It’s sister against sister and man against mutant in the tumultuous climax of NYX #5. Learn who crawls out on top in this review!
NYX #5
Written by: Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing
Art by: Francesco Mortarino
Main Cover by: Sara Pichelli
Variant Cover: Joshua “Sway” Swaby
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: November 13, 2024
As each issue focuses on a member of the burgeoning NYX team, the last chapter of the story arc leaves only one protagonist left: the morally-conflicted telepath, Sophie Cuckoo. When last we parted, she had betrayed her new friends, opting to obey her boss, the wicked Manuel de la Rocha, and her hivemind sisters. But as De La Rocha’s plans begin to take shape, Sophie has a change of heart. Seeking forgiveness, she pledges herself to Ms. Marvel and her ragtag group of mutant activists, fighting for parity and integration.
There’s a uniquely topical nature to NYX #5, bordering on prescient, that adds a layer of seriousness to such a playfully drawn story. Vital plot points concern stay pat legislation and human-rights retractions, which are apposite to many concerns in the US right now. Unfortunately, these subjects fall rather quickly to the wayside, whereas they may have been opportunities to explore more sophisticated themes.
One might hope that further storylines revisit these unexplored plot paths; NYX has the potential to answer its own questions, but often shies away from depth in favor of total area covered. Ultimately, series writers Collin kelly & Jackson Lanzing choose to keep the magnifying glass on character not circumstance, which is a justifiable consolidation of reader attention.
Contrary to popular perception, comics are not an inherently violent medium; this book has no action scenes, instead opting for dialogue and picket lines. NYX #5 culminates in a debate between two sides of a heated protest; Kamala Khan, megaphone in hand, gives a speech so ostensibly powerful it flips the opinions of the anti-mutant coalition. In just a few panels, the grassroots, peace-and-love movement wins over their biggest detractors – a bit idealistic in a country fresh from months of hard-fought political campaigning, but I don’t necessarily mind a convenient Happily Ever After. It appears that, in true comic book fashion, the foiled villain is not altogether defeated. Surely after licking his wounds, Manuel de la Rocha and his followers will return with new, dastardly ways of undermining Mutantkind’s social progress.
Tonally lock-step, the artistic team of Mortarino, D’Amico, and Angulo have created a visual language rich with expression and saturation. Interior penciller Francesco Mortarino is particularly skilled with crowd scenes and cityscapes, large-scope features lesser artists might avoid. And of course, Sara Pichelli’s cover work is clearly responsible for many checkout counter impulse buys.
While a series on lesser-known heroes from the Marvel catalog may not immediately appeal to some readers, I make the plea to forego the bigwigs and try NYX on for size. You’ll find a character-driven, light read that delivers without overstaying its welcome.
Editor’s Note: Marvel Comics provided The Comic Book Spot with an advanced copy of NYX #5 for review purposes. You can find this comic and help support us in the process by ordering this issue digitally on Amazon or a physical copy of the title through My Comic Shop.
