Writer: Gerry Duggan
Art: Pepe Larraz, Marte Garcia, VC’s Clayton Cowles, Jay Bowen, and Tom Muller
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price:$3.99
Release Date: May 11th, 2022
Synch scrubbed the information of mutant resurrection from the mind of Ben Urich’s in order to protect Krakoa. However, with one menace removed, many more appear to arrive on the scene. Meanwhile,Orchis persists to assemble reserves and continues to want to destroy mutantkind. Plus, the outpost on Arakko’s moon has been infiltrated provoking both Arakkii and Earth mutants alike. Yet, even with all this background chaos, something else has been building in the far reaches of space that’s been affecting the mutants as well. Let’s dive into X-MEN #11 by Gerry Duggan as the lady X-MEN take a trip to a space casino where Cordyceps Jones is taking bets on the destruction of Earth.
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the X-Men #11 Review.
THE DISPATCH
As I read through X-MEN #11, I couldn’t help but slosh through the muck of the narrative story beats that just didn’t jive. I felt like I was missing huge chunks of a story that existed off-panel or in another book. Somehow, the entry of Arakko as a planet put a target on Earth but I’m not entirely sure why that would be the case and not Arakko itself. Sure, I get that people are gambling and sending aliens (and God knows what else) toward Earth in an attempt to destroy it and win money. But, I guess I’m just missing the why. Either way, Duggan teases out the Gamesworld angle with the lady X-MEN while Captain Krakoa/ Cyclops and Synch investigate the Dr. Stasis angle, which I found a bit more interesting. The reveal of who Dr. Stasis is as X-MEN #11 comes to a close is a rather unique wrinkle that I can’t help but look forward to as well.
Additionally, Duggan provides readers with a strong balance within the team in this month’s issue of X-MEN #11. Heck, he even finds a small part for Sunfire to play to incorporate him into the story in some manner. It really was the first time in a long while that each member of the team received a little bit of air time. Plus, Duggan equally balanced this story with just the right amount of action without an overabundance of dialogue.
ART
Since HOXPOX began, Pepe Larraz and Marte Garcia have been all over the place. Anyone who’s followed their work would know they’ve been a staple for quite some time. So, instead of continuing to regurgitate the same artistic quips about these two, I’m going to focus on specific scenes that really stood out this week and drew me deeper into the story.
For example, the colors were incredibly vibrant and bright, especially at Gamesworld. Furthermore, the depiction of the Tree House scenes, as well as the sewer search were muddy and blended with darker and earthier tones that helped provide a drastic dynamic between the scenes on Gamesworld and the Dr. Stasis search team. Lastly, the panel layout and mannerisms of Laura in the Cordyceps Jones scenes truly showed the pain and violent possession even Laura had to deal with.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, X-MEN #11 had just enough action to keep this reviewer excited yet not so much that the premise and direction of the narrative were lost into the ether. Duggan provides fans with two wildly different but extremely unique and important plots that utilize a majority of the team members well. Sure, I wish I knew more of a “why” and motives gained through Gamesworld. Nevertheless, the story beats are still intriguing. Still, I think readers will gravitate more towards Cyclops and Dr. Stasis especially as X-MEN #11 comes to an end. Ultimately, fans are looking at a busy issue with a lot going on to keep them interested and wanting more. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!