Marvel’s Mutants are finally getting ready to end the multi-year Krakoan-based plot threads and move onto the “From the Ashes” storyline. However, in the lead-up to this massive change in focus for the X-Men, Marvel is still looking to sunset the Krakoan era of comic books with style. In recent issues of “X-Men” Marvel’s Mutants have been fighting to get their vengeance on the anti-Mutant group called Orchis. After being caught by surprise during The Hellfire Gala, the final days of Krakoa appear to be based on the X-Men getting their revenge! Will Mutants like Emma Frost and Cylops take things too far in “X-Men” #33? Also, how do the surprising return of Doctor Doom’s Mutants factor into the issue?
Cover by Joshua Cassara and Guru-eFXWritten by Gerry Duggan
Illustrated by Joshua Cassara
Colored by Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Lettered by VC’s Clayton CowlesX-MEN X-SSEMBLE! If there were ever a time to rally the troops and take the fight to the enemy, it’s NOW! Stand side by side with the X-Men as they head for their final stand! They can’t stop ALL of us!
Writer Gerry Duggan has crafted interesting opening scenes for recent issues of “X-Men” and this latest chapter is no exception. Duggan dives directly into the shifting allegiances of Sebastian Shaw while checking on the dangerous new status quo for Callisto. The tension looms high in these first couple of pages filled with mysterious Reavers and antagonists of the X-Men. Following this sequence, readers pick up on an interesting telepathic speech from Mutant Emma Frost where she addresses the state of Marvel’s X-Men. Seeing references towards the antagonist of Captain Krakoa from “Uncanny Avengers” is an interesting way for Gerry Duggan to tie his X-Men comics together. The setting of “X-Men” #33 fuels tons of interesting subplots in the issue involving characters like Sebastian Shaw’s son Shinobi and the dangerous Reavers. The way Duggan and Cassara cleverly shake up the cast of characters between issues of X-Men helps keep the comic book feeling really fresh despite the fact that this series is more than two dozen issues in.
“X-Men” #33 features beautiful artwork with Joshua Cassara that is realized so beautifully in a sequence where Wolverine is fighting against Orchis. The way Cassara is able to depict the negative space to show off Logan’s dangerously effective approach to violence is cathartic. Color artist Romulo Fajardo Jr. is also a great fit for Cassara, Fajardo Jr.’s red hues for Orchis ratchet up the tension of the comic book beautifully. Moments like close-ups on Emma Frost’s blue lipstick wonderfully communicate the complicated tone of “X-Men” trough a singular visual cue. Cassara is able to depict Kitty’s hair in a way that loops around her forehead to capture the disheveled nature of the ‘Fall of X’ storyline and the effect it has on the Mutant characters.
Some of Cassara’s work towards the final pages are the among the best visuals. The way that Cassara draws the mysterious Sentinel City highlights the seemingly limitless amount of space in present in the hanger. There’s a beautiful panel taking up most of the page packed with Doom’s Mutants and some of our X-Men heroes like Forge and Emma Frost. Cassara makes sure to pack a big and bold expression for each of the nine characters featured in the ambitious comic book panel.
“X-Men” #33 is also an issue packing tons of clever reveals and big character moments. The surprisingly plotting that leads the X-Men back to Doctor Doom and his team of Mutants is clever. In addition to tying comic books like “Uncanny Avengers” into the narrative, Duggan is also using recent issues of “Fall of the House of X” to inform the final days of Krakoa and craft a more cohesive vision for the X-Men line the latest chapter of the comic book title.
Duggan’s work with Cyclops during the Fall of X initiative has been incredibly creative. The way that Dr. Alia Gregor led Scott towards the “Sentinel City” division of Orchis feels like it is manifesting the future of the franchise. Also, Duggan finds a surprising character to tie back into this narrative that also echoes select threads from “House of X” and “Powers of X” beautifully. Also, the location changes from Latveria to Madripoor also beautifully highlight the international feeling for this X-Men comic book run.
In the final stages of the X-Men’s Krakoa saga, the main “X-Men” series has functioned as a companion series to the rest of the line. Thankfully, with sharp characterization and clever, rich artwork from Joshua Cassara, “X-Men” still works beautifully as an ongoing series. The way Duggan and Cassara constantly switch the roster of characters in this era of X-Men feels incredibly refreshing. With the immense number of plot threads spotlighted in “X-Men” #33 I’m really hoping that Marvel will be able to find a way to neatly wrap up the Krakoan era for the X-Men soon. “X-Men” #33 is a great showcase for how many different characters and locations the late stage-Krakoan comic book titles have spotlighted for readers.
Final Verdict: 8.0 – “X-Men” #33 is a clever issue breaking up the monotony of recent issues by setting the action in Madripoor.
