NYX will be Marvel’s best and, unfortunately, most hated comic book

So far, X-Men’s newest saga From the Ashes has produced three comic books. X-Men by Jed MacKay, Phoenix by Stephanie Phillips, and the most recent, NYX written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing.

I noted that NYX would be the best comic book of the week. It had Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan), Wolverine (Laura Kinney), and random mutants that deserve a chance in the spotlight. Not only did the premiere issue not disappoint, but it also showed that this will be the best comic book of 2024. Unfortunately, it will be despised as well. 

NYX No. 1 perfectly establishes all of the former Krakoans starring in this series and what they’ve done since. Despite everything the world has done to them, Kamala and Laura are still trying to be heroes. Anole got a job as a bartender, Prodigy is a professor at a college, and Sophie Cukoo is a student living her best life.

As the series continues, the first big villains are shown. A mysterious character named The Krakoan reveals himself as the terrorist destroying New York in the name of the fallen Krakoa. The end of the issue shows Julian Keller (formerly Hellion) is The Kra. He, along with Empath (who’s the worst) and three of the five Stepford Cuckoos are building their own Quiet Council.

Everything sounds good so far. You’re probably wondering where the issue comes in. Sadly, it’s the brilliant representation Collin Kelly and  Jackson Lanzing bring to NYX. Some people won’t be able to get past two LGBTQ+ characters (Anole and David), a Muslim woman (Kamala), Laura being Wolverine, and one of the Steford Cukoos to see the brilliance of this series.

New York City is one of the most diverse places worldwide. Like everywhere else, there are issues with racism, xenophobia, and homophobia. New York is no different. That's why fighting against people who hate and fear them will make this series even better.

It isn’t just the New Quiet Council. There’s a group of extremists called Truthseekers looking to tarnish what little good favor mutants have. Like people against season 4 of The Boys, there will be readers who see too much of themselves in the Truthseekers characters who do everything they can to besmirch innocent mutants (sometimes the truth hurts).

Lastly, the reason the mutants of NYX are fighting are real-life problems. Laura’s been homeless in New York and understands the danger that comes. Kamala is a proud Muslim woman in a world that doesn’t understand her religion. That ignorance leads to fear and sometimes violence. Anole is a gay mutant that looks like a lizard and David is a Black bisexual man. Their physical appearances trigger some people. Adding LGBTQ+ to the equation and they'll be hated even more. Sophie is an outspoken woman leading to self-proclaimed “alpha males” hating her for having an opinion.

This writer hopes he’s wrong and that everyone loves NYX. Not only is NYX written by fantastic writers, but it’s also drawn by an amazing artist (Francesco Mortarino). Plus, issue one shows it could be the comic book of the year. Nevertheless, the representation of this comic book matters and is crucial to NYX’s greatness. The more diversity people witness in the comics, the more comfortable people will be with seeing it. Hopefully, people will read this series and understand why.

Did you read NYX? What do you think about the new villains in this series? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Instagram and Twitter.