Xavier and his carefully selected team are trying to stop Enigma by preventing the tenth life of Moira X and the creation of Krakoa itself. Find out what happens in Rise of the Powers of X #2 by Marvel Comics!

THE RISE OF THE POWERS OF X #2

Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: R.B. Silva  
Colorist: David Curiel  
Letterer: Clayton Cowles  
Editor: Jordan White  
Publisher: Marvel Comics  
Cover Price: $4.99  
Release Date: February 21st, 2024   

Previously in Rise of the Powers of X: Mutantkind established their nation on the living mutant island of Krakoa. Krakoa was destroyed by Orchis and forced mutantkind into hiding while allowing the original Nathaniel Essex to ascend to dominion status. Now mutantkind must fight against Orchis and Nathaniel Essex, Enigma, by killing Moira X.

The Rise of the Powers of X #2 starts us from the perspective of Enigma, who is searching for Xavier and whatever he is doing. This provides some context on where Xavier is, a place called “No-Place” outside time and space. Enigma sends out his Arachno Sentinels to search for Xavier. Meanwhile, Rachel, Cypher, Xavier, and Rasputin IV try to figure out how to save the world. Xavier is determined to kill Moira X but doesn’t want to let Rachel Summers know, and Rasputin IV considers those implications. Cypher pilots No-Place but seems angry and takes out that anger on the imprisoned Mother Righteous. Rachel assembled a team to make sure that Xavier could get to Moira.

However, No-Place is attacked, and Rasputin IV defends it, but she is overwhelmed. Cypher’s piloting allows them to get to safety, but time is running out, and Enigma has more plans for Xavier.

This is such a complicated storyline that I am delighted we took an issue to allow the characters to talk it out. The Rise of the Powers of X #2 is designed to set up a restart of the timeline. It will make it so the Krakoan era does not exist, and all these shenanigans will never happen. The concept is complicated to explain within the word count of a comic book. And lately, we have been rushing while suffering specific continuity errors. At the very least, I understand the reasoning behind some of the chaos. Even though we have slowed down the story’s pacing, this comic is filled with words. Kieron Gillen is known for complicated storylines, but this reads twice as slow as the average Marvel comic due to the sheer word count. How do you tackle the implications of killing a child before they are evil and enacting the famous Trolley Problem within a miniseries? Despite that, the idea is fascinating, and I’m glued to discovering what happens next.

The line work is good here, but because I am overwhelmed by the dialogue bubbles, that almost takes precedence over the art. I often look past the script to comprehend the page’s details. This is undoubtedly a comic that is meant to be read slowly.

Man, so much of this event is left, but I am about ready to be done. I want desperately to see what happens after the Krakoan age, but there is so much story to explain. And Orchis was a tangible enemy, but Enigma is a nebulous concept. He is too powerful and isn’t human enough to be relatable. So, I’m ready to move past him as the villain. I give 3.5 out of 5 stars to Rise of the Power of X #2.

---

Dear Spoilerite,

At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

Rise of the Powers of X #2

70%

70%

Almost Done

Rise of the Powers of X #2 slows us down to be a little more understanding of the complex themes, but even still, the story and art can be overwhelming.

• Writing

  7
• Art

  7
• Coloring

  7
• User Ratings (0 Votes)
  0