Release: May 2026 | Writer: Alex Paknadel | Artist: Rogê Antônio | Colorist: Fernando Sifuentes | Letterer: Joe Caramagna
With Cyclops carrying Tearjerker on his back, can he get closer to Pierce, who has taken Mei back against her will?
*WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!*
Time To Escape:
Trapped and scared, the kids who are help captive by Pierce are trying to think of a way out. But one girl named Samika is frustrated, scolding Mei and blaming her for other kids' lives that were lost in these mines. Trying to guilt her into thinking it is her fault. But Mei steps up to the plate. And gets the group together, knowing that they need to work together to get out of here since she thinks Cyclops is most likely dead.
But he isn't.
If anything, he's more annoyed to death. Since Tearjerker thinks that while traveling as a motionless hunk of metal and flesh on Cyclops' back is the ideal time to crack some jokes.
Which obviously Scott takes very well.
After threatening to blow him to smithereens, Cyclops shows a bit of a darker side here. Saying how glad he is that the Reavers exist only to mutilate themselves to death. Because the more the Reavers take each other out, the happier he is. But while he has one with him, Tearjerker is going to tell him every weakness that he knows the remaining Reavers have.
Back in the mines, Smaika and Mei are planning to launch their attack, but first Mei takes a swing at Pierce that isn't successful. Pierce gets a call from a Reaver named Coldcut (they have the coolest names) who've spotted the body of Tearjerker just laying against a tree. Even though they think its a trap, Pieces says to spring that trap and bring Cyclops out.
One of the Reavers named Sockeye has some remorse about his decisions before going to Tearjerker's lifeless body. Then BOOM, Cyclops comes out from the top of the trees and takes out one of the Reavers.
Coldcut takes advantage of this and pulls Sockeye's giant arm gun and attaches it to himself before trying to chase Cyclops. Luckily a booby trap was set up and it blows up Sockeye, making him combust in flames. And oddly enough Cyclops may actually be amusing himself with this.
Mei lays into Pierce in the mines, this time joined by the others including a mutant called Alvin. Alvin can whistle and block the frequency between Pierce's remote and the shock collars on their necks, giving them a chance to fight back.
But it isn't for long as Pierce KILLS poor Alvin, allowing his remote to shock them and put an end to their attempted revolt.
Not only that, but he finally finds the material that he's been having them dig for in the minds.
Conclusion:
This issue built on almost every character shown on a panel, which is great. Cyclops gets one step closer to putting this behind him and defeating Mr. Pierce and his Reavers. Seeing the Reavers bicker constantly with each other is a touch I always like with a group of villains. Always sets up the age old question of who is the most deplorable of them all?
Mei and Scott's relationship is nice to see as well. Going from X-Men United Cyclops who is trying to use other's powers to pretend to burn down a school, to a protective and helpful leader in this book is kind of hilarious to me. THIS is how Scott Summers should be written. Seeing his internal struggle of wanting to be a hero, but feeling forced into the role of a soldier is almost poetic. While the action was great, the art continues to shine and be phenomenal as well. Every character looks amazing and the panel of the blood reflection showing Cyclops and Mei talking was a great artistic touch.
This issue is on par with the fun action packed ride of last month for sure. Definitely give this book a shot if you haven't yet.