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 taking a look at the space-faring mutants of “S.W.O.R.D.” by Al Ewing, Valerio Schiti, and plenty of others at Marvel comics. While the silent council is busy building the mutant state of Krakoa, some choose to study the stars and beyond. Featuring an unlikely crew of explorers, a tough as nails return ng captain, and making their presence known by saving the world from a cosmic-level threat, the residents of “The Peak” are here to venture into the unknown and further the advancements of Mutantdom. If you like trekking through the stars, dealing with strange new worlds, and earning more about mutant technology, then ‘S.W.O.R.D.’ is the book for you! Join us as we tell you why you should give the Krakoan Space Administration a shot.
Who is this by?
Many people help keep “S.W.O.R.D.” exploring the cosmos, written by one of Marvel’s consistently best writers. Al Ewing (“The Immortal Hulk,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Empyre,” “We Only Find Them When They’re Dead”) is at the helm of the book, adding yet another dimension to his already expansive storytelling of Marvel’s cosmic universe. Ewing has successfully created an impressive tapestry of the politics of space, and adding another faction to the mix will only make things more interesting. Ewing already boasts an impressive number of “can’t miss” titles, and “S.W.O.R.D.” is quickly proving to be another entry onto the list.
But Ewing is just one piece of the cosmic puzzle. Joining him on art is Valerio Schiti (“Empyre,” “Tony Stark: Iron Man,” “War Of The Realms: Journey Into Mystery”), who has helped Ewing create the look and feel of Marvel’s space dimension. Schiti brings a nice balance of the stark, somewhat sterile interiors of The Peak with some truly trippy visualization of cosmic magic, like the folding of space and time, the far reaches of the universe, and the combination of mutant powers to make it all possible. Joining Schiti is Marte Garcia, who colors the book, giving each section of the Peak a distinct feel, matching the color of the department’s role in the ship. Schiti also gives characters some truly Trek-inspired costuming, which makes the whole setting work that much better.
What’s it all about?
“S.W.O.R.D.” follows the mutant space program, lead by Abigale Brand, on the recently reactivated space station “The Peak.” As Krakoa continues to grow in prominence and power, mutants are beginning to look to the stars. The team of “S.W.O.R.D.” there to explore the possibilities of the cosmic in the growing prominence of “homo superior.”
The problem is that just as “S.W.O.R.D.” is getting its footing, the space program has to fight Knull, the god of the symbiotes, who attacks and invades Earth. By using the combined powers of “mutant technology,” Brand, and her team saves not only Earth but the universe as well. With this initial threat out of the way, mutants are once again safely able to explore the galaxy (unless they are being sabotaged by threats both external and internal.)
What makes it so great?
It’s Al Ewing doing Star Trek but with X-Men, next question. Seriously, though, while “S.W.O.R.D.” is a relatively new series, it’s already doing a lot to make it stand out in the new “Reign of X” period of Krakoa. For one, it’s finding unique and interesting things to do with a mismatch of mutant characters. The book isn’t shy to suggest that some of the team members, Mentallo and Fabian Cortez, are far from the ideal choices to run a team, but Brand has to play with the hand dealt to her. While this isn’t true for all the team members, Armor, Manifold, and Frenzy, for example, are all competent professionals, but it gives an underlying challenge. Like most books from the mutant side of Marvel, Ewing’s use of infographics gives us insight into Brand’s mind, her challenges, her solutions. It’s an interesting way to get into the character’s mind and helps make her an interesting leader.
Honestly, Brand is one of the strongest pieces of the puzzle that makes “S.W.O.R.D.” so great. While she is a mutant, she is far from a true believer in Krakoa or the utopic nature of Xavier’s grand design. When you are in charge of protecting a whole planet for as long as Abigale Brand, distinctions like “human” and “mutant” seem to matter little. Ewing’s take on Brand is especially strong. She is calculating, a master planner, and because of this, she will play with whoever is giving her the best toys and the best promise of keeping Earth safe. For now, it’s the Quiet Counsel, but who knows who that might be in the future. In many ways, while this book features primarily mutant characters (and a very loveable Skrull), it feels like Ewing is continuing to build out his mythology of Marvel’s cosmic universe, which is quite exciting.
Finally, while “S.W.O.R.D.” did get messed up in ‘The King in Black’ event, it has presented some exciting ideas which explore some deeper aspects of mutant society, especially mutant technology. Ewing presents the idea that when powers combine, be it the complexity of the five’s resurrection to as simple as “the fastball special,” these combination of powers are akin to a computer program, pieces of a larger whole working together to do bigger and greater things. The first issue, watching the six traverse the larger galaxy, each using elements of their powers to aid one another, is incredibly powerful. Now that Knull is taken care of, it’s exciting to think about where we’re going to go next (even if there’s a traitor in their midst.) All in all, “S.W.O.R.D.” has all of the feelings of adventure and exploration as the best episodes of Star Trek, which is a strong premise for the next chapter of the mutant utopia.
How can you read it?
“S.W.O.R.D.” is published monthly by Marvel Comics and can be picked up at your local comic shop or can be read digitally on platforms like Comixology or Marvel Unlimited. The fifth issue of the series comes out this week, so there are no trade paperbacks of this title.
