Writer: Gerry Duggan
Art: Pepe Larraz, Marte Garcia, VC’s Clayton Cowles, and Tom Muller
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price:$3.99
Release Date: January 26th, 2022
Dr. Statis from Orchis found an autopsy report showing Cyclops’ death after the Mother Mold incident. For those that forgot, this happened as the X-MEN flew towards the sun and tried to destroy the Mother Mold before Nimrod could ever be created. Alas, they failed and died in the process. However, that’s no problem for the X-MEN since they could just be resurrected. And ultimately, that’s Dr. Statis’ frustration. He realizes that something is afoot. However, so DID Ben Urich … until recently. Somehow, his mind is now wiped with no memory of Cyclops’ death. So, who’s responsible?
Additionally, now the world somehow knows Cyclops is dead leaving Scott to disguise himself as Captain Krakoa when he leaves the island and campaigns to the public eye. But how does the world know? Did I miss something? Let’s dive into X-MEN #7 by Gerry Duggan as we uncover the basic truth that’s plagued humanity since its creation: you can’t lie forever. Better yet, Proverbs 19:9 says it’s best: A false witness shall be punished and a liar shall be caught. I wonder if Krakoa finally gets caught in its web of lies? Let’s jump in and find out!
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THE DISPATCH
It’s getting kinda silly by this point, isn’t it? Death with mutants has become somewhat of an afterthought. However, to carry a tidbit more weight to the premise of death, it appears as though Mr. Summers has found himself in quite the conundrum. The world knows Cyclops is dead… but how? Well readers, rest assured that the missing puzzle piece is found in this week’s X-MEN #7.
So, the next question should be, “was it an epic death?”. Truthfully, in comparison to the Orchis Forge or even DEATH OF X, this version of the literal X-Man dying is just rather humdrum in nature. Sure, it’s Cyclops doing what he does. But after everything he’s faced in his lifetime, this is how he “dies”? And, for the entire world to see? It was a bit meh, to say the least. Now, from the perspective of Dr. Statis and Orchis, getting Scott to die publicly was a fit of genius. This aspect of the story is where Duggan gets extra clever and I absolutely love it. It builds tension and excitement at the same time while propelling the series in a unique direction that’s rather enticing. Plus, fans will learn some pretty killer reveals about some characters that truly dangle some interesting plot threads moving forward.
ART
It’s really hard for anyone to be that disappointed with Pepe Larraz and Marte Garcia. However, the focus I want to represent today is more on Larraz’s angles and approach to each scene. It’s almost as if he’s the cameraman of the issue providing pan-out shots that fade into dramatic scenes when villains enter rooms.
Additionally, it’s almost as if he strategically places the characters in the perfect backgrounds to help promote the scene and development of the story more efficiently. Fans witness the chaos ensue but then instantly splash into the next page with the X-MEN exploding onto the scene to save the day. There is no doubt that Larraz’s mind and imagination are simply programmed in a way that helps to bring each issue to life. Again, making it very difficult to be disappointed in any issue Larraz pioneers.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Cyclops is dead! Well, I should say was… like almost every mutant now at some level. But that’s not the point of the X-MEN #7. The point of the issue was to show readers how everyone knows Cyclops is dead as well as the purpose of Captain Krakoa. Duggan does a great job filling in the pieces that were missing while also showcasing some intriguing plot threads for the future of his X-MEN run. It finally feels exciting. However, it still doesn’t quite feel like an X-MEN book. The team is still not together as a whole AND it’s obvious as to who Duggan likes the most by who gets the most stage time. Plus, the way Cyclops dies was a bit underwhelming.
Yet, the direction of X-MEN moving forward and the stories that appear on the horizon truly do fascinate me. And we know it’s only a matter of time before everyone knows about mutant resurrection. The question now is when. Maybe that’s the next big event? Either way, I think Duggan is humming now and I haven’t genuinely felt this enthusiastic for this X-MEN book in quite some time. Here’s also to hoping we get a better mix of characters in the future. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!