Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Art: Francesco Mobili, Sunny Gho, VC’s Clayton Cowles, Tom Muller, and Leinil Francis Yu
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price:$3.99
Release Date: May 26th, 2021
The X-MEN embarked on a journey to eradicate the Orchis Forge, a space station with the ability to generate the mutant massacring robot known as Nimrod. In the heat of the moment, the X-MEN appeared to succeed. However, a confidential operation by Mystique unearthed that the mission may not be eradicated after all. So, it seems as though a new expedition is in order. Plus, more dangers appear to be brewing on the horizon. Let’s dive into X-MEN #20 by Jonathan Hickman to see the repercussions of the Orchis Forge fallout as well as the refusal to resurrect Mystique’s wife, Destiny. Readers, changes are head. This isn’t the issue to miss!
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SYSTEMS ONLINE…
Sometimes, retcons are unnecessary, wasteful, and pointless. And other times, they fortify the backstory and make the character or narrative stronger. What readers will discover in X-MEN #20 is just that – a retcon. However, it’s a retcon that recreates Nimrod in a way that parallels what the mutants have been doing this entire time since HOXPOX. And frankly, it makes a ton of sense.
Humans and Mutants have been at odds since their conception. Whether it be jealousy or fear, the rivalry has simply been about uncertainty and the unknown. It’s that same mystery that led to Moira’s plan, Krakoa’s growth, and the Five’s resurrection protocols. Well, the sheer irony of this new backstory is that the mutants themselves are directly responsible for what they’ve tried so desperately to destroy. In essence, they’re the creators of their own destruction through a parallel means of human resurrection. Readers, Hickman is like a poetic genius. This chess game involving the Orchis Forge back in HOXPOX has now doubled back to bite them in the $&@!
BURN THEM TO THE GROUND
This issue of X-MEN merely proves that Hickman is a long game player. He builds a story slowly, has tons of moving parts, and gradually puts all the pieces together when the time is right. Back in HOXPOX, Hickman laid the groundwork for what transpires this issue. And now, I think he’s subtly placing more clues as to the eventual demise of Krakoa and the Mutants as a whole.
Not once, but now twice, Mystique has been turned down about bringing back her wife. Granted, Charles and Erik have good reasons not to bring her back. Yet, Mystique doesn’t know them nor would she care. However, this is the second reference to Destiny (Mystique’s wife) telling her to “burn that place to the ground.”. Readers, it’s coming. Soon? Probably not… Hickman only works in the Longview. Nevertheless, I have no doubt Mystique is going to work with the humans to bring them down.
Additionally, there have been a few people who Charles and Erik have personally burned along the way that may want to join Mystique’s potential bonfire. How about Sabretooth to name one? My point: this issue sets up some huge moving pieces in a brilliant way while laying the potential groundwork for an unraveling in the future. Every city falls. Babylon, Rome, and even Krakoa. It’s only a matter of time. Yet, how and why will be on the creator’s terms. In reality, that’s God. But in terms of the X-MEN, that “god” is Hickman.
ART
The emotion and character beats are all thanks to Francesco Mobili and the facial expressions directed by each character. The sheer love Dr. Gregor shows Nimrod is what adds the extra layer to the comic this week. Hickman may have had the ideas and concepts for this amazing issue of X-MEN but it’s Mobili that truly brought this issue to life. Plus, the disappointment and nasty demeanor in both Charles and Erik roll off each page. I felt worried alongside the Council Figureheads once the news broke of Mystique’s failure.
Plus, Mystique’s mid-transformation shots, alongside the shading in the foreground, added emphasis to the specific characters making individuals stand out within the similar color palette. Mobili’s art style had a perfect way of complementing the story so well while adding that emotional layer that is oftentimes missing from a Hickman comic. What a fantastic job all around.
FINAL THOUGHTS
To those individuals that argue that Hickman misses the boat on character development, look no further than X-MEN #20 this week. Readers will feel connected to Dr. Alia Gregor AND Nimrod. Yup… and Nimrod. Plus, the passion and anger within Mystique begins to bubble towards the surface ready to explode in the near future. Moreover, Hickman’s symbolism and emotion overflow in this installment of X-MEN causing edge of your seat excitement right from Jump Street.
Sure, Hickman’s biggest criticism is focusing on the big ideas and forgetting about specific character beats. Well, this installment of X-MEN brilliantly finds a way to do both. Sure, this issue concentrates mainly on Charles, Erik, Mystique, and the Orchis Forge. Yet, the insight into the characters, the love and devotion they have, the parallel ideals which mimic one another, and the big narrative concepts are truly astounding. X-MEN fans, this is a MUST-READ! Go out over lunch and pick this one up immediately. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!