Cyclops’ trial is imminent, and the X-Men prepare to confront Orchis. However, Talon and Synch must face the High Evolutionary once again in X-Men #30 by Marvel Comics!
X-MEN #30
Writer: Gerry Duggan
Artist: Phil Noto
Colorist: Phil Noto
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Editor: Jordan White
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 17th, 2024
Previously in X-Men: After Orchis’ assault on the Hellfire Gala, Synch and Talon lead the remaining X-Men team, aided by allies like Iron Man, Gold Goblin, Spider-Man, and Firestar, who operate as a double agent. Despite this, many mutants are still missing, and Cyclops is held captive by Orchis, awaiting a public trial and possible execution. Orchis also poses a threat with a backdoor in Krakoan medicine that can kill anyone who has taken it.
X-Men #30 delves into Cyclops’ mental health, featuring dreams of Jean Grey while his therapist sets him up for a sham trial. Meanwhile, the X-Men and allies strive to stop the kill switch in Orchis’ laced drugs. The X-Men remember that the High Revolutionary possesses a bioweapon to implement a sterilizing antidote for humanity, and the team splits up to do their various missions. Iron Man briefs Firestar on the plan while Talon and Synch head to Counter-Earth. The story reveals glimpses of their relationship in the Vault and shows their love for each other after all these years. They then find the bioweapon and prepare to fight the High Revolutionary. The High Revolutionary kills Talon, and Synch uses Jean Grey’s powers to absorb Talon’s consciousness, promising to save her. The High Revolutionary spares Synch, and he returns home with the bioweapon.
X-Men comics have been somber lately, with the team facing numerous tragedies. X-Men #30 continues this trend, and while the romance of Synch and Talon may not be a focal point for some readers, the parallel between Cyclops and Jean Grey adds emotional weight. The issue raises questions about the moral cost of the mutants’ actions and their preparations for the survival of the Krakoan people. I almost feel like I need a break from X-Men comics because of how heavy all these themes are. Despite the serious themes, the engaging writing and well-executed art stand out. The High Revolutionary’s design is fantastic, and the story of Talon and Synch may prompt a revisit to older storylines. Great work by the creative team overall.
Despite knowing the outcome of Cyclops’ trial, this issue narratively precedes it. The publication schedule may disrupt the overall pacing of the event, but X-Men #30 is well-written and well-drawn but might feel too melancholic for those following the Fall of X event. Nevertheless, X-Men #30 deserves 3.5 out of 5 stars, considering the engaging narrative and art.
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X-Men #30
X-Men #30 goes into dark themes that disrupt the pacing of the overall event. Despite that, this comic as a singular issue is well-written and well-drawn.
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Writing6
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Art8
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Coloring7
1 Comment
“ Great work by the creative team overall.”
Not so fast. Noto’s art is always nice, but there are too many problems with this issue to get this kind of praise. Odd pacing for sure, and not just because it’s out of sequence. This review ignores the most glaring offence, which is that it completely fails to follow up on the cliffhanger from the previous issue. Duggan has consistently missed with this book. For instance, Rasputin cannot fly, she was very specifically not given the power of flight, and yet she is shown flying twice in recent Duggan issues. Are the editors asleep?