamental human need to find one's tribe. His struggle to be authentic and connect with others was a compelling narrative.
Professor Alleyne, aka Prodigy, took center stage in #4. Moving from the academic sidelines to active advocacy, even at the risk of his career, Prodigy confronted The Krakoan during an attack on Ms. Marvel. This issue delved into the battle for the mutant soul, challenging the simplistic dichotomy of good and evil and suggesting the need for a new path beyond endless conflict.
The narrative took an interesting turn in #5 with Sophie Cuckoo's redemption arc. Her decision to fight against the anti-mutant sentiment sweeping New York, despite her past actions, was a testament to Kamala's forgiving nature and Sophie's own potential for growth. It was her chance to break free from external control and define her own path.
Issue #6 threw the team into the chaotic world of Mojo, via the sinister Mr. Friend, during what should have been a fun Dazzler concert. This installment cleverly explored the idea that simple answers rarely suffice in life's complex tapestry.
Synch's internal conflict in #7, believing in the impossibility of human-mutant coexistence and targeting Prodigy, offered a compelling philosophical debate. Prodigy's appeal to Synch's humanity, reminiscent of Captain America's approach, highlighted the futility of endless conflict and the potential for respectful dialogue.
#8 delved into the complexities of Hellion's character as he faced the consequences of past actions. His interactions with Wolverine revealed a surprising depth of understanding between two seemingly disparate individuals, reinforcing the idea that appearances can be deceiving. More Laura Kinney is always a plus, in my book!
The penultimate issue, #9, saw the NYX team joining forces with a newly escaped Professor Xavier to retrieve the crucial seed of Krakoa. However, Mojo's return threw a wrench in their plans, leading to a tense confrontation. The portrayal of Professor X as a potentially unreliable narrator added a fascinating layer of ambiguity to his motives.
The series concluded with a climactic battle against Mojo in #10 as his Mojo Land threatened to engulf the city. It was a satisfying coming-together moment for the NYX team, but a bittersweet one knowing the series wouldn't continue. However, the promise of Kamala's journey continuing in Giant-Sized X-Men #1 offers a glimmer of hope.
Overall, I found NYX to be a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking series. The focus on the formative experiences of these young mutants resonated deeply. We've all navigated those crucial periods of stepping outside our comfort zones, seeking our place, and finding our tribe, whether in higher education, the workplace, or simply navigating life's complexities.
This new From the Ashes collection, as exemplified by NYX, seems to be embracing the intricate nature of individuals, resisting the urge to simplify. NYX shines a light on the truths we often conceal and examines our inherent contradictions. The themes of self-discovery and acceptance are powerful and universally relatable.
I'm genuinely excited to see how these characters will evolve and interact in the future. This is an intriguing team with a lot of potential, and one I'm definitely rooting for. While the cancellation after only ten issues is a shame, in the ever-evolving world of comics, nothing truly stays buried. I'm eager to see what the future holds for these fascinating mutants.
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