X-Men: From the Ashes Demons & Death #1 Is an Unexpected Pleasure of a Comic

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Currently, the X-Men find themselves in an unusual situation. The series “From the Ashes” has sparked debate among fans, with initial sales success giving way to a decline for many titles in the line. There have been numerous issues with “From the Ashes”, and it’s encountered significant setbacks. Nevertheless, there have been some hidden gems, and X-Men: From the Ashes: Demons and Death #1 is one such gem. This book contains two separate stories, both taking place during the time gap between the end of the Krakoa Era and “From the Ashes”. The first story delves into Havok’s tragic backstory before he joined the new X-Factor, while a tale featuring one of Wolverine’s deadliest foes, Omega Red, forms the second. This is classic, character-focused X-Men content, and it’s unfortunate that more of “From the Ashes” isn’t as engaging as this.

Alek Pacnadel penned the “Sentinels” miniseries, which was one of the standout entries from “From the Ashes,” and he demonstrates that talent in this book. The narrative continues where the Krakoa Era book “Dark X-Men” left off, addressing why Havok appeared normal in X-Factor #1 following his resurrection as a zombie by Madelyne Pryor. This story primarily follows K’yrb, a demon who was assisting Maddie with Havok, as he attempts to heal the unfortunate Summers brother. A balance of action and character is maintained throughout the story, and it reintroduces some classic X-Men characters such as N’astirh. Overall, it’s an engaging and emotionally resonant tale, well-paced and filled with intrigue. It offers a glimpse into the twisted dynamics of Maddie and Havok’s relationship, making for a captivating chapter in her ongoing saga. Paknadel delivers exceptional character development, and I would be thrilled to see him explore more of Madelyne Pryor’s story in future works. The first story is impressive, and I was convinced that the issue couldn’t get any better after finishing it.

In contrast, the second narrative centered around Omega Red stands out as more captivating. Omega Red is a character that’s difficult to empathize with due to his monstrous nature. As we delve deeper into his background, it appears that he only becomes more detestable. Remarkably, writer Paknadel successfully transforms Omega Red into a sympathetic figure through flashbacks, portraying the story of the sole individual who ever showed kindness towards him as he revisits his hometown in search of her. Naturally, events take a turn for the worse, allowing us to witness Omega Red as a relentless avenger. Paknadel skillfully provides an insight into Omega Red’s thoughts, prompting us to feel genuine empathy towards him. Action sequences abound, demonstrating the sheer terror that Omega Red can evoke. A pivotal moment arises when he reflects on how members of the Politboru labeled him as “righteous” derisively, but the narrative demonstrates that he harbors a sense of justice within him. Ultimately, both stories share a common theme – monstrous characters who committed heinous acts taking steps to rectify even greater wrongs.

Philip Selvy’s artwork plays a significant role in the comic book, with its weighty linework creating an ominous atmosphere that fits perfectly. Although his designs for demons and zombie Havok could be improved upon in the first tale, they effectively enhance the narrative. The Polaris demon is particularly impressive, and Selvy does a commendable job portraying Maddie and Polaris when they appear. There seems to be an issue with the printing process affecting the linework on Maddie’s character, but it only affects her, which is peculiar. Despite this minor setback, Selvy’s page layout and attention to detail provide the story with captivating visuals overall.

In the second tale, the artwork matches the writing, excelling over the first. The flashbacks feature a charming sepia hue, skillfully executed by colorist Arthur Hesli (who consistently delivers vibrant colors across the issue). Hesli does an impressive job of portraying the script’s sadness in this narrative, as well as the despair characteristic of Soviet life, which significantly contributes to its mood. Selvy effectively depicts Omega Red’s intricacy, offering readers a fresh perspective on the character. The action sequences in this story are impressive, a testament to Selvy and Hesli’s talent, who demonstrated their prowess in rendering fights during the first tale.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’ve finished this captivating issue and can’t help but express my desire to see Al Ewing, Ram V, and Adriano Lucas collaborate on either a Maddie or Omega Red storyline. Initially, my anticipation was low, but with each turn of the page, I found myself pleasantly surprised. The title Demons & Death seems fitting for this masterpiece, as it delves deep into the darker realms of emotions, particularly a poignant sadness that stems from shattered love. This book is a must-read, offering a unique blend of melancholy and suspense that X-Men fans will undoubtedly appreciate. While “From the Ashes” might lean too heavily on nostalgia at times, this book manages to strike the perfect balance with its character-centric focus – a trait that truly embodies the essence of what makes the X-Men so beloved.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

X-Men: From the Ashes: Demons & Death #1 is on sale now.

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2025-06-25 17:46