X-Men #19
Marvel Comics
Written by Jonathan Hickman
Art by Mahmud Asrar
Colors by Sunny Gho
Letters by Clayton Cowles
The Rundown: A small band of X-Men must fight their way through a treacherous land.
X-23, Darwin and Synch continue their journey through the Vault to gather intel that might help Krakoa.
One of the first things that the small band of mutants realize as they make their way through the Vault is that time works differently inside it. As they gather information, they make mistakes along the way as well as learn what they can about their enemy. With threats all around them, the trio finds a way to live and survive within the Vault with no guarantee of escape.
As the years go on, the team continues their work and grow closer to each other. With each passing year and decade, the threats continue to grow as well as their resolve to escape and bring the information they’ve gathered back to Krakoa. What two of them didn’t expect was that their time in the Vault would bring them closer than either one of them thought.
The Story: A brilliantly complex piece of storytelling from Hickman. There are moments of triumph, terror and tenderness throughout this issue and the complex emotions of the characters are explored in a way that engages the reader as they continue their dangerous journey. You experience the passage of time along with them and are engrossed in their struggle. I loved this issue and how it both unfolded and ended.
The Art: Asrar delivers some beautifully detailed art throughout the issue. There are some great panels filled with vibrancy and energy.