While Cyclops spends the night in jail, the younger X-Men take advantage of the break and head out on their own. Their mission? Revenge on the social-media thrilkillers, the Upstarts! Can Jen overcome her fear and embrace her new self? Or will she begin to tread a dark road of her own?
Diaz delivers beautiful art throughout the issue. The imagery is wonderfully detailed and enhances the thrills of the story. Read Full Review
With Cyclops away, Magik decides to play. The result turns deadly as her team walks head-on into danger. MacKay spotlights the evolution of a new mutant with the writing. Diaz and the art team balance the conflict with the huge emotions weighing in. Action, Drama and Heroics.. What else could you want more from the X-Men? Read Full Review
X-Men #21 doesnt offer grandiosity or sweeping arcs. Instead, it delivers a compact, emotionally driven chapter, focused less on cosmic threats and more on personal reckoning. Its the kind of story that values atmosphere, tone, and character tensionhighlighting how quick decisions can feel heroic and dangerous at the same time. If you're looking for introspective energy and art that crackles with urgency, this issue is a gripping stop on the new X-Men ride. Read Full Review
X-Men #21 delivers a satisfying mix of spectacle and heart, spotlighting Starkey's growth while laying groundwork for the upcoming Age of Revelation. It's both a reminder of how fun a well-orchestrated fight comic can be and a sign that MacKay and Diaz have bigger, more emotional stories in store. Read Full Review
My favorite new mutant of the From the Ashes era gets a spotlight issue and I'm pleased as peach. Read Full Review
X-Men #21 succeeds in its primary goal of making Jen a true member of the X-Men. It has clear strengths, including a strong character arc for Jen Starkey and a well-written conversation between her and Quinten. The art team's visuals also enhance these moments. The interesting and surprising ending is another redeeming quality. Read Full Review
X-Men #21 delivers a serviceable continuation of the ongoing Upstarts saga, offering a few compelling character beats amidst its action. While the emotional core of Jennifer Starkey's past is a notable highlight, the narratives quick pivot to combat might feel rushed to some. The art remains a consistent strength, portraying characters and action with clarity, though the villains' operational details could use more visual fleshing out. Its a solid entry, but one that largely relies on previous installments to maintain its momentum, ultimately offering more of what fans expect rather than groundbreaking surprises. Read Full Review
That was an incredible issue, especially the writing. MacKay gets the X-Men. He gets psychology. I loved how he portrayed Juggernaut. That last scene showed that even if a former villain reforms, even if they're doing better and legit turned a corner, the person they used to be isn't gone. It's not a relapse, it's not a return to evil, it just showed that they're wired different. They're capable of things that "traditional" heroes aren't, and that's good characterization. I hope next issue there's a brief scene with Magik asking him if he's ok or something just to check on him and he's like "I'm good. Had to be done." and that's the end of it. Magik and Juggernaut are my favorite buddy pair in comics right now.
The art w more
Very weird writing
Uninteresting story, cringey dialogue and bad artwork as usual. The fact that the Upstarts are lowering their security walls just when the X-Men are looking for them is just bad writing. Extra minus points for the inclusion of the lamest villain of all, f*cking Sugar Man.
The only redeeming quality of this issue is Jen’s character development, although we’ve had similar character arcs in the past that were handled better by more capable writers than McKay.
Some people wondered why I’m still reading this book. It’s an understandable question. The answer is, because I love the X-Men and it’s hard to let go of something that once was great.
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