Writer: Jonathan Hickman

Art: Leinil Francis Yu, Sunny Gho, VC’s Clayton Cowles, and Tom Muller

Price: $3.99

Release Date: September 16th, 2020

A staggering secret will forever redefine Apocalypse’s future as the Summoning Begins. But, who is this new “player” on the board and how is this new character connected to Apocalypse? Let’s dive into X-MEN #12 by Jonathan Hickman and see if we can discover any of these answers as we head into the biggest event of the season.

If you’re interested in this comic or any of the others mentioned below, simply click on the title/link to snag a copy.

Readers finally get a taste of what lies ahead with X OF SWORDS in our crosshairs only a few short weeks away. But what X-MEN fans discover is something much deeper and more profound then they could have imagined. It appears as though there is more than meets the eye from the great Apocalypse who has been scheming in the shadows since HOXPOX began. Well, readers, we find out why after this extremely intriguing issue of X-MEN #12.

Jonathan Hickman takes the history of mutant-kind and throws it back to where it began centuries ago if not more! He creates a new backdrop and inception made ions ago and formulates a driving purpose for Apocalypse that partially explains many of the deeds he’s done since day one. However, X-MEN fans should be forewarned. The one, rather large, misstep of the issue is its overabundance of foggy history, unique names, and storytelling that made this history lesson feel like readers were “supposed” to already know what was going on. X-MEN #12 was extremely heavy, packed with knowledge, and rather hard to digest. This reader strongly suggests multiple reads to wrap your brain around the story.

Moreover, as fascinating and immersive as this story is, I still left with a few questions. I’m curious as to the driving purpose behind the new villain Annihilation. Was she, like most, invading our world for simple control, conquest, destruction, and death? And where was Okkara originally? Was it on Earth? And was Okkara the combined area of Arakko and Krakoa? It appears like Moira and Xavier’s ideas of a mutant nation have been done before long ago. Did they receive this idea from Apocalypse? It just seems like too much of a coincidence if you ask me.

FINAL THOUGHTS

X-MEN #12 was a strong issue to give readers some much-needed background for the X OF SWORDS event. Even though the heavy verbiage and unique wording lent to an introductory montage the likes of LORD OF THE RINGS, the premise of the event became a bit more defined and forthright. Hints of an Apocalyptic romance graced the pages with a foundation built upon secrets, hidden demons, and otherworldly battalions and onslaughts. This reader just wishes more clarity could have been surmised over the massive nature of the material Hickman shared. Either way, X-MEN fans will have a rather difficult time reading this issue and not getting super excited about X OF SWORDS. I know I am! Grab X-MEN #12 and let me know what you think.

8.8/10

If you’re interested in X-MEN #12, click HERE to get a copy! Maybe you’ve been really digging Hickman’s X-MEN run? In that case, click HERE to get your hands on the latest Dawn of X trades and comics. And finally, if you’re looking for something else to read, check out my Amazon Online Comic Shop by clicking HERE. Thank you all for the read and continued support. Stay safe and stay healthy.

Check out our other Reviews HERE

Check out our other Previews HERE