Tom Muller

PopCultHQ received an advance review copy of WAY OF X #1 from Marvel Comics. Available April 21st, the creative team for this book features writing by Si Spurrier, art from Bob Quinn, and colors by Java Tartaglia, and letters by Clayton Cowles.

Here is PopCultHQ’s Spoiler-Free Review of…

COVERS

WAY OF X #1

Writer: Si Spurrier
Artist: Bob Quinn
Colorist: Java Tartaglia
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Design: Tom Muller

Cover Artists:
Cover A: Giuseppe Camuncoli w/ Marte Gracia
Cover B: Terry Dodson w/ Rachel Dodson
Cover C: Federico Vicentini w/ Erick Arciniega (Wraparound Variant)
Cover D: Tom Muller
Cover E: Skottie Young

THE WAY TO THE FUTURE OF X!

Mutantkind has built a new Eden… but there are serpents in this garden. Some mutants struggle to fit in. Some mutants turn to violence and death. And the children whisper of the Patchwork Man, singing in their hearts…Only one mutant senses the looming shadows. Snared by questions of death, law and love, only NIGHTCRAWLER can fight for the soul of Krakoa. Only he – and the curious crew he assembles – can help mutants defeat their inner-darkness and find a new way to live. The WAY OF X.

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
WAY OF X #1

Writing: 

Krakoa, the living island, religion, Crucible, the Patchwork Man, and Nightcrawler struggling with the moral ramifications of resurrection. There are a lot of dynamics put in place in this premiere issue, but writer Spurrier gives each of them enough attention to whet your appetite and have you craving for more. Typically, you are used to having one main narrative for which an issue is based. But with WAY OF X #1, it’s rife with side-narratives, really adding to the experience for the reader. More bang for your buck.

I really enjoy the layout of Si’s storytelling. His pacing, coupled with the dynamics he’s allowed to play with, was delivered well and had a hearty feel. He’s not taking something and stretching it out the entire issue. He’s building and expanding this universe, he’s exploring new grounds, and showcasing the heart of Kurt Wagner.

Art: 

Nightcrawler has never looked better! Artist Bob Quinn shows in WAY OF X #1 how committed, how invested he is in this title. He gives the characters enjoyable qualities; his attention to detail and spot-on facial expressions are a sight to behold. Bob doesn’t skimp on the backgrounds in any of the panels, drawing out this world, this environment. He is really shaping the lush landscape of Krakoa, so much so that it resonates with a sense of peace and safety. A place where you can fully accept this living island as a safe haven for those with the X-gene.

It also feels as if Quinn not only wants to provide high-quality illustrations, but he seems to be having fun drawing these characters and really in his element amongst mutants. Bob gives such definition, breathes so much life in this Nightcrawler’s team, that you cannot help but get excited for the future of this series.

Colors: 

Colorist Java Tartaglia was a brilliant choice to be a part of this creative team. All throughout this book, everything felt right. The right tone, ambience, lighting. It never distracted, only complimented and lifted up Quinn’s linework. Tartaglia has such an eye for highlighting, accentuating, and giving life to everything on the pages. Java helps you feel when there’s excitement, when a specific emotion should be experienced. I’ve looked ahead and seen that Quinn is illustrating issues two and three of WAY OF X. Here’s to hoping Tartaglia’s colors continue to grace the pages of this series. It’s truly top-notch.

Letters: 

Clayton Cowles has exceptionally provided the characters in WAY OF X with voices the reader can hear. From placing emphasis throughout the dialogue to aid in the tone of each person’s voice, to beautifully stacked dialogue bubbles, as well as guiding the reader’s eyes with his placements, the letterer delivers another instance of the importance of good lettering.

He also had the luxury of Quinn’s smart layout, which appear to give the letterer ample room for dialogue placement without detracting from any significant imagery. Between the noises created by Nightcrawler & Blink’s teleportation abilities and the moments of intense sound effects, Cowles put his signature style all over WAY OF X #1. A class act by an industry professional, Clayton is an asset to any creative team.

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

WAY OF X #1 makes for a great entry or jump-on point for readers unfamiliar with the last few years of X-titles. It establishes the story right away and is interspersed throughout with a variety of components which will build in subsequent issues. The team assembled by Nightcrawler could make for some interesting dynamics over the next couple of issues.

WAY OF X #1 features a number of cutaways, transitions featuring written excerpts, newspaper stories, field notes, and other Krakoan information. These are nice, informative transitions and add a layer to an already jam-packed issue. You will also find plently of juicy morsels between the covers of this debut issue, little teases which raise questions as well as pique your interest. If the delivery continues at this level of excellence, WAY OF X could be a defining chapter regarding mutantkind.

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

4.5 out of 5 Stars

Purchase WAY OF X #1 Online:

Publisher – Marvel Comics

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