NYX #1 Review: The Kids Are Alright

NYX #1 Review: The Kids Are Alright

As a long-time comic book enthusiast and avid gamer of Marvel’s X-Men universe, I was both excited and apprehensive about picking up the latest addition to their “From the Ashes” initiative: NYX #1. The image of Kamala Khan, AKA Ms. Marvel, gracing the cover in her mutant form piqued my interest, but I couldn’t help feeling a twinge of nostalgia for the gritty and often controversial themes present in the previous volumes of NYX.


As a big comic book fan, I can’t deny the excitement of diving into tales of teen superheroes. From DC’s Teen Titans and Young Justice to Marvel’s earliest X-Men iterations, these stories have captivated generations of readers like me. With the arrival of a new young adult title, such as NYX #1, there’s an intriguing challenge: attracting fresh comic book fans while satisfying those deeply rooted in the canon.

In the latest storyline, Ms. Marvel, or Kamala Khan, joins Prodigy’s mutant-centric educational program. With the help of Sophie Cuckoo and her superhero alter ego, Kamala experiences the challenges of being a mutant. As new friends like Anole and Wolverine (Laura Kinney) emerge in the aftermath of Krakoa, so do fresh enemies in this evolving world.

If you’re among the readers who were moved by the gritty portrayal of homeless and mutant life in the earlier editions of NYX set in New York City, your reaction to this new launch could vary. The grim and debatable topics from past storylines are swapped out for the fear and discrimination the characters encounter following Krakoa. In this installment penned by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, there are poignant scenes reflecting these sentiments, particularly concerning Kamala and the broader mutant community. However, these poignant moments make up a small portion of the issue’s brisk narrative – an approach that mirrors the confusion of growing up while leaving this particular edition feeling somewhat lightweight.

For those seeking an exciting new group of young heroes, NYX #1 presents its characters without a clear team formation. While there’s no fully-formed alliance by issue’s end, the foundation is laid for future connections that could be truly remarkable. The relationship between Kamala and Sophie stands out, as it authentically captures both characters while bringing back memories of beloved teen girl duos from my past.

Francesco Mortarino’s artwork brings the lively energy required by the script of NYX #1 to life, whether it’s in the grand superpowered clashes or the subtle fashion details of the characters. Small imperfections, such as odd facial expressions or insufficiently developed background elements, are hardly noticeable given the escalating events of the issue. Raul Angulo’s coloring imbues everything with vivid blues and golds while maintaining a strong sense of realism. Joe Sabino’s lettering is emotive and slightly cramped to reflect the enthusiasm in the dialogue of the comic’s main characters.

NYX #1 offers an engaging and somewhat subdued introduction to Marvel’s mutant teen years. The interactions between characters and the mounting tension promise a distinctive addition to Marvel’s X-Men relaunch, without drastically changing the established narrative. Similar to Marvel’s X-Men #1, there is commendable effort put into this debut issue, but it may not be enough to create a lasting impression.

Published by Marvel Comics

On July 24, 2024

Written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing

Art by Francesco Mortarino

Colors by Raul Angulo

Letters by Joe Sabino

Cover by Sara Pichelli and Federico Blee

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2024-07-24 17:09