Writer: Jed MacKay
Art: Netho Diaz, Sean Parsons, Fer Sifuentes-Sujo, Ryan Stegman, JP Mayer, Marte Garcia, and VC’s Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price:$4.99
Reviewed by: Anonymous
Release Date: April 2nd, 2025
The town of Merle enlists the X-Men to aid in a search and rescue operation for a missing child – one closer to the X-Men than the Sheriff knows. But while the X-Men search for Piper Cobb, they are themselves being watched – as their shadowy 3K adversaries move to strike directly, their own agenda unfolding!
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THE DISPATCH
X-Men #14, by Jed MacKay, shifts the focus from grand, world-altering events to a more intimate and personal story, as the X-Men are drawn into a missing child case in the small town of Merle. This shift in scale allows for a more grounded and character-driven narrative, while still weaving in the overarching threat of the mysterious 3K adversaries.
MacKay excels at crafting compelling character interactions. The X-Men’s involvement in the search for Piper Cobb allows for exploration of their individual personalities and their reactions to a more human-scale tragedy. The tension between the X-Men and the local sheriff, who is unaware of the child’s potential mutant connection, adds a layer of conflict and intrigue.
The mystery surrounding Piper Cobb’s disappearance is well-paced, with subtle clues and red herrings keeping the reader engaged. The introduction of the 3K adversaries as a looming threat adds a sense of urgency and danger, reminding readers that the X-Men are never truly safe.
The art is crucial for conveying the emotional weight of the story. A realistic and grounded style would perfectly complement the small-town setting and the human drama at the heart of the narrative.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, X-Men #14 is a solid installment that showcases Jed MacKay’s ability to craft compelling character-driven stories. The issue effectively balances the personal drama of the missing child case with the overarching threat of the 3K adversaries. Fans of the X-Men and those who enjoy mystery and suspense will appreciate this issue.