In a year or so I think we’re going to look back at this issue & say this was when MacKay put his mark on the X-Men. The first two issues were a good transition from Krakoa, but this issue felt like it was MacKay laying down the marker for the next chapter he wants to tell and I’m ready to eat it up faster than Cyclops ate a diner sandwich. I’m definitely getting more excited for this series after this issue, which was my favorite of the series so far!

Speaking of Cyclops, you can see MacKay finding a great voice for Scott here. The range of emotions we see him display throughout the issue payoffs with a gut punch in the final panel. Cyclops isn’t always the team lead I’d choose to follow first, but to say he doesn’t take things to heart is a half face lie. All of the recent actions are weighing on him & we can see he’s at a breaking point. What’s worse is that he feels like he has to hide it from his team. How is this going to impact his decision making process??

Outside of Cyclops’ development, I’m absolutely loving what MacKay is doing with Magik, & Juggernaut as capable comedic relief. However, I’ve especially loved Idie and she’s probably my favorite FTA character so far. Her story has been compelling & I hope we get to keep seeing her discover who she wants to be. I think we’re going to see her play a key role in Scott’s arc. Kid Omega is Kid Omega and Psylocke feels like the odd mutant out. Her upcoming solo title probably means she won’t be central to this story & I’m not sure we need 2 TKs anyways.

I wasn’t sold on Stegman’s art after the first two issues but boy did he sell me here. Every character design is crisper & looks great. Again, Idie steals the show with her badass look but Juggernaut’s new suit isn’t far behind. As has been the case in all 3 issues, the inks & color elevate Stegman’s pencils even further & the lettering kept dialogue easy to read. Combined, the art team produces a clean & energetic visual experience.
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