Marvel’s X-Men comics are in a fascinating period right now where the multi-year epic of Krakoa is winding down to give way to a new X-Men story. “X-Men Red” has always occupied a unique spot in the Mutant line of comics. “X-Men Red” has fleshed out the planet of Arakko, the X-Men’s terraformed version of Mars. Recently, Apocalypse’s wife known as Genesis launched a massive assault on Storm and the X-Men of Arakko. The previous “X-Men Red” issue saw an entire living island rise up and fight. Will Storm and Apocalypse be able to fight back against Genesis and keep Arakko? Find out in our review of the epic finale to “X-Men Red,” issue #18!
Cover by Stefano CaselliWritten by Al Ewing
Illustrated by Yildiray Cinar
Colored by Federico Blee
Lettered by VC’s Ariana MaherFINAL BATTLE! Their armies have clashed – and torn a world apart. Now, finally, the two war leaders meet. Storm versus Genesis for the fate of the Red Planet – as the planet itself fights alongside them! Will Planet Arakko survive? And more – is the secret dream of En Sabah Nur about to come true…?
“X-Men Red” #18 kicks off on a horrifying note as Genesis utilizes the island of Arakko to battle Kaorak. Apocalypse previously used magic to raise Kaorak against Genesis and her forces. Genesis has a massive power upgrade herself with the sword Purity and the Staff of Annihilation. The opening battle between Storm and Genesis also teases a massive plot reveal that Ewing returns too before the issue ends. Throughout “X-Men Red” #18, the battle between Storm’s Kaorak and the Arakko belonging to Genesis is fascinating. Ewing has done a great job building the tension towards Genesis and Storm within recent issues of “X-Men Red.” Storm’s initial fight with Genesis is also haunting thanks to the immense power Genesis wields.
Artist Yildiray Cinar lends so much incredible shading to the figures. The massive battle between Arakko and Kaorak takes advantage of the fascinating anatomy for the hulking figures. Apocalypse’s face is drenched in shadow within so many panels to highlight the impressive work from colorist Federico Blee and the additional subtext with Al Ewing’s script. Cinar captured the epic but deadly fight between Jon Ironfire and The White Sword with gusto. Jon’s tense facial expressions and realization that he has to battle his friend is horrifying. Cinar works with so many characters in the huge supporting cast of the issue. It is incredible to see just how many figures Cinar is able to explore on one panel alone. Blee and Cinar’s sunset-soaked final pages lends a pleasant feeling to the end of the narrative. When Apocalypse looks at a seemingly endless blue horizon towards the end of the issue, the art team evokes a stirring sense of wonder. Thankfully, the morose final page covered in blood adds a sense of variety to “X-Men Red” #18.
“X-Men Red” #18 is a heartbreaking issue. There are a number of foreboding character deaths in the aftermath of the huge battle. Ewing also leaves a strong impact on Genesis and the rest of the Horseman of Apocalypse to make the final issue feel complete. It was also fantastic to get strong character beats for the massive supporting cast in the issue. Ora Serrata and The Fisher King have a brutal final exchange that pays off several intriguing plot threads seeded earlier in the series. The Fisher King has a great moment of triumph that pays off his recent transformation. The fight between Jon Ironfire and White Sword is an incredibly tense and harrowing scene for “X-Men Red” that pays off a long friendship with a deadly final scenario. Ewing leaves off on this storyline with a much-needed moment of hope in. The supernatural abilities that Ironfire and White Sword carry make their relationship intriguing.
Ewing has teased a sizable change of pace throughout “X-Men Red” for the Annihilation Staff. Ewing uses elements of science fiction to invert this plot thread for the series finale with the Staff. The way the Staff calls out moves and comments on the issue is also intriguing. Even though “X-Men Red” is on the fringes of Marvel’s X-Men publishing line, it still feels like the issue falls in line with comics like the recent “X-Men Hellfire Gala” 2023 #1 thanks to some of the strong pacing within the story. It was thrilling to see “X-Men Red” finish in a blaze of glory with a massive cliffhanger. The final page for “X-Men Red” opens up a huge story opportunity for a future comic book.
Thanks to a massive finale marking an end to The Genesis War, “X-Men Red” #18 feels like a strong send-off for the series. While I do think “X-Men Red” and the massive supporting cast would have greatly benefited from at least one more issue, I’m happy that Marvel was able to find great moments for the Mutants of Arakko. Small characters like The Fisher King even got a moment in the sun here within the finale. Marvel’s upcoming “Resurrection of Magneto” is just on the horizon for Storm. Will Ewing and artist Luciano Vecchio be able to take some of the best “X-Men Red” plot lines with them for the story? While Storm’s future ultimately looks bright the finale for “X-Men Red” charted an epic last battle in The Genesis War!
Final Verdict: 8.0 – “X-Men Red” #18 ends a strong series with a blaze of glory!
