After the deadly disaster of the Hellfire Gala, the X-Men scramble to regroup. Now, Kate Pryde sheds her name and returns to the identity of Shadowcat in X-Men #25 by Marvel Comics!

X-MEN #25

Writer: Gerry Duggan
Artist: Stefano Caselli
Colorist: Marte Garcia
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Editor: Jordan D. White
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $5.99
Release Date: August 2nd, 2023 

Previously in X-Men: The Hellfire Gala is a time to share mutant culture and innovation. The new X-Men team was announced, but Orchis attacked. Led by Doctor Stasis, they laced Krakoan medicine with a kill switch, and Nimrod killed Iceman and Jean Grey. They also forced Charles Xavier to send all mutants off-world, potentially to their deaths. However, some mutants resisted Xavier’s mind control and set up a resistance against Orchis. Jean Grey even created a false identity for Firestar as a member of Orchis before her demise.

In X-Men #25, we are shown glimpses of what happened to the remaining mutants through the eyes of Kate. Kate has resumed the role of Shadowcat and uses her training from the ninja Ogun for reconnaissance. During this time, we learn that Forge is in trouble off-world, the X-Men are collaborating with the Avengers, Emma Frost altered Kamala Khan’s family’s memories about her death, mutants are being sent to Mars, and Orchis has imprisoned Cyclops. Additionally, we learn about the rhetoric Dr. Stasis uses, and Feilong holds influence over the President of the United States.

Shadowcat hasn’t taken the situation well; previously unable to use a Krakoan Gate, she is now the only mutant who can, making her a valuable ally. When she initially fell through the Gate, she killed all the Orchis members to keep the secret, even those who surrendered. This marked her transition from a political leader and Red Queen to the killer Shadowcat. And now, she is on a mission to go after Firestar.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from X-Men #25. I didn’t know who survived the Hellfire Gala and who this issue would focus on. Watching Shadowcat detach from the rest of the world and become this borderline vigilante was captivating. Not only was I unprepared for it (I probably should have read the solicitation), but I found myself empathizing with her perspective. Having faced rough times in my life, I often fall back on that survival instinct, where I just need to keep my head low and persevere. While I doubt I’ll ever become a ninja in those moments, that feeling is relatable.

I’m thrilled that this comic concentrated on one central character with glimpses of others. This approach allowed me to emotionally connect with everyone by immersing myself in Shadowcat’s dilemma. The Ms. Marvel scene was nice, but had I not been emotionally attuned to the comic due to Shadowcat, I might not have appreciated that scene as much. Furthermore, the art and character designs remained consistent, the colors were vibrant, and the visuals were stimulating.

I crave more X-Men comics right now. I enjoy the complex ideas and am eager to know what happens next. With so many pieces in play, I’m enthusiastic to delve deeper and discover the forthcoming developments. Keeping that in mind, X-Men #25 deserves a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars, and I’ll be picking up every issue of the Fall of X storyline.

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X-Men #25

93%

93%

Hyped

X-Men #25 is an outstanding comic that emotionally engrosses me, leaving me wanting more.

• Writing

  10
• Art

  9
• Coloring

  9
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