Writer: Jonathan Hickman

Art: Leinil Francis Yu, Gerry Alanguilan, Sunny Gho, VC’s Clayton Cowles, and Tom Muller

Price: $4.99

Release Date: October 16th, 2019

The X-Men find themselves in a whole new world of possibility… and things have never been better! Jonathan Hickman (HOUSE OF X, POWERS OF X, SECRET WARS) and superstar artist Leinil Yu (NEW AVENGERS, CAPTAIN AMERICA) reveal the saga of Cyclops and his hand-picked squad of mutant powerhouses in this week’s all-new X-MEN #1. Let’s dive into this issue to see how this Dawn of X will begin!

For the first issue of The Dawn of X, this reviewer must honestly say that it felt a bit flat, informative, and filled with dialogue. Maybe it’s because of the 12 prior issues that felt fast-paced and crammed with such imagination? Or, maybe it’s because the last remaining issues of the HOUSE OF X and POWERS OF X revealed some incredibly amazing gut punches that this critic never saw coming? But, this opening issue of X-MEN by Jonathan Hickman appeared average at best and very slow-moving to kick off the main books run.

Hickman’s focus this issue was largely to lay out all of the big players on both sides of this war. Some new key players are introduced on both sides, a family dynamic is established, and readers are left with the impression that the Mother Mold Space mission may not have been as much of a success as the X-Men, as well as readers, may have speculated before. Hickman definitely placed many more plot threads throughout this issue that will need to be thoroughly examined and tweaked out as the comic unfolds. Additionally, there were two huge aspects of this issue that were extremely interesting. One of these is an individual Scott and Storm find early on in the issue and the other is the pretty big cliffhanger that Hickman dangles out there for readers.

Fans will leave with many new questions, no new answers, but definitely, have a fairly firm grasp on the direction of this series moving forward. That said, Hickman’s opener was definitely lacking that excitement and pizzazz that the prior 12 issues continued to dish out each and every week. Furthermore, the art didn’t encapsulate this reviewer as much as Pepe Larraz and R.B. Silva’s did within the prior issues. Maybe it’s because this reviewer hasn’t adjusted yet to Leinil Francis Yu’s artistic style yet? Or, maybe it’s because some of the more intricate pages appeared busy and blurry? However, when Yu had an opportunity to shine with numerous close-ups of Doctor Mars and Cyclops, his detail and glossy tone really appealed to this reviewer leaving me with a more wait and see approach to my final judgment of this books artistic prospects.

Fans, this critic knows how this review looks. It appears as though this analyst wasn’t thoroughly impressed. That assumption would be accurate. However, all heavy criticism should be removed until further distance can come between these opening series and the HOUSE OF X/ POWERS OF X series. Now, Hickman has time to gradually unveil his tale moving forward with no time constraints and a background already devised. Fans and critics need to give Hickman the benefit of the doubt with these next couple of issues and series to divulge their own direction and purpose. Why you ask? Well, the proof is in the prior 12 weeks of pudding!

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you picked this up expecting high octane action, suspense, thrills, and excitement from the wonderful world of Hickman, this issue is not for you. ”Summertime” is about all you’ll get in this opener. Moreover, patience is most certainly in order as the series takes off and readers will immediately notice a tone switch from the opening launch series to what may appear to be a minor dip in the art quality as well. However, as a long time Jonathan Hickman fan, readers need to hang in there and let his story develop just like HOUSE OF X and POWERS OF X did in a much shorter timeframe. This critic still believes readers need to pick this series up because there is no doubt this issue, as well as these series, feel important to the Marvel Landscape moving forward. Go grab this issue and let me know what you think.

7.3/10