Magik is powerless in Vanaheim and still looking for Curse! Can Magik’s team protect the realm from the growing conflict? Find out in Realm of X #2 by Marvel Comics!
REALM OF X #2 (OF 4)
Writer: Torunn Gronbekk
Artist: Diogenes Neves
Colorist: Rain Beredo
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Editor: Lauren Amaro
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: September 27th, 2023
Previously in Realm of X: Charles Xavier forced every mutant to go through portals during the Hellfire Gala. Magik, Dust, Typhoid Mary, Mirage, and Marrow found themselves in Vanaheim and were taken in by a group of Vanier warriors. They are also part of a prophecy that heralds a coming war, and to make matters worse, Magik’s powers aren’t working. The group looks for Curse while trying to figure out this new prophecy. However, unknown to them, Curse is in the clutches of the White Witch, Saturnyne.
Realm of X #2 furthers Saturnyne’s plan, who is manipulating Curse to want to help her. Since her powerset is so powerful, Curse could potentially repair the Starlight Citadel. Meanwhile, Magik studies in the library to find information about the prophecy while Marrow, Mirage, and Dust look for Curse. Typhoid Mary kills time by learning to fight with a long sword, but not much happens, and she grows impatient. The crew, however, decides to infiltrate a citadel in hopes of finally getting answers. However, since Magik’s powers aren’t working, they ask her to stay behind. Dejected, Magik leaves letters for her fellow mutants and runs away while the rest push into the Citadel.
I struggled with Realm of X #2 because not much happens. I get some insight into the antagonist’s motivation and Magik’s characterization, but it just sits here to provide information to set up future issues. The cast of characters in this book is so dynamic that it feels like a shame to not have more activity for the characters here. I think there are opportunities for more interpersonal connections or further conflict between the heroes and Saturnyne. Instead, we focus more on Man versus Self and Magik’s journey to determine what is wrong with her powers. The artwork is excellent here, and I think there are significant line details, but I am waiting for something to happen.
There is a ton of potential in Realm of X #2 that seems to set up future issues, and thus, this almost feels like it is being set up as a trade rather than a single issue. But because I am reading this monthly, the story falls behind and feels out of sync. I’m sure I’ll read the next issue, but I’m unsure if I’ll continue reviewing this title due to pacing concerns. With that in mind, Realm of X #2 gets 3 out of 5 stars.
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Realm of X #2
Realm of X #2 works in the scheme of a larger story, but as a standalone, not much happens.
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Writing5
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Art7
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Coloring6
Christopher Rondeau is a storyteller based in Tulsa, OK. Finding himself with little work, he ended up creating a job as a Game Master full time on the internet. Chris spends most of his days reading everything he can, writing bad fiction, and watching old Digimon cartoons with his daughter. Sometimes you can find him Dungeon Mastering a podcast or streaming on twitch. Recently, he has completed his Master's degree with a focus on collaborative storytelling. Find out more at https://rondeaucreator.com