There are a lot of comics out there, but some stand out head and shoulders above the pack. With “Don’t Miss This,” we want to spotlight those series we think need to be on your pull list. This week, we’re joining the X-Men for their latest struggle for survival in “Rise of the Powers of X.”
Who’s This By?
“Rise of the Powers of X” is written by Kieron Gillen, who’s written several different X-Men stories over the years, including “Uncanny X-Men” (starting in the aftermath of “Scism”), “Generation Hope,” and most recently, the events of “Immortal X-Men” and “Sins of Sinister.” However, his Marvel claim to fame also includes titles like “A.X.E.: Judgment Day,” “Star Wars: Doctor Aphra,” and of course, a highly praised run on “Journey Into Mystery.”
Outside of Marvel, Gillen has also written several critically acclaimed comics, including “The Wicked + The Divine,” “Once & Future,” and “DIE,” to make a few.
It’s illustrated by R.B. Silva, whose art has graced the pages of the “X-Men: Hellfire Gala,” as well as “Captain America: Symbol of Truth,” Kelly Thompson’s run on “Captain Marvel,” and Dan Slott’s run on “Fantastic Four.” On the DC side of comics, he’s provided the artwork for comics like “Superboy,” “World’s Finest,” and “Action Comics,” bringing his dynamic and detailed stylings to the Superman family.
The colors are by David Curiel, whose color work can also be seen in the pages of “Ultimate Black Panther” and “Resurrection of Magneto.” Readers may also recognize his bright, bold tones from “Rogue & Gambit,” “Red Goblin,” and of course, “Immortal X-Men.”
What’s it All About?
The X-Men are locked in their final battle against Orchis, but Orchis isn’t the only threat. Throughout the pages of the various X-titles, we’ve seen the four clones of Nathaniel Essex (including Mr. Sinister and Mother Righteous) attempt to achieve Dominionhood and transform into a being that transcends time and space. All of them failed – because the original Essex succeeded, and is now a Dominion known as Enigma.
Now a small group of mutants, consisting of Professor X and a select few, have to travel through time to prevent Moira from ever gaining her mutant powers, thus undoing the events that led to the creation of Enigma, but also the creation of Krakoa. All the while, they have to dodge Enigma across time, space, and outside of both those confines.
Oh, and of course Professor Xavier has a few secrets of his own, because that’s been his M.O. for a while now.
What Makes it So Great?
Honestly, I could probably just say “It’s a comic by Kieron Gillen” and that would be enough for many readers. Or I could say “It’s illustrated by R.B. Silva” and that would convince plenty of fans too. But the both of them together? Now that’s always going to be worth reading.
It’s important to credit this team, because what makes “Rise of the Powers of X” so great is the overarching story behind it and the artwork that brings it to life. This is a culmination of multiple X-Men storylines that have been building and intertwining over the years, taking place as part of and parallel to the team’s battle against Orchis across the pages of the other X-Men comics.
Kieron Gillen is a master storyteller, creating gripping narration and plots within plots that keep us entranced and guessing. His control of the pacing pulls readers from page to page effortlessly, and every moment is captured by Silva’s artwork and Curiel’s colors.
The overall concept of the story can be a little crazy, even by comic standards – we’re talking about traveling through time to an erased alternate reality to change history in a big way, while hiding outside of time and space to avoid a being that’s transcended it to exist everywhere and everywhen. But it’s presented with just the right pacing and exposition that we can still follow it all and get invested in the outcome, while still hitting us with some shocking twists.
All the while, the artwork remains stunning. R.B. Silva captures these larger than life moments and otherworldly scenes, along with detailed snapshots from across the X-Men’s history and the calmer moments of discussion, all with excellent panel composition and dramatic framing. Even the way characters are positioned on the panel adds emphasis to everything they say or do.
Continued belowAnd of course, David Curiel’s colors make every image explode off the page. There’s some great contrast between the dark backgrounds and bright lights across the comic, and scenes like Rasputin IV’s battle in space positively explode with cosmic colors and flares of energy. Often times pages are filled with a single shade across the scenery and background, allowing the characters to act as accents that stand out against it, keeping the page vibrant but our focus on the action.
In short: the writing is exemplary, the artwork is exceptional, and the color work is expert. It’s the best kind of X words all around for “Rise of the Powers of X.”
Where Can I Read it?
“Rise of the Powers of X” issue 3 is out in stores today, and can be found at your friendly local comic shop, as well as online at Marvel.com and Comixology. You can catch up with the previous two issues, as well as the connected “Fall of the House of X” story, wherever you buy your single issues.
