X-Men #10 (2022)
- Writer
- Gerry Duggan
- Artist
- Javier Pina
- Letterer
- Clayton Cowles
- Cover Artist
- Publisher
- Marvel Comics
- Price
- 3.99
- Release Date
- 2022-04-13
- Colorist
- Marte Gracia
Things never get easier for the X-Men. Between anti-mutant prejudice on Earth and beyond and constant threats from the galaxy, Marvel's ragtag band of mutant heroes always seem to have their hands full. The latest issue X-Men #10 is penned by writer Gerry Duggan, with art by Javier Pina, colors by Marte Gracia, and letters by VC's Clayton Cowles. It explores the increasing independence of Krakoa, the growing danger of Orchis, and the compassion and friendship even the X-Men cannot deny themselves.
X-Men #10, titled "Sisterhood of the Metal Bones," opens on Laura Kinney's Wolverine on a mission to infiltrate Feilong's new military base for Orchis, the eco-friendly but evil anti-mutant organization, right on Arakko's moon Phobos. With a little help from her friends, the Wolverine, armed with adamantium claws and a normal set of bones, makes her way into Feilong's base only to encounter another kind of enemy. Meanwhile, Rogue with the help of her sweetheart Gambit discovers a new lead from Rocket straight to Gameworld.
Unlike most current entries of the rather fraught Krakoa era, which focus on one prominent story arc, this series is more episodic. While there does seem to be an overarching series plotline in X-Men #10, and it does help to advance that storyline well, the issue opens and finishes cleanly. Even more impressive is that it sets up the hook for the next issue's conflict without ending on a cliffhanger or feeling unfinished. The episodic nature of this run sometimes means that there can be little action or an imbalance between action and dialogue. X-Men #10 strikes a good balance, playing to X-Men's strengths by using its cast of characters.
Gerry Duggan's writing is strongest when depicting character interactions, of which there are plenty here. Each character's individual quirks and personalities are placed front and center for both comedy and drama. The new Wolverine Laura Kinney gets top billing in this issue and gets the biggest cut of the action. Thankfully, the other X-Men get their chances to shine throughout. Along with Wolverine's scenes full of slashing, dashing, and espionage, it's a real treat to see classic characters such as Rogue, Gambit, and Synch chattering away with each other and working together to ensure Wolverine's victory against Deathstrike from a distance.
The new Wolverine's characterization is also notably good. Duggan differentiates Laura from Logan by making her a bit more diplomatic and willing to play with others, even her enemies, before having to resort to the brute force that she excels in. Even as she slices Deathstrike, she still acknowledges her humanity, her suffering, and her potential sad fate, showing a softer, more compassionate approach underneath her taciturn demeanor. Rogue is the scene-stealer here, oozing her signature Southern charm with her distinct speech, carefree sense of humor, and interactions with her friends and foes. The ending hook has her grilling Rocket about Gameworld, sweetly smiling as she sasses him.
Colorist Marte Gracia has a strong, saturated palette that brings out the best in artist Javier Pina's bold line art. The bright and bloody pages where Wolverine battles Deathstrike in a thrilling claw-to-claw battle are rendered in brilliant reds and yellows, nicely juxtaposed against cooler, softer splashes of aquamarine that balances the colors of the panels nicely.
Likewise, Pina's thick line weight is rendered gracefully through the use of smooth, soft painting textures. On occasion, his use of color gradients, especially in the backgrounds, can lessen the impact of his strong colors and the already soft edges of Pina's line art. Similarly, Pina can sometimes cram too much into one page, especially during fight scenes. Otherwise, Gracia's color knockouts and Pina's textures help create a vibrant world perfectly suited for fights in space, bloodshed, and madness.
X-Men #10 is a worthy entry in a series that has, so far, been hit or miss. By giving the cast ample opportunities to shine, setting up a promising next issue potentially set on Gameworld, and exploring a softer, compassionate side to Wolverine, X-Men #10 is a refreshingly cheerful and jovial change of pace that doesn't skimp on the claws and spills.
