- Written by: Jed MacKay
- Art by: Netho Diaz, Sean Parsons
- Colors by: Fer Sifuentes-Sujo
- Letters by: VC’s Clayton Cowles
- Cover art by: Ryan Stegman, Marte Gracia (cover A)
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: August 13, 2025
X-Men #20, by Marvel on 8/13/25, dives into the aftermath of a mutant terrorist organization’s rise, forcing Cyclops to confront uncomfortable truths about his team’s actions and secrets.
First Impressions
Honestly, reading this issue felt a bit like slogging through quicksand; there were moments of brilliance, but they were quickly bogged down by meandering dialogue and a distinct lack of forward momentum. While the premise promised intrigue, the execution left much to be desired, leaving a sense of frustration rather than excitement. It is a comic that looks good but does not deliver enough punch.
Plot Analysis
The story opens in Merle, Alaska, at a factory where Juggernaut and Kid Omega are salvaging parts. Kid Omega explains that they are collecting wreckage, specifically the living memory core of the Marauder, a biomechanical, shape-shifting UFO. He reveals he has telepathically instructed it and provided materials for it to rebuild itself, hoping it will fly again.
Meanwhile, Cyclops is in a diner, being confronted by Agent Lundqvist. Lundqvist accuses Cyclops of knowing more about the new mutant terrorist organization, 3K, and their activities of turning humans into mutants. He challenges Cyclops, suggesting that the X-Men have been hiding information.
Later, Psylocke, Temper, and Magik are discussing their personal lives and team dynamics, with Psylocke making light of Magik’s boyfriend being a bank robber. Beast joins the conversation, expressing his frustration about being offered a place on the 3K team. He confides in Jen Starkey about the invitation and his feelings of being a “shoo-in” for the terrorist group, which he wanted to forget.
The scene shifts to Scott and Agent Lundvist in the Merle town jail where they continue their philosophical fight about the X-Men’s actions. The debate ends when Lundqvist informs Scott that he has a new boss.
Detailed Review
Writing
The writing has its moments, particularly in the dramatic confrontations. The exchange between Cyclops and Agent Lundqvist crackles with tension, highlighting a genuine conflict and raising the stakes. However, these impactful scenes are diluted by extraneous dialogue, such as the lengthy conversation between Psylocke, Temper, and Magik, which adds little to the main plot and feels like pure filler. The overall pacing suffers significantly, making the narrative feel disjointed and sluggish. The attempt at wit often falls flat, and the “punches” it tries to land often miss.
Art
The art in this issue is consistently strong, providing clear, detailed, and dynamic visuals that enhance the storytelling. The line work is clean, and the use of color and shading effectively sets the mood and atmosphere, especially during the more dramatic sequences. Character expressions are well-rendered, conveying emotion effectively without relying on excessive narration. The visuals are the definite highlight, capturing the essence of the characters and their powers.
Characters
While Cyclops’s struggle with his team’s secrets and Beast’s internal conflict regarding 3K offer glimpses of compelling character development, these are not fully explored. Other characters, such as Psylocke, Temper, and Magik, are relegated to conversations that do not move the plot forward. Agent Lundqvist, though a minor character, stands out for his directness and serves as an effective antagonist, pushing Cyclops to confront his hidden truths. Overall, the character work is a mixed bag, with some shining moments amidst a lot of noise.
Positives
The comic’s standout aspects include its consistently strong art, which provides clear, detailed, and dynamic visuals that genuinely enhance the storytelling. The dramatic confrontations, particularly the intense exchange between Cyclops and Agent Lundqvist, also shine, crackling with tension and effectively raising the stakes of the narrative.
Negatives
The worst aspects of the comic stem from its significant lack of plot progression, leaving the story feeling stagnant rather than advancing with purpose. This is compounded by numerous non-pertinent dialogue scenes, such as the conversation between Psylocke, Temper, and Magik, which serve as pure filler and distract from the main narrative. Furthermore, the weak cliffhanger at the issue’s end fails to generate any real excitement or anticipation for future installments.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
Follow @ComicalOpinions on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Final Thoughts
The art definitely saves X-Men #20 from being a total miss, with its striking visuals and well-executed dramatic moments. However, the comic is severely hampered by its rambling plot, non-essential dialogue, and a cliffhanger that feels more like a gentle nudge than a thrilling drop. While the premise has potential, the execution feels more like treading water than forging ahead, leaving readers wanting more substance and less chatter.
7/10
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