In this review of NYX #1, Kamala Khan braves telekinetic supervillains, social-media bigots, and worse yet… being late for class.
NYX #1
Writer: Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing
Art: Francesco Mortarino
Colors: Raúl Angulo
Main Cover by: Sara Pichelli
Variant Covers: Pablo Villalobos, Rogê Antônio, Artgerm, Todd Nauck, Rickie Yagawa
Release Date: July 24, 2024
[[NO SPOILERS]] – NYX #1
The dynamic duo of writers Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing revive the NYX line of the early 2000s with a refreshing, modern gusto. The first issue of NYX (one of four brand-new, ongoing X-Men series) follows fan-favorite Kamala Khan – a young, bright-eyed hero from New Jersey – as she faces her biggest challenge yet: college. Between lecture halls and battlefields, Kamala has her work cut out for her.
Following in the footsteps of Claremont’s X-Men, NYX is inherently political in an era that can’t avoid politics. The examined prejudice of mutant-kind is akin to the topical headlines one might see today: a marginalized group that struggles against racism, xenophobia, and nationalism. What sets NYX apart, however, is witnessing these familiar X-Men themes brought into the present, one in which social media and cultural consciousness are so present in our lives. In other words, while themes of oppression have always been prevalent in X-Men literature, never before has it been seen through a contemporary 21st-century Gen-Z lens.
Bolstered by an ensemble cast of young mutants (including Sophie Cuckoo, Anole, Prodigy, and Laura Kinney’s Wolverine), NYX makes a play for both a more contemporary era and, presumably, a younger readership – without sacrificing its pace or maturity. Kelly and Lanzing’s intent is evident from the jump, as a brief intro on page one ends with “This is mutant community. This is mutant pride. This is NYX.” Then, a full-page letter to the audience closes out the issue, a beautiful ode to the value of X-Men in their lives and the desired effect of bringing their take to it.
Kelly and Lanzing are not alone in their efforts. Especially rewarding to this friendly neighborhood reviewer is artist Francesco Mortarino’s vibrant depiction of my hometown, New York City – particularly the attention to detail in local landmarks like the GW Bridge, The Vessel, and the climactic battle at Hudson Yards. [[insert page 21-22]] Raúl Angulo assists with vivid colors in dramatic locations like funky Lower East Side nightclubs or high-tech lecture halls.
Furthermore, a great deal of care is clearly taken by the creative team (led by executive editor Tom Brevoort) toward bringing in new readership. No prior knowledge is necessary; many of the core characters are lesser-known to even die-hard comic fans. Nonetheless, aficionados are rewarded for their diligence, as previous runs (like the Krakoan Age storyline) are referenced but not intrinsic. Lastly, they offer a printed checklist of the new X-Men series with a blurb written about each story and creative team. NYX offers the rare extended hand to would-be readers looking to jump in.
NYX #1 is a lot like the first day of a new school year: exciting, with lots of new faces, and full of potential!
Marvel Comics provided The Comic Book Spot with an advance copy of this comic for review purposes. Find more reviews here. If you would like to buy a copy of this title, and help support the Comic Book Spot at the same time, consider purchasing this book at Amazon or from Things From Another World.
