The X-Men’s new Krakoa era has radically reinvented the status quo for Marvel’s mutants. Since the Jonathan Hickman-masterminded relaunch that started with House of X/Powers of X, various creative teams have had the opportunity to help establish the mutant nation. In Way of X #1, writer Si Spurrier brings his psychological storytelling back to the X-Men, following Nightcrawler as he grapples with the implications of what it means to create a mutant society and burgeoning religion. With Bob Quinn and Java Tartaglia on art and color duties, the creative team has crafted a thoughtful psychological exploration of one of the X-Men’s most beloved characters.
Mutants have a new idyllic home on the living island nation of Krakoa, having overcome death and mastered resurrection. However, these new attitudes toward life and death have left Kurt Wagner feeling uneasy. Kurt’s Catholic faith, his inherent empathy and the whispers of a mysterious “Patchwork Man” have him fearing something darker hides in the shadows. When Professor X asks him to investigate these rumors, Kurt embarks on the journey to help both Krakoa and his own conscience.
Nightcrawler’s faith has long been a core component of his character, but it has not always been handled with finesse. At its best, it informs his perception of the world and how he reacts to events. At its worst, it is a caricature compiled of empty signifiers. Spurrier handles it well, positioning Nightcrawler at odds with this seeming paradise by virtue of his faith, uncomfortable with the mythologies and rituals that have started popping up around resurrection. The creators thoughtfully illustrate Kurt’s reliance on prayer by including beautiful silent moments of Kurt clutching his rosary and praying at a makeshift altar.
Up to this point, Krakoa has largely been presented as a paradise, but Spurrier raises many questions. Krakoa’s ruling council is dominated by a number of villains or former villains, and from Kurt’s perspective, their violent ways have overshadowed the X-Men’s goals for peace. As he watches in horror when two different mutants willingly meet their violent death in this issue, it is hard not to identify with him. If death has no meaning, what value is there in life? Nightcrawler’s moral struggle is smartly contrasted against Magneto, another mutant whose faith has been a defining element of their character. Magneto, though, has largely forsaken that heritage in favor of violence and his mutant identity. The stark contrast contextualizes the drama at the heart of the series.
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Quinn’s art is perfectly suited to Spurrier’s character-focused story. Quinn is not only an excellent character actor, but he imbues panels with small details that bring pages to life. He also has an exceptional ability to amplify the story’s emotions through setting. As Nightcrawler walks through Krakoa, he is framed by laughing children, cuddling couples and beautiful vistas. By contrast, he sinks into shadow when listening in horror as children are taught about the ritual death-by-combat. Quinn is no slouch in action scenes either. He takes advantage of Nightcrawler’s unique acrobatic abilities and grounds the action by showcasing Kurt’s powers interacting with the environment.
Quinn is aided by Tartaglia’s subtle colors which shift between the cool hues of paradise to harsher warm colors during moments of violence. Toward the end of the issue, the pallette becomes desaturated and nearly gray, emphasizing the moral ambiguity against which Nightcrawler is struggling. Clayton Cowles’ letters are clear and work with the art to balance a lot of dialogue without becoming overbearing. The new X-Men signature design pages are a welcome addition and provide slick and eye-catching exposition compared to traditional narration.
Marvel’s X-Men books have been consistently strong lately, and Way of X has the makings to be one of the strongest yet. Spurrier has crafted an engaging character study for one of Marvel’s most beloved heroes. While there is the requisite superhero action, the heart of this book is a thoughtful psychological exploration brought to life with fantastic art. With plenty of mysteries left to uncover and big questions to grapple with, this issue will likely leave readers on the edge of their seat
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