New Mutants #14 is a strong debut for Ayala on the book. They give the team a new purpose, one they are perfectly suited for, and the choice to bring in the Shadow King is very nice. Something came to him in his youth and brought him into the Astral Plane could it be someone from Arrako? Who is the mystery man that haunts Karma? These are great questions that Ayala's script asks. Reis's art is good throughout. His action scenes look good but aren't extremely dynamic. Nevertheless, his character acting is top-notch. New Mutants #14 is a great fresh start for the team. Read Full Review

While New Mutants #14 doesn't offer a complete restart of the series, it still presents a new, yet familiar, purpose for this team of mutants. Vita Ayala and Rod Reis craft an issue that shows off mutant powers in some dynamic ways that will hopefully get even more creative as the story progresses. For those fans that are looking for a traditional X-Men experience to anchor the journey Jonathan Hickman has put the franchise on, Ayala and Reis offer an exciting refuge. Read Full Review

The sheer volume of fan favourites alone made up for the use of the name Scout and Rahnes re-emerging pack power. And the action packed training sequence was topped only by the tease of what Shadow King is up to. This is definitely keeping me on the edge of my seat. Read Full Review

A new creative team guides the team to the future! Read Full Review

This issue is a strong start for Ayala and Reis and a great jumping-on point for anyone enjoying this era of X-Men that isn't already aboard the series. Read Full Review

The potential is there. I can see it scratching at the surface and Ayala has some great pieces to work with within this week's NEW MUTANTS tale. However, there was a huge focus on tons of little mutants that meant very little to me. Read Full Review

Along with the incoming Ayala, ongoing artist Rod Reis returns for this weeks issue, and its more than welcome. His Sienkiewicz-esque style has been a huge part of the books appeal since it began last year, and the issues without him have really suffered from his absence. His work here is especially fitting since this issue also features the return of the Shadow King, who notably appeared in the original New Mutants run drawn by the aforementioned Bill Sienkiewicz, which makes for a full-circle revelation. I hope Reis remains the regular artist moving forward, because his art is just too gorgeous and expressive to miss out on (his Warlock is spot-on and presents exactly the kind of weirdness you want for the character). Read Full Review

Vita Ayala and Rod Reis kick off their run on New Mutants with a strong opening issue. They show a clear understanding of the voices and powers of this rather large cast of mutants. The unique dynamic that different cast members share is well worked into the story in New Mutants #14. Adding in Shadow King to the story does creates interest in what will happen in this series in the immediate future along with the long-term sub-plots introduced in this issue. Read Full Review

Ayala and Reis are shaping up to be a good comic book duo. I'm a big fan of Rob Reis' ability to produce these watercolor-like images in addition to the super clean and defined panels you see here and there. New Mutants #14 is great setup for the adventures that are in store for these youngins. This comic also lays the groundwork for the impending traitorous ways of some mutants in the mists. Read Full Review

Let us be honest, there have been several significant changes, to what was originally promised for Krakoa. The reasoning behind why some of those promises don't make any sense. The changes are apparently a major source of stress, so the Quite Council found it best to give them something to do, like training. Read Full Review

Great start of a new era. I felt like this series is finally clicking to what it's going to be. I dig the new direction. Putting this in my pull list and in for the ride. The art was also a great fit for the story. I felt like this issue had a good grasp of the old familiar characters and created some interesting new ones. I recommend picking this up if you love a X-Men tale that feels familiar but full of so much new possibilities.

I think this was a fantastic comeback! So excited for the next installment.!

This is the course correction and hopefully a newer direction these characters need. Ayala seems to be right for this book. Rod Reis makes it so enjoyable too. Reis's art style and colors are spot on for this young cast and he delivers an awesome experience.

Very good issue it was a fun read and I loved the art. I also loved that scout was in it

I was concerned about Vita Ayala taking over, but they're actually a good fit. This series was easily the most turbulent of the Dawn of X books, but hopefully this new direction stabilizes the title for Reign of X.

Teen-Mutant-Titans

The classic New Mutants find themselves volunteered as teachers for the younger generation. It's a very simple set-up, but the character work is terrific and there's more than a little humor. Magik is the star, but I'm also delighted to see Scout (aka Gabby aka Honey Badger) back and handled well. I have a conflicted reaction to the art. I love the blocking, the colors, a lot of the faces. But the linework is so very improvable!

Pretty okay issue. Way better than Brisson's stories about Beak's father or Glob Herman and his chickens preaching sermons.

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mylosh - Dec 16, 2020

comment deserves a 10 rating hahaha

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I liked the art.

Awful "X of Swords" is finally over and the new creative team can focus on storylines that actually matter. Not much happened here, but we'll see what's next for the young Mutants and the Shadow King, who's obviously plotting something sinister.

Art was simply incredible, but very little plot for a third of the book, and there was some pretty bad dialogue.

It seems unwise to stuff all the young Mutants into a book that should just be for the New Mutants. They’re all fighting for page time and this one didn’t even have Roberto, Sam, Amara or Doug. What makes New Mutants great is the dynamic among the classic cast, whereas Ayala is including Scout, ostensibly because she really likes writing her and not because she fits at all.

The New Mutants as mentors to the young kids is hackneyed, done and dusted, sorry. But there’s potential for improvement.

New Mutants
Volume: 4, Issue: 14
“Welcome to the Wild Hunt”

Publisher: Marvel @marvel
Writer: Vita Ayala @definitelyvita
Artist: Rod Reis @rodreis
Letters: Travis Lanham
Cover Artist: Rod Reis

Finding the younger mutants of Krakoa lacking direction and focus, the New Mutants have taken it upon themselves to take the next generation of mutants under their wing. A training exercise between squads ultimately leads to questions of resurrection. Particularly in regards to clones, as Honey Badger questions why others like herself, Evan or Madelyne Prior, have yet to return. Following their training a group retreats to the woods to share their experiences with the eagerly awaiting Shadow King!

Even given the inhabitants of Krakoa, I find myself surprised at Shadow King being welcomed, given his history with Xavier. Or Storm and Psylocke for that matter. But I guess as they say, Krakoa is for all mutants. Not much occurs here besides Shadow King’s introduction but the introduction of training squads makes me hopeful that a lot of less popular characters will be gracing the pages soon.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
Reviewed by: @meanadam of The Comic Book Club on Instagram
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