‘DNX’ #1 is a confident opening with strong character work

Marvel Comics’ next event kicks off this week in DNX #1. Building on the threat of the Age of Revelation coming true, Cyclops and his X-Men face off against 3K and a crew of new mutants and familiar ones like Joseph and Cassandra Nova. With Cyclops literally experiencing the Age of Revelationhimself, this fight is as personal as it gets, but how fair is it as an event book?

DNX #1 is a strong start to the event, taking its time to reveal the messy nature of The Chairman’s 3K team, Cyclops’ more tightly knit X-Men, and the moral quandary Mr. Fantastic faces in helping Beast revive Magneto. As an extra-sized issue, many will expect more action, though the second half has only a touch. The story’s strength lies in writer Jed MacKay’s dialogue, which makes Reed and Beast’s conversation feel tense, for instance.

The issue opens with a reminder of what will happen if Cyclops fails to stop the Age of Revelation from ever happening. The very next page, we see him looking over Philadelphia, and you can tell the weight of this mission looms large over him. As he speaks to his X-Men, even they look nervous. Soon after, we check in on 3K, who are floating over Philadelphia, where the X-Virus is meant to be dropped. Again, MacKay efficiently shows how toxic this team is, with infighting and a lack of trust. Cyclops’ well-oiled machine is juxtaposed well against 3K, with The Chairman pressured to make the terrible future come true no matter the cost.

Between these two stories, we get a scene in the Baxter Building, where Reed has agreed to help Beast revive Magneto. Whether he should help Magneto regain his powers is a major sticking point between them. An argument we’ve certainly seen before in superhero comics: Beast pleads that Reed should trust Magneto has changed and trust his word that he will. A tough egg to crack when you consider that the Chairman is also Beast from the future!

While their argument isn’t anything new, it’s safe to say Invisible Woman comes off as strong-willed and totally badass here. She enters the argument annoyed they’re wasting time on the subject, and comes off as the leader of the Fantastic Four by the end of the issue.

As for cliffhangers, it’s clear the creative team is prepping readers for all-out action, which is at least an olive branch for a surprisingly low-action first issue. At least artist Federico Vicentini makes that short action scene feel intense, and all the character acting is some of his best work ever. There’s also a rather cool callback to Magneto taking Wolverine’s adamantium out that’ll please fans of that past event.

DNX #1 is a dialogue-heavy but confident opening to Marvel’s next X-Men event. Jed MacKay establishes the enormous pressure facing Cyclops while effectively contrasting his unified X-Men with the volatile personalities of 3K. Reed and Beast’s debate adds another layer to the impending conflict, with Invisible Woman stealing the scene when she steps in. Readers expecting an explosive event opener may be surprised by how restrained the action is, but Federico Vicentini’s excellent character work and a promising cliffhanger suggest the fireworks are coming soon.

‘DNX’ #1 is a confident opening with strong character work
DNX #1
DNX #1 is a dialogue-heavy but confident opening to Marvel’s next X-Men event. Jed MacKay establishes the enormous pressure facing Cyclops while effectively contrasting his unified X-Men with the volatile personalities of 3K. Reed and Beast’s debate adds another layer to the impending conflict, with Invisible Woman stealing the scene when she steps in. Readers expecting an explosive event opener may be surprised by how restrained the action is, but Federico Vicentini’s excellent character work and a promising cliffhanger suggest the fireworks are coming soon.
Reader Rating1 Vote
8.2
MacKay quickly establishes the personal stakes for Cyclops
The dysfunctional 3K makes an effective contrast with Cyclops’ X-Men
Federico Vicentini excels at character acting and makes the limited action count
Surprisingly little action for an extra-sized event opener
Reed and Beast’s moral debate covers familiar superhero territory
8
Good
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